Putting it all together

1

The first job is to construct the monitor shelf. We’ll be using 3.5 x 40mm screws. For this we’ll drill 3mm pilot holes, through the desk, marked out in pencil and into the first 5mm of the uprights. Then screw the pieces together, using a square to ensure the uprights are at the correct angle.

2

Having transferred the uprights to the desk, repeat this process to connect the monitor shelf to the main desk. This shelf takes some weight, so I’d double up the uprights or add right angle steel strengthening. We did so, to help fit rack ears. Screw these on now or wait until after the wood stain.

3

Fit the keyboard shelf next. For our sliders, we simply screw the risers, that are already attached to the complete shelf unit, to the underside of the desk. Use screws that won’t pierce the desk surface! For more headroom, add a suitable thickness of timber between each riser and desk.

4

Lay the desk on its back end, for easy access to attach the legs. Again, ensure the screws you use won’t poke through the surface. Using a number of clamps is the best way to accurately fit the legs as you will be dealing with increasing weight and clamps don’t get sidetracked like a human might!

5

Note here that the legs are wide enough for two rows of screws, making for a good solid connection and less wobble. As with all the joints, drill pilot holes for each screw and don’t drill or screw through to the working surface. Prior experience was a valuable but hard way to learn this!

6

Now fit your chosen cable management. If it’s an Ikea-style hanging tray, simply screw it up at the rear underside. If you prefer completely hidden cables, screw the extra panels from the plans now. This is constructed the same as the other ply elements, with simple right angles and screws.

7

Flip the desk over to sit properly on the floor and go round methodically tightening each screw, to account for any small movements the change in position shows. Now is the time to test things like smoothness of the drawer, which will highlight any issues such as the slides being slightly off square.

8

Flip the desk over to sit properly on the floor and go round methodically tightening each screw, to account for any small movements the change in position shows. Now is the time to test things like smoothness of the drawer, which will highlight any issues such as the slides being off-square.