How to Build Your Own Heavy Duty Computer Desk

If you've gone shopping recently for computer desks you probably have noticed that they are not very sturdy. The modern computer desk is designed for a light weight laptop therefore designed to be very lightweight itself. For some of us, this is not acceptable. Whether our computer is heavy or our monitor weighs a ton, or perhaps it's just because we want something that is not going to fall apart readily, we need a good heavy duty computer desk.

Here are some easy plans for a very sturdy computer desk.

You will need:

One 24 x 36 wooden table top or countertop one inch thick
One 1x10 that is 24 inches long
Four 26 inch long 4x4's
Four 6 inch long 2x2's
One 36 inch long 2x4
Two 24 inch long 2x4's
8 end to end connecting screws (these are threaded on both ends)
A handful of 2-1/2 inch wood screws size 8

Optional:

Electric Sander
Paint or Wood Stain
Varnish

Remember: Measure twice, cut once.

Test fit the legs to the table top by setting the 4x4's up and placing the table top on top of them. When you have everything exactly where you want it; draw around the 4x4's.

Then, measure in 6 inches from either side of the top, and place a mark. Then place the 2x2's on these marks; place the 1x10 on top of these. This will be the monitor shelf.

Draw around the 2x2's, on the top and bottom.

Now, starting with the legs; take a 4x4 and insert a connecting screw into the center of the top. Do this for each of the four 4x4 legs. Do the same thing for the four 2x2 legs. Make sure that there is no more than ½ an inch left sticking out of the top.

Make a mark, exactly in the center of each of the squares you drew around the 4x4's and the 2x2's.

Drill a hole in the bottom of the table top, the same diameter as the end to end connector and no more than ½ inch deep at each of your marks. Do not drill through the table top. (Don't worry about the 1x8 shelf just yet)

Place the 4x4 legs where you want your desk to be and place the table top on top of it. Making sure the holes you just drilled line up with the end to end connectors.

Place the 2x2 legs (end to end connectors up) on their marks on the top of the table top, and attach them securely from the bottom using a 2-1/2 inch wood screw. These screws will go through the table top and into the 2x2.

Drill a hole in the bottom of the 1x10 shelf, the same diameter as the end to end connector and no more than ½ inch deep at each of your marks. Do not drill through the shelf.

Place the 1x8 shelf on top of the 2x2 legs; make sure the holes and the end to end connectors line up.

Using a rubber mallet tap everything in place; making sure the table top and the shelf are securely in place and level.

Attach the 36 inch 2x4 between the back legs, using the 2-1/2 inch wood screws. Make sure that this board is attached to the back of the 4x4s, and that it is 12 inches from the floor.

Next, attach the 24 inch 2x4's to either side of the desk, front to back, using the 2-1/2 inch wood screws. Make sure that these boards are on the outside of the 4x4s and are also 12 inches from the floor.

Your new heavy duty computer desk is now ready for you to use. You may sand it, and either paint it or stain it, or you may just apply varnish. Alternatively, you can leave it the way it is and use it "au natural". However you decide to use it, this desk will last a very long time, and if it needs to be moved, you can remove the bracing from around the legs and the table top and shelf should come right off. Making it easy to move and store if necessary.