How to Assemble Computer Desks

How to Assemble Computer Desks
Written By
Mary McNally
Mary McNally
Published: Oct 6, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

All ready-to-assemble computer desks come with assembly instructions, and many manufacturers will provide a customer service number you can call if you get stuck in the assembly process.

Things You Will Need

  • Several small bowls to sort hardware
  • Flat-nose screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Assembly diagrams
  1. Sort the hardware such as screws, metal plates, cams and cam dowels into separate bowls. Lay out the separate computer desk pieces on a soft rug according to their numbers or letters.

  2. Place the computer desktop pieces underside-up together on the floor. Put the joining plates over the pre-drilled holes, and screw the plate screws through the plate and into the bottom side of the computer desktop to join its pieces together.

  3. Use a screwdriver to secure the keyboard tracks to the insides of the desktop braces. Screw on the tracking wheels and tracks on either side of the keyboard tray. Set the keyboard tray aside. Mount the braces to the underside of the desktop with the metal mounting plates and screws provided. Mount the sides of the computer desk to the underside of the desktop with the metal mounting plates and screws provided.

  4. Insert the hidden cams into the large holes on the surface of both ends of the shelves of the computer desk. Make sure their arrows are pointing toward the edge of the shelves. Insert the metal end of a cam dowel into each side hole drilled under the cam holes. Position the computer desk shelves on the desk sides until their cam dowels line up with the cam dowel holes on the desk sides. Join the sides and shelves together with the cam dowels; tighten the hidden cams with a screwdriver until you cannot move them anymore and the shelves stay in place.

  5. Screw in the kick plates on the front-bottom of the computer desk. Place the tracking wheels of the keyboard tray into the tracks on the braces, and roll the keyboard tray into place. Press screw caps into place to hide any exposed screws. Flip the computer desk upright, and place it in your desired area.

The Drip Cap

  • Computer desks come in a variety of configurations, and you can save time and money by putting together your computer desk by yourself.
  • All ready-to-assemble computer desks come with assembly instructions, and many manufacturers will provide a customer service number you can call if you get stuck in the assembly process.
  • Put the joining plates over the pre-drilled holes, and screw the plate screws through the plate and into the bottom side of the computer desktop to join its pieces together.
  • Screw on the tracking wheels and tracks on either side of the keyboard tray.
  • Set the keyboard tray aside.

Photo Credits

bureau image by razorconcept from Fotolia.com

bureau image by razorconcept from Fotolia.com

Mary McNally

Mary McNally has been writing and editing for over 13 years, including publications at Cornell University Press, Larson Publications and College Athletic Magazines. McNally also wrote and edited career and computer materials for Stanford…

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