How to Make a File Cabinet Into a Pull-Out Drawer Desk

Matching filing cabinets will make up the desk supports.

Filing cabinets are potential desk components because they have a flat top, pull-out drawers and a built-in organizational system. You can easily convert your desk-height filing cabinet into a desk using the cabinet as one of the legs. A second cabinet of the same height and a piece of lumber for the top will complete the project. The result is a sturdy desk with a modern and utilitarian look.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Plywood
• 3/4-inch plywood sheet
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Electric drill
• 3/4-inch wood screws, 10

Instructions

1. Purchase a second filing cabinet that matches the first, or is at least the same height. Place the two filing cabinets in the spot where you want the desk to go, and as far apart as you want the desk to be long. The cabinets will act as the supports for the desktop.

2. Measure the distance from the outer edge of the first filing cabinet to the outer edge of the second cabinet. This is the length of the plywood you will need. Measure the width of the filing cabinet to get the width of the plywood.

3. Mark the measurements of the length and width of the desktop on a piece of 3/4-inch plywood sheeting. The plywood can be any type of wood you prefer. Cut the sheet to the measurements with a circular saw. Some home improvement stores will make the cuts for you, if you purchase the plywood there.

4. Remove the top drawer of each cabinet. Drill holes through the top of the cabinets with an electric drill, placing one hole in each of the four corners and one in the middle.

5. Lay the plywood on top of the two cabinets. Use the drill to screw one 3/4-inch screw into each of the holes you made in the filing cabinet and up through the plywood. You will need to screw them in from underneath, inside the top drawer space.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not like the unfinished edge of the desktop, measure the sides of the desktop and cut pieces of wood trim to fit. Glue the trim into place with wood glue.

• Use an interior wood stain on the desktop before screwing it into place, if you want to alter the color of the plywood. You can also used a pre-stained door instead of a plywood slab, as long as it doesn't have panels.

• If you don't want to put holes in your filing cabinets, cut squares of non-adhesive shelf liner to fit the tops of the cabinets and just lay the desktop on top of that. The liner will keep the desktop from slipping.

References

• Home Made Simple: Filing Cabinet Desk