How to Make an Under Desk Keyboard Tray

How to Make an Under Desk Keyboard Tray: A DIY Adventure

Greetings, DIY enthusiasts and creative crafters! Are you ready for a hands-on adventure to improve your workspace ergonomics? If you’ve been dreaming of a more comfortable and clutter-free desk setup, then an under-desk keyboard tray is just what you need. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll embark on a thrilling journey of crafting our very own ergonomic masterpiece. Get your tools ready and let’s make magic happen!

Materials You’ll Need

Before we jump headfirst into the DIY fun, let’s gather the tools and materials that will make our under-desk keyboard tray dreams a reality:

  • A sturdy wooden plank or plywood (measured to fit your keyboard and mouse comfortably)
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Saw (circular saw or hand saw)
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood stain or paint (optional for adding a splash of personality)
  • Drawer slides (for smooth sliding action)
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws
  • Drill
  • Self-adhesive felt pads

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wooden Plank

All right, crafters, it’s time to get your measuring tape and pencil ready. Measure the space underneath your desk where you want the keyboard tray to slide in and out smoothly. Then, transfer those measurements onto your wooden plank or plywood. Make sure you leave enough room for your keyboard and mouse to comfortably fit.

Once you’ve marked the dimensions, it’s time to bring out your saw and cut along the lines. Safety first, adventurers! Steady your plank and make those precise cuts. And voilà! You’ve got the foundation of your under-desk keyboard tray.

Step 2: Smooth It Out with Sandpaper

Smoothness is the name of the game when it comes to ergonomic bliss. Grab that sandpaper and start sanding down the edges and surfaces of your wooden plank. Round off any sharp corners and create a surface that’s as soft as a pillow for your wrists.

Step 3: Embrace Your Inner Artist (Optional)

Now, here comes the fun part—making your under-desk keyboard tray truly your own! If you’re feeling artsy and adventurous, consider staining or painting your wooden plank. Choose a color that sparks joy and matches your workspace aesthetic. The possibilities are endless, so unleash your creativity!

Step 4: Slide into Smoothness with Drawer Slides

To create that magical sliding action, it’s time to introduce drawer slides into the mix. Attach one side of the drawer slides to the underside of your desk, ensuring they align perfectly with your wooden plank. Then, attach the other side of the drawer slides to the back of your plank.

Step 5: Screw It All Together

Secure your wooden plank to the drawer slides using screws and a trusty screwdriver. Take your time and make sure everything is snug and secure. This is where the magic happens, adventurers—your DIY under-desk keyboard tray is taking shape!

Step 6: The Finishing Touches

To ensure smooth gliding and to protect your desk from scratches, add self-adhesive felt pads to the points of contact between the wooden plank and your desk. This will keep your DIY creation sliding like a dream while also caring for your beloved workspace.

Step 7: Test Your Creation

With everything in place, it’s time to put your under-desk keyboard tray to the test! Slide it in and out, marvel at its smoothness, and revel in the ergonomic comfort it brings to your typing adventures. Hooray! You did it!

Conclusion

Congratulations, dear DIY adventurers! You’ve unlocked the secrets of crafting your very own under-desk keyboard tray, transforming your workspace into an ergonomic wonderland. With some creativity, tools, and a dash of imagination, you’ve harnessed the power to enhance your typing experience and create a clutter-free setup.

So, the next time you sit down to conquer your tasks, remember that you’ve crafted more than just a keyboard tray—you’ve crafted a little piece of yourself into your workspace. Embrace the joy of DIY and continue to let your creativity flow as you embark on more crafting journeys. Happy typing and crafting!

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