Make a Simple Desk With Two File Cabinets and Plywood!

You can whip up a simple file cabinet desk in short order!

Depending on our definition of 'desk', let's just say that to make a simple 'file cabinet desk' is not so difficult.   That is, creating a simple desk or work station; consisting of two file cabinets and a work surface; is something most handyperson DIY'ers could knock out in a weekend (even sooner if paint dried quicker!).

You will need these items for your file cabinet desk:

• 1/2" to 3/4" thick furniture-grade (birch?) plywood, for work surface; size is optional; see article for more info.
• Finishing products (paint, stain, brushes, etc.) for the plywood work surface; see article for more info.
• Two file cabinets; less than 30 inches tall; will support plywood work surface.
• Two-faced mounting tape; for securing the plywood work surface to the two file cabinets.
• Tools and skills required to cut, sand, and finish plywood work surface.

Decisions, decisions!
Decide where and how you will use your file cabinet desk; so you can decide on the appropriate size needed. Creating your own file cabinet desk allows you to be flexible regarding size, shape, color, and more.

Will you use your desk mostly for sitting and writing letters, doing bills?  Or will you use it for a computer, monitor, printer in your home office? Or, will you use it for a sewing machine, or other heavy items?

To 'keep it simple', we'll create a file cabinet desk that is about 30 inches high, 29 inches deep, and 60 inches long. This desk will be used as a home-office desk; supporting a computer monitor, computer speakers, ink-jet printer, and other typical home-office items. The computer itself will be placed on the floor. Does not include a pull-out keyboard tray; to be covered in a separate article.

Gather your supplies:
You will need to get your two file cabinets, plywood work surface, paint (or stain and varnish?), painting items, sandpaper, and other incidentals such as saw blades or other tools.

More details on items needed:
A. Two (metal) file cabinets; each with two or three drawers; no taller than 30 inches high. File cabinet sizes vary; be sure to check dimensions! For this desk, we'll use two file cabinets 30"Hx29"Dx15"W (one of the 'typical' sizes available in metal). Of course, you can also choose to use wood (or wood product) file cabinets if you prefer. Even some of the more rugged plastic file cabinets are suitable.
B. 3/4" thick furniture grade plywood (birch?); 29 inches wide by 60 inches long. Note: Most home centers offer cutting services; why not have them cut your desk work surface to size? You might not need to purchase an entire sheet then, and handling the cut size is much easier.
C. Necessary paint or stain, varnish, sandpaper (medium-fine), brushes, rollers, and other finish application items.
D. Eight two-faced, rectangular or square mounting pads; or one small roll of two-faced mounting tape.
E. Tools needed: Tape measure, pencil, jig saw, sander, miscellaneous painting and other tools.

Finish the desk top:
Since your desk top has been cut to size for you (presumably); you should only have to provide some finishing touches to get it ready for stain or paint.

You will want to cut rounded corners on the front of your desk top, to prevent potential injury on sharp corners.  Trace a small, round object (say 2" - 3" diameter) on the two front corners, then cut with your jig saw.

Sand the plywood desk top, including edges, corners, and both sides; in preparation for paint or stain.

Clean your sanded plywood with mineral spirits and a soft, lint-free cloth, to remove all dust.

Apply your stain or paint; using manufacturers' recommended methods of application.  If you decide to paint your desk top, using a roller can save time, and create an evenly applied, smooth finish.  After applying your choice of finish, allow to dry thoroughly.

Once the finish is completely dry (allow minimum of 8-10 hours; or per product labels), lightly sand the work surface with fine sandpaper, and apply 2nd and 3rd coats, as necessary.

Make your file cabinet desk:
After the finish on your plywood desk top is dry, you can make your file cabinet desk; 'in-place'.

Place your two file cabinets in the location of your desk; approximately 58" apart; outside to outside, with their backs about 1" away from the wall.

Place a piece of two-faced tape (or one of the square pads if you purchased that type) on each corner of the top of each file cabinet, and peel off the backing strips.

Gently position your plywood desk top onto the file cabinets; taking care not to lower it too close to the two-faced tape before it is in its exact position. Ensure that you have equal overlap at both ends, and adequate overlaps in front and rear. Front overlap should be somewhat more than rear.

In our case, since the file cabinets are 26 1/2" deep, and our plywood top is 29 inches deep, we'd want to place the top so the front overlap is about 1 1/2", and the rear overlap is about 1".

Try it out!
Now that you have setup your new file cabinet desk, you can begin to fill the drawers, place your computer and other home office items up and see how it fits!

Other suggestions:

• If desired, you can drill a large (1 1/2"?) hole at the rear of your plywood desk top, to allow plug-ended cords and other computer wires through. Otherwise, the desk may need to be away from the wall for those wires.
• Read and follow all manufacturers' guidelines and instructions for safe handling, installation, use, operation, and maintenance of all equipment, tools, and products.
• Wear necessary personal protective equipment.

Resources

• Quing-It -- Product Ingredient Information