How to make a table for a computer with your own hands

Computer technology is widely used both for working purposes - for documentation, calculations and calculations, and for watching movies, listening to your favorite music, communicating in social networks, etc. But here the problem arises: where and how to place a PC in a house or office in such a way that it occupies a minimum of space and at the same time it is comfortable for them to use.

The perfect exit will be a special desk for a computer that not only allows you to compactly and conveniently position the monitor,, a keyboard, office equipment, etc., but also serves as a desk, a repository of documents and other things.

Types of computer desks

Computer desks are classified according to several parameters, among them:

• Size
  .For example, a home and office desk for a computer are completely different in size. In terms of work, large models are quite appropriate, but in standard apartments in panel houses, modest computer tables look much more organic. But do not think that a small size means insufficient functionality, because it is easily compensated by the presence of a large number of add-ons above the countertop, shelves and lockers, where the keyboard, printer, disks, speakers, necessary documents, etc. are usually placed. The optimal width of the table top of the computer table is 60 cm, since a shorter distance from the monitor to the eyes is dangerous for the eyesight. But, if you plan to write at such a table, put A4 size paper, put fax, telephone or other equipment, it is advisable to stay on a model with a larger width.

• Configuration of the table top .Linear and figured models are distinguished here. For a linear computer desk is characterized by a straight table top, it has a special compartment for the system unit, a sliding shelf for the keyboard and a shelf for disks. The table top of the figured model differs wavy form without any corners, therefore such computer tables are completely safe and it is recommended to put them in the nursery.
• Construction .Simple computer desks are equipped with only a keyboard shelf and a compartment for the system unit. Their analogues with the second tier and with the understated second tier allow to place the monitor accordingly slightly above or hardly below a level of a table-top. Tables for a computer with an understated second tier, as scientists have shown, reduce the burden on the visual apparatus. In the market are also presented modular tables for the computer, featuring a large number of thumbs, shelves and lockers both under the surface of the table top and above it. Thus, the useful area of ​​the table increases several times.
• Mode of movement .According to this characteristic, tables for a computer are divided into stationary and mobile. Stationary models look more impressive and presentable, they have legs, but they are difficult to move. In mobile tables, the legs are replaced with castors, so if necessary, they are transported from one room to another literally in a couple of minutes.
• Geometric shape .There are direct and angular tables for the computer. There are no restrictions on the installation site of direct models, they look harmonious both at the wall and in the center of the room or office. But it is advisable to buy a corner table for a computer in a limited area, since it occupies a minimum of space, located in any free corner of the room. The advantage of this table is the additional free space due to the side table top, on which are placed books, documents, disks, stationery, etc.

The real discovery in the market segment related to computer furniture is computer tables, in which the motherboard and other elements of the system unit are mounted on the table top. From the advantages of such know-how, we note a significant space saving and good cooling of PC parts, but at the same time the computer components are less protected from mechanical damage.

Materials and tools for making a computer table

To the computer table, the photos of various models given in this article, meet all the requirements of the owner, it is very important to determine the material for its manufacture. The most common tables for PCs from:

• of natural wood, treated with a special composition and well dried. The positive side of this material is environmental friendliness and excellent durability, but at a price the table from the wooden massif will cost a fortune;
• chipboard or MDF;

These are comparatively cheap materials, which have proved themselves in conditions of high humidity and are insensitive to mechanical damage. In addition, the table top from any wood plate can be laminated or covered with veneer, which prolongs its service life. However, EAF is considered not a harmless material because of its propensity to isolate harmful phenol-formaldehyde resins during operation. As for MDF, there are some doubts about its resistance to high temperatures.

• metal or tempered glass. Such computer tables are not afraid of even the most powerful blows, but they should not be put in houses where there are animals or small children because of the risk of injury. In other cases, they fit perfectly into the interior in high-tech style, creating a special futuristic atmosphere;

• plastic. The plastic computer desk stands out with a small weight, but at the same time it is not adapted to withstand heavy objects, so the load on its few shelves or compartments should be minimal.

Now let's see what tools are needed to make a computer table from wood, chipboard or MDF.This grinding machine, drill, gon, roulette, hacksaw, pencil, meter ruler, screwdriver, chisel. All this is usually available in the arsenal of not even a very experienced home master.

Additional elements of the computer table

The computer table would not be different from the usual desk, if not for its additional elements, just responsible for the comfort of the user. Let's name the main ones:

• Shelf for keyboard .Traditionally, in order to save space, it is made retractable. It is very convenient that it is 10-12 cm below the countertop, so the user will not get tired of the hands even with prolonged intensive printing. In addition, the free space on the table top is freed. The shelf for the keyboard is stationary and autonomous. In the first case, it depends entirely on the design of the computer table, that is, you can not specify the length of the shelf yourself. It is installed on the guides that are attached to the sides of the table. Standalone keyboard shelf is the guarantee of mobility of this table element, which is easily removed in case of uselessness and is installed almost at any convenient angle for the user.

• Stand for the system unit. This is a necessary part of the computer desk, which helps to protect the computer's "heart" from dust, moisture and shock. The most common are two stand designs: on rollers and on adjustable furniture supports. The first option is more autonomous: if a regular PC is replaced by a laptop, the mobile stand is easily removed from the computer table. The advantage of the stand on the furniture supports is the installation at any convenient height for the user and the simplicity of the design. It includes only the bottom and two side bulkheads, without intricate lines and rounded corners.
• Box with drawers .Drawers on roller or ball rails are a wonderful solution to the problem of storing small items, papers, stationery, etc. Thanks to them all this will not get dusty on the surface of the table, but will be compactly laid out in various compartments to always be at hand.

• Cabinet with lockers .It has a higher capacity than the compartment with drawers, so it will turn the computer desk into a full-fledged workplace. This is especially important for children who at such a table will not only play at the computer, but also draw and do their homework. At the same time, textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies placed in lockers will always be at hand.

Methods for making a computer table

In order to understand how to make a computer desk yourself, you do not need special knowledge in the construction industry: it is enough to have the initial skills of handling tools and lumber. Consider how to make a computer desk for a nursery from MDF:

• Take a MDF board with a thickness of at least 16 mm. We measure the parameters of the space in which the future computer desk will have to fit: depth, length and width. In accordance with this, we make a detailed drawing and in accordance with it we cut the MDF sheet to the part of the desired size.

• When the "sidewalls" of the right size are ready, we fasten the guides to them, to which the inner shelves and drawers will be fixed.
• We assemble the side modules with dowels, for greater strength of the construction, adding glue to the nests.
• For a back wall it is better to use not traditional fiberboard, but a sheet of MDF, the thickness of which is 10 mm. After that, we collect all the walls in a single unit with the help of self-tapping screws with countersunk heads.
• Cut rectangular elements for drawers of the necessary length also from MDF, 10 mm thick and check the geometry of the sides with a square. Then we insert the dowels in the nests, pre-lubricated with glue, and fasten the box with clamps.
• On the side surfaces of the sliding shelves, paste the edge band, treating it with a hot iron. Without this, the edge of the computer overheats and bubbles form on it. After that, we trim the edge along the edge with a sharp knife. To the surface of the plate remains intact, under the edge we put a sheet of thin cardboard.
• To the front and rear sections of the shelves, we glue the wood strips so that the shelves move freely along the rails. For this purpose, the width of the slats for the front edge should be 40 mm, and for the back edge - 16 mm.
• On the bottom surface of the tabletop, we mark the places where the support stands will be fastened, and we drill out the dummy nests for the dowels. Here you can not do without the use of a depth stop, otherwise the holes are likely to be through.
• We put the curbstones on the inverted countertop and fasten them to each other with 2 ribs by means of screws.
• We turn the table, screw the hinges and hang the door on the left side module. We put the box and drawers in place.

• Superstructure of the shelves, which is installed on the table, we attach with ties, so that it is easier to dismantle if necessary.
• Stand for the monitor is attached to the table top using round wooden bars, using dowels and glue.
• We put a primer on the finished computer table, and then we paint in any color you like.

If there is not enough space in the room, and the usual shelf for the system unit makes it difficult to access the computer, it is very convenient to mount the processor directly into the table. For this purpose, when assembling it, a special box is provided, which is made of fiberboard, pasted with a uniform and having a fringing at the open ends. To avoid the risk of fire, the inside of the box is treated with refractory impregnation. The desired thickness of the fiberboard layer is 17 mm, the sides of the box are fastened with 4x60 mm screws with a countersunk head. The rigidity of the product is provided by the rear panels recessed by 10 cm so that special niches for the cable and UPS are obtained.

Computer desk in the interior

If the computer desk always looks organically in the office interior, its placement in the living room requires some designer talent, so that such furniture does not produce too strict, "clerical" appearance. So, the combination of a table with a small lamp, beautiful paintings and light chairs, covered with a light cloth and with an elegant back allows you to disguise such furniture under a usual dining or writing desk. The table for the PC, which is the continuation of the rack or wall, also looks harmonious.

If you give an array of shelves and lockers an unusual shape or decorate them with patterns painted or carved in wood, this piece of furniture will be useful in any home interior.