Make and Install a Pull-out Keyboard Tray for Your File Cabinet Desk

Add a keyboard tray to your file cabinet desk!

You can make and install a keyboard tray on your file cabinet desk, which certainly makes using a computer keyboard more comfortable.

Plan the task:
Measure your keyboard (usually, they are about 18" long x 6" wide x 1 1/2" high). Your pull-out keyboard tray should be sized accordingly, allowing ample clearance all around the keyboard. It is a good idea to make a dimensioned sketch of your keyboard tray components (see also components image) and mark the dimensions needed to create a tray sized properly for your particular keyboard.

Pull-out keyboard tray

Materials:
I recommend using 1x2 and 1x3 pine for the 'L' brackets; made so that the longer leg of the 'L' will be long enough to accept the drawer slide and still allow keyboard clearances. Be sure to get proper length wood screws (deck screws work ok) to fasten the 'L' bracket together and to fasten the assembly to the underside of the desk top.

For the keyboard tray itself, I'd recommend using 3/4" plywood; preferably lumber-core plywood, to eliminate edge-gaps between plies, as often seen with typical plywood.  Lumber-core plywood is sometimes harder to find; if standard plywood must be used, you might want to pick up some wood-putty to fill in any gaps that occur between the plies when it is cut to size.

You will also need some drawer slides, or special slides designed for use with pull-out trays. Be sure they are properly sized to fit the keyboard tray dimensions you wrote down.
You will also need some finishing products; stain, paint, and the necessary application tools and products.

Tools:
You will need a saw (circular, jig, hand); screwdriver (power, cordless, manual); tape-rule; pencil/paper; safety items.

Example of component parts for your pull-out keyboard tray.

Cut and assemble the pull-out keyboard tray:
Cut your 1x2's and 1x3's to length; join them at right angles to form your 'L' brackets. Drill three clearance holes for the mounting screws along the short leg of the 'L' bracket. Cut your keyboard tray. Affix the drawer (or tray) slides to the keyboard tray edges and to the 'L' brackets using the screws provided (unless they are too long for the thickness of the 'L' bracket).

Attach the keyboard tray assembly to desk top:
With the desk top upside down, place the keyboard tray assembly on the underside of the desk top, so it is centered (or where you want it) and situated for best use. Using proper length wood screws, attach the assembly to the desk top.

Turn the desk top upright, and test operation of your pull-out keyboard tray.

Other suggestions:

• Read and follow manufacturers' instructions and guidelines for safe and proper handling, use, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment, tools, and products.

Resources

• Quing-It -- Product Ingredient Information