DIY: Build Your Own Laptop Desk

Woodworking and designing my own furniture has been a passion of mine for over 30 years. If I see something in a store that I like, chances are it’s a) too expensive, b) too small or large, or it’s the wrong color or style. Designing and building my own gives me just what I want with all the right bells and whistles.

Buying my first laptop has been a joy. The ability to take it anywhere is fun. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a laptop desk large enough for my needs.

Because of a hand and wrist injury, I need to use an ergonomic keyboard. The mini-keyboard of a laptop is too small for me. I also like to use a wireless mouse. None of the commercial desks will accommodate the mouse, keyboard, computer and notes all at the same time.

I have (Yippee! An excuse to shop at my DIY store!) to design and build my own.

My design looks sort of like a salesman’s case, but it works very well. It’s sturdy, stands up to wear and no one knows what’s inside but me. Best of all, by using leg extensions, I can use it as a table as well as a desk. None of the others do that.

All PVC for this project is 1″ in diameter.

You will need:

• Eight end caps
• One or two PVC poles
• Six each T-connectors
• PVC cement, clear
• Hacksaw and sandpaper to smooth cut edges
• General woodworking tools and safety equipment
• Two each 2″ hinges
• Four each 1 ½” pipe clamps
• Two each ½” trunk latches
• Sixteen each 2″ #8 wood screws
• Construction adhesive
• Two 1-by-4 boards, 8′ long
• One sheet of MDF, 2′ by 4′
• Paint or stain- optional
• Four 90º connectors
• Two 4-way connectors
• One box ¾” #8 wood screws
• Four ½” #8 wood screws
• Four hook and loop strips
• One drawer handle

Step One:

I measured my laptop and keyboard. The laptop measures 15.1″ by 10.1,” and the keyboard measures 19″ by 10.” A desk measuring 22″ by 24″ not only gives me ample room to work, I can eat comfortably at it as well.

Step Two:

Cut the MDF to size. Begin by cutting a 22″ width lengthwise. Measure the center of the board and cut it in half. You will have 2 pieces measuring 22″ by 22.”

Step Three:

Lay the boards flat on a surface with their best sides down.

Cut four pieces of 1-by-4, each 24″ long. Lay them on edge along the long sides of the MDF boards. Measure and cut four pieces of board to fit inside. The edges will butt together. This is known as a butt joint. You can use any type of joint you are comfortable with for this project.

Attach the boards by pre-drilling the holes and using the 2″ screws. Attach the top boards along the edge of the rectangles with the ¾” screws. You will have two boxes.

Step Four:

Stack the two boxes on top of each other with the MDF on the top and bottom.

On one side of the box, make a mark for the two hinges. Mark three inches in from each side and center the hinges between the two 1-by-4 sides. . Pre-drill and attach the hinges.

On the opposite side, mark and attach the latch.

Step Five:

Open the box and lay it down on the MDF side. At each outside edge, mark ½” up from the MDF on the 1-by-4. Mark 3″ in from each side and make an X on the line.

Place a 90º connector inside the box at the corners. One opening will face inside and the other will face up. Measure the distance between the two inside connectors and add 2″ for insertion into them. Cut and dry fit the PVC. Do this for each side.

Step Six:

Cut four pieces of PVC, each six inches long. Insert them into the ends of the connectors. Place a t-connector on each with the middle connectors pointed toward each other.

Cut two pieces of PVC the same length as of the inside pieces and insert them into the t-connectors.

Measure the pieces to ensure the legs are the same height.

If everything measures correctly, cement the legs together.

Step Seven:

Place the pipe clamp over the PVC pole inside the box. The clamps will be placed at the X mark. Attach the clamps with the ½” screws.

Step Eight:

Fold the legs in and out. While they are against the side, cut a piece of hook and loop tape and attach it to the inside of the box. Four pieces are needed. Each piece will hold a leg in place. Attach each piece with construction adhesive. The pieces can be held in place with a thumbtack while the adhesive sets.

Step Nine:

Cut four pieces of PVC, each 6″ long. Cement an end cap on each piece. Use these as legs for a laptop desk. Do not cement them in place.

Step Ten:

To make table legs, decide how high you need your table to be. Measure your desk from the top to the bottom of the t-connectors. Subtract this from the overall height you need and record it.

Cut four pieces of PVC, each 10″ long and cement an end cap on each. Attach a t-connector to two pieces, and 4-way connectors onto the other two. When attached to the table, the 4-way connectors form a stability bar across the front and the two t-connectors form a stability bar across the sides.

Measure the legs with the connectors and subtract that height from your previous measurement. Add enough length to the legs for insertion into the connectors. Cut two side pieces the same size as for the desk, and measure across the front for the front piece.

Do not cement these pieces together. This allows the table to be taken down for mobility.

Attach a handle near or in the middle between the two latches.

Paint or stain the box to your style. You can paint or stain the PVC legs as well.

I can carry my laptop, keyboard, mouse, notes and more in my new case. No one knows what’s inside but me, and now you.

This will make a wonderful gift for a student or friend. I’ll use mine for RV’ing, camping, working in the park or in bed.

Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.