How to Make a Keyboard Tray Out of Desk Drawer

Do you need a keyboard tray, but you are using an older (pre computer) desk? No need to go out and buy a pricey tray and then try to figure out how and where to attach it. Just convert an existing drawer. It's inexpensive and budget friendly also!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Desk with a drawer
• Cabinet latches
• Drill
• Saw
• Screwdriver

1. 
    
   Cut the drawer front off with a saw

   Take out the drawer and cut the front off.

2. 
    
   Install the cabinet latches

   Line up the cabinet latches and attach them to the inside of the drawer and the inside of the drawer front.

3. 
    
   Drill a hole for the keyboard cord

   Drill a hole in the drawer large enough for the cord and cord plug to pass through. (My drawer has rails on the bottom so I just drilled into the drawer bottom and passed the cord under the drawer. If your drawer has no rails under it, drill though both the back of the drawer wall and the back of the desk.)

4. 
    
   The latches make taking off the drawer front easy

   When you need to use your computer just pull the drawer out and pop off the front.

5. 
    
   The keyboard is neatly hidden!

   When you're through with your computer, just pop the drawer front back on and push the drawer back in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are redecorating, or just needing a computer desk, then hit the thrift shops and second hand stores and find a desk you like, then you can customize it. This is much less expensive than buying a new desk with a keyboard tray and you get exactly what you want! See "How to Decorate on a Budget" by the same author.
• If your desk has a return (an "L" shape) and you want to use that for your computer, then you can use a side drawer by cutting of the side of the drawer and then adding braces to stabilize the remaining three sides. Then you won't even need cabinet latches.