How to Build a Computer Workstation in a Closet

When space is at a best in home or office, building a PC workstation into an unutilized or underused closet can be good solution. Gathering of a useful and smart custom built-in PC desk is likely with only some power tools and cheap materials available at home development stores. Though, as construction methods utilized are vital, planning is even important to get an efficient workstation.

Instructions

1. Step 1

Decide best possible dimensions. Establish PC on an open table. Change position and spacing of keyboard, mouse and monitor to decide good position for typing and mouse requirements. Evaluate this design for width and depth, with height. Put PC tower and printer to both sides of monitor. You won't need to install tower or printer above or under the desk level as these places are not suitable, particularly when you want to access to back of tower or to insert paper to printer. Measure all tools together to get overall "best" dimensions for major tools.

2. Step 2

Eliminate any closet doors. Measure closet dimensions and compare these dimensions to “best case” plan for width and depth of workstation. You want to raise or reduce the width of workstation to contain the reality of closet space. Remember that you can expand the workstation desk level outside of boundaries of closet a little if needed to raise required depth. Shelves must stay in closet.

3. Step 3

Find any wall studs in the closet. Take 2x2 or 2x4 lumbers and cut it to width and
depth of closet area. Using wall studs, or bolts and anchors, tightly connect these wooden "cleats" to walls, both at the sides of closet and along the back. Ensure that they are level. These cleats form supports for desk surface and any shelves. Account for thickness of desk or shelf material when spacing the cleats vertically.

4. Step 4

Notch a ¾-inch plywood to create desk surface. Cut 1-inch diameter hole through desktop for any cables important to other devices. Screw the desk top onto cleats, from bottom edge of cleat up and somewhat into desktop material, using a counter sink or long screws. Make shelves a little narrower than desk width for head clearance and screw these to cleats above desktop. For deep desk tops you want to include inverted "L" shaped support brackets under to provide desktop added strength through a cantilever.

5. Step 5

Determine how to give power and Ethernet cables to cabinet. If you cannot install an appropriate electrical outlet in cabinet, make a hole through sidewall or back of closet near the baseboard to access electricity from a near outlet, using an extension cord. Paint or finish workstation to suit. Change the closet doors if probable or wanted.