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CPU Base Cabinet for Desk featured on HGTV Saving Alaska

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build your own desk with simple cpu base cabinet plans from ana-white.com

Well, we haven't heard back yet from HGTV ..... but we are still hoping that they pick up our pilots for a full season.  Thank you so much for your support, and I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I can any updates.

One of the first projects that I took on for the second episode of Saving Alaska was Aaron's room.

Up here in Alaska, where heating bills are high, homes tend to be smaller - especially in the cold interior of Alaska.  Aaron's room was very small - about 9 feet wide x 8 feet long.  He really wanted a desk in his room that could hold a CPU base.

So we built a loft bed, and the desk underneath.

Just like that, twice the room size!

I loved how this desk system turned out!!!  So much storage, so practical, very stylish, but simple to build!

I'm sharing the plans for the CPU base below - will follow up with the rest of the plans in this room soon!

XO - Ana + Family

Dimensions
Short enough to add desktop on top

Preparation

Shopping List

10 feet of 3/4" plywood, 15-3/4" wide (about 1/2 a sheet)
1 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x6 @ 2 feet long
1/4" plywood for back is optional
16" bottom corner mount euro style drawer slides (white)
knob or handle

Common Materials
1 1/4 inch finish nails
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Cut List

2 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 29-1/4" (sides)
2 - 1x4 @ 19-1/2" (bottom footers)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 19-1/2" (shelf)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 17-3/4" (divider)
2 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 9-1/4" (cubby shelf)
4 - 1x2 @ 19-1/2"

DRAWER
2 - 1x4 @ 16" (drawer sides)
2 - 1x4 @ 17" (drawer front/back)
1 - 1/4" plywood @ 18-1/2" x 16" (bottom)
1- 1x6 @ 19-1/4" (drawer face)

Cutting Instructions

Rip 3/4" plywood into strips 15-3/4" wide the long way. From these strips, cut all 15-3/4" wide pieces by cross cutting.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Attach sides to bottom footer pieces. We used 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws hidden on the inside.

Step 2

Set bottom shelf on footer pieces and attach. We used pocket holes again, but also attached to the footer pieces with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue.

Step 3

Build the divider piece separately (we again used pocket holes) and position inside cabinet. Then attach to side with glue and finish nails.

Step 4

Attach 1x2s to upper portion of cabinet - we again used pocket holes.

Step 5

Step 6

Install drawer into base with drawer slide, keeping a 3/4" space to front to allow for drawer face.

Step 7

Attach drawer face to drawer with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue. Also add a few 1-1/4" screws (we just used pocket hole screws) to ensure drawer face doesn't come off.

TIP: You may wish to install handle/knob before attaching to drawer face.

For the top, we used an 1" thick pine panel piece that spanned the entire length of the room, screwed through the 1x2s in the base.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Desk, Desk Systems and Project Table Plans
Room
office

Comments

EternalOptimist

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 06:47

Please remember to place your computer case so that the side with the air vents (if any) is *not* against an interior wall of this enclosure. Also, do not build this with a backer piece so that your computer will be able to exhaust its hot air properly. I know Ana's build allows for all of this, but sometimes we tweak plans; I just don't want anyone to unknowingly fry their system trying to build it better/smaller/stronger! :-)