How to Create an L-Shaped Workstation From an Existing Desk

An L-shaped workstation can create a more efficient work space. Instead of purchasing a new work station, you can add to your existing desk. Use a finished melamine panel combined with standard metal filing cabinets to extend your desk into an L-shape. The added space will allow you to have a computer work area and a writing, organizing or meeting space along the extended surface of the desk. The added space can also create a space for peripheral electronic devices or reference materials.

Things You'll Need

• 2 metal filing cabinets, 26-11/16-inches high, 14-1/4-inches wide, 18 inches deep
• Melamine panel, 24-by-54-inch
• Pencil
• 4 wooden slats, 1-by-1-by-24-inch
• Box, 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• Screw gun

Instructions

1. Place your desk where you would like it positioned in the work space. Slide one filing cabinet over to the desk and position it at the right inside corner. The corner of the filing cabinet should adjoin with the corner of the desk. The cabinet should open parallel to the inside edge of the desk. The inside edge of the desk and front side of the cabinet will form a right angle.

2. Position the second filing cabinet next to the first cabinet. This is a temporary placement for the cabinet to help you align the melamine panel.

3. Lay the melamine panel on top of the filing cabinets. Align one end of the panel with the outside edge of the desk. Slide the second filing cabinet to the opposite end of the panel. The end of the panel should hang over the outside edge of the second cabinet by 1 inch.

4. Mark the location of the edges of the filing cabinet edges on the bottom side of the melamine panel with a pencil.

5. Turn the melamine panel over and rest it on a work surface. Align one 1-by-1-by-24-inch wood slat along each pencil mark.

6. Drive wood screws through the wood slats into the bottom side of the melamine panel every 2 inches along the length of the slats with a screw gun. The slats will keep the melamine panel from sliding out of place on the filing cabinets.

7. Turn the melamine panel upright and lay it over the filing cabinets. Align the slats with the outside edges of the filing cabinets as you lay it in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Add filing cabinet wheels to the bottoms of the filing cabinets to create a mobile section for the work station.

• Wear eye protection when operating a screw gun to avoid eye injury.

References

• Country Living: Transform a Closet Into an Office
• Home Made Simple: Filing Cabinet Desk