Computer Desk

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component

• ✓

  Pencil and carpenter's square

  For marking cut lines and checking right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Home center cutting service recommended

• ✓

  Electric screwdriver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking level during assembly

• ✓

  Clamps (two or more)

  Used for temporary fixation during joints

• ✓

  Brush and paint tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Measure and Confirm Installation Location

   ≈ 15 min

   Measure the intended location for the TV stand and confirm if the computer desk (1000×600×720mm) fits. Check the position of electrical outlets, cable routing, and TV stand shape.

   Measure

   W 1000 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 17

   Tip

   • Ideal clearance is TV stand width plus 100mm on both sides; if wall-mounted, consider reinforcing the center of the top board.
   • Choose a location that allows at least 50mm clearance from the wall for front-to-back ventilation.
   • If the floor is carpeted, anticipate measuring with a rigid board underneath as legs may sink causing wobble.

   Watch out

   • If the TV stand's depth is 600mm but the TV stand base is oversized, it may protrude dangerously; always measure the bottom surface of the TV box before purchase.
   • If storing AV amplifier or soundbar, verify that the device fits within the shelf interior dimensions (W1164×D390×H328mm) beforehand.
2. 2

   Create Cut List and Order at Home Center

   ≈ 30 min

   From an 18mm thick Lauan plywood 1x6 foot board, cut top and bottom boards (18×400×1200mm) ×2, side boards (18×400×364mm) ×2, shelf board (18×390×1164mm) ×1. Back board is 4mm veneer (1200×400mm) ×1. Using the home center's cutting service for these large sheets is recommended.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 17

   Tip

   • Home center cutting service charges 30-50 yen per cut and provides accuracy within ±1 mm.
   • The wood grain direction is aesthetically better horizontal when viewed from the front; specify this when ordering.
   • The side board length 364mm already factors in two 18mm thick top/bottom boards for internal dimension; communicate this as is.

   Watch out

   • If plywood thickness differs (e.g., 12mm, 15mm, 21mm), side board length calculations change; verify actual thickness before ordering.
   • Cutting service only supports straight cuts; drilling holes or chamfering must be done separately.
3. 3

   Apply Edge Banding Tape

   ≈ 25 min

   Since the cut edge of plywood is rough compared to the finished surface, apply edge banding tape with an iron. Treat visible edges – front, back, left, and right ends of top and bottom boards; front ends of side boards and shelf board. Use medium iron temperature (~150°C) and press for 3-5 seconds per spot.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 3 / 17

   Tip

   • Edge tape adheres because the resin melts with heat; pressing with cloth before it cools enhances adhesion.
   • Trim excess tape carefully with a cutter in two or three passes, beveled to look natural.
   • No need to apply tape on back board (veneer 4mm) edges as they are not visible.

   Watch out

   • Moving the iron continuously prevents heat penetration; hold stationary for 3 seconds before moving.
   • Too high temperature burns the tape and changes color; test temperature on leftover tape first.
4. 4

   Sand All Components

   ≈ 30 min

   Sand all components starting with #180 grit then #240 grit sandpaper. Since the plywood surface is initially smooth, light sanding is sufficient. Lightly bevel edges with #240 grit to avoid sharpness. Gently finish edges of edge banding tape with #240 grit as well.

   Sand

   #180

   SandSTEP 4 / 17

   Tip

   • Sand along the grain to avoid raised fibers causing uneven paint later.
   • Edge beveling is sufficient when a tissue paper slides over edges without snagging.
   • Using a vacuum nozzle near the sander reduces dust significantly, allowing indoor work.

   Watch out

   • Plywood veneer layer is thin (0.2-0.5mm). Excessive sanding exposes gray substrate.
   • Sanding produces lots of dust; perform in well-ventilated areas like balcony or garage.
5. 5

   Mark Shelf Position on Side Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark on the two side boards the position for fixing the shelf board. Draw a horizontal line 200mm up from the bottom edge of each side board indicating the shelf board top surface height. Use a carpenter's square and pencil, also marking pilot hole positions along center line (9mm from edge).

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 5 / 17

   Tip

   • Stack the two side boards and mark once on one board; transfer marks by punching (punch transfer) to match exactly on the other.
   • Adjust shelf height according to equipment size; about 50mm above AV amplifier height is a good guide.
   • Pilot holes are centered in the 18mm thick side board (9mm from edge); misalignment causes shelf shifting.

   Watch out

   • If left and right side boards differ in height, shelf will be tilted; never forget to transfer marks stacked.
   • Pencil lines may show through after finishing; draw faintly to erase after assembly.
6. 6

   Drill Pilot Holes in Shelf and Side Boards

   ≈ 25 min

   Drill four φ3.5mm pilot holes in total at the ends of the shelf board (two each side) for side board attachment. Also drill φ3.5mm holes through the side board at marked locations with countersink φ8mm×depth 3mm on the front side. Although plywood is less prone to splitting, edge pilot holes require care.

   Drill a hole

   φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 6 / 17

   Tip

   • Countersinking screw heads flush creates a neater finish.
   • Use a drill stopper to control depth and prevent accidental through holes; set about 2mm less than board thickness.
   • Clamp boards before drilling near edges to avoid splitting.

   Watch out

   • Driving screws within 10mm of the edge increases risk of splitting; pilot holes must be exactly at 9mm edge center.
   • Drill perpendicularly from above; angled holes cause screw tip to protrude on opposite face.
7. 7

   Temporary Assembly of Bottom and Side Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Place bottom board on floor and stand two side boards on top, aligning side boards bottom edge with bottom board edges. Apply thin wood glue, drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from bottom board side, then drive three 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (six total). Check right angle between bottom and side boards using carpenter's square during assembly.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 17

   Tip

   • Applying glue as a thin layer the size of one toothpick length is ideal; wipe excess immediately with a damp cloth.
   • Use clamps to temporarily fix side boards to prevent movement when drilling pilot holes.
   • Ensure flat floor and check level of bottom board before assembly to avoid warping.

   Watch out

   • Excess glue squeezes out and prevents paint adhesion; apply thin and even.
   • Driving screws without pilot holes may cause plywood splitting; always drill first.
8. 8

   Attach Shelf Board

   ≈ 20 min

   Insert shelf board (1164mm long) aligned with markings on side boards. Align shelf board ends with side boards, apply wood glue, drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from side board outside, and drive two 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (four total). Check level with a level.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 17

   Tip

   • Shelf length 1164mm = top board width (1000mm) minus two side board thicknesses (18mm×2); verify measurement before this step.
   • No countersinking needed since shelf board is internal and hidden.
   • If using adjustable shelf hardware, drill several φ5mm holes during this step accordingly.

   Watch out

   • Shelf board too short causes wobble; too long causes side boards to bulge outward; recheck cut sizes carefully.
   • If shelf is not level, remote controls and small items will roll off; always verify with a level.
9. 9

   Attach Top Board

   ≈ 25 min

   Place top board (1200mm wide) on the assembled frame, aligning with side board top edges. Drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from top board, then drive three 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (six total). Screw heads should be countersunk and can be covered later with wood dowels or wood filler for a neater finish.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 9 / 17

   Tip

   • Top board is critical to support the TV; increasing screw count to four per side (eight total) improves load capacity.
   • Covering countersink holes with φ9mm wood dowels hides joints and becomes unnoticeable after finishing.
   • If TV is very heavy (over 30kg), add reinforcement 1x2 lumber to underside center of top board.

   Watch out

   • Installing top board backwards reverses wood grain direction; align grain before screwing.
   • 38mm screws are appropriate for 18mm thickness; longer screws may penetrate to shelf board below.
10. 10

    Check Right Angles and Diagonal Measurements

    ≈ 15 min

    Check entire frame's right angles by placing carpenter's square on all four inside corners confirming 90 degrees. Measure both diagonals inside with measuring tape; they should be equal within 2mm. If misaligned, remove loose screws, clamp frame to correct, then re-tighten.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 10 / 17

    Tip

    • If diagonal difference exceeds 5mm, frame is significantly distorted; correction is necessary to fit back board.
    • Using clamps to diagonally squeeze frame facilitates right angle adjustment.
    • Enlarging pilot holes to φ4mm creates play making frame adjustment easier.

    Watch out

    • Ignoring distortion now results in large gaps when attaching back board.
    • Use reliable metal or aluminum carpenter's squares for accuracy; plastic squares tend to be inaccurate.
11. 11

    Attach Back Board

    ≈ 15 min

    Place 4mm veneer back board (1000×720mm) on rear side and fix around edges and center with a stapler or fine screws (φ3×20mm). Staples at about 30mm intervals; screws at about 100mm intervals. Back board fixes frame angles and greatly reduces distortion.

    Build the frame

    Check for square

    AssembleSTEP 11 / 17

    Tip

    • If prior diagonal checks show distortion, clamp frame while fixing back board to correct it.
    • Stapler (tacker) speeds up the job; it uses thin needles like a staple gun.
    • Install back board with grain running horizontally for cleaner TV stand appearance.

    Watch out

    • Avoid installing back board backwards; surface color and grain differ front to back.
    • Misfired staples may protrude on back side; feel back surface after fixing to check.
12. 12

    Make Cable Routing Hole (if needed)

    ≈ 15 min

    Drill a cable pass-through hole in the back board using a hole saw (φ50mm) for power cables, HDMI, antenna wires. Ideal location is directly behind TV connection terminals. If no hole saw, drill multiple holes and connect with a coping saw.

    Drill a hole

    φ50mm

    DrillSTEP 12 / 17

    Tip

    • Apply edge banding tape around hole edge to prevent cable damage and finger cuts.
    • Confirm position of TV ports to align hole properly.
    • Align hole height with power outlet for cleaner look.

    Watch out

    • Incorrect hole position prevents cables from routing behind TV neatly; mock place TV and mark carefully.
    • Hole saw slipping damages plywood surface; keep pilot drill bit centered firmly.
13. 13

    Prepare Surface for Painting

    ≈ 15 min

    Before painting, lightly sand entire surface with #240 grit sandpaper, then thoroughly remove dust with a damp cloth and dry cloth. Remove any excess glue and burrs around screw holes. Indoor-use finishes like Watco Oil, Briwax, or water-based paints are easy to use.

    Sand

    #240

    SandSTEP 13 / 17

    Tip

    • Always do a test brush on scrap to check color intensity, as plywood absorbs differently than solid wood.
    • Water-based paints are beginner-friendly, with brushes washable with water.
    • Watco Oil finishes leave the natural wood grain visible; apply by rubbing with a cloth.

    Watch out

    • Glue spots repel paint; sand carefully before finishing.
    • Dust left on surface causes rough finish; clean thoroughly before painting.
14. 14

    Apply First Coat of Paint

    ≈ 30 min

    Apply paint comprehensively using a brush or rag in order: top board, side boards, bottom board, back board. Brush in direction of wood grain uniformly in one direction. Apply thin even coats without thickness. Let dry naturally for over 2 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 14 / 17

    Tip

    • Use small amounts of paint and keep container closed to avoid film forming.
    • Use a flat roller brush if brush marks bother you; it applies paint evenly on flat surfaces.
    • Place painted parts in low dust area; avoid near fans or blowers.

    Watch out

    • Thick coats cause uneven drying and later peeling; thin two coats are standard.
    • Direct heating air dries only surface, leaving inside semi-wet; wait for natural drying.
15. 15

    Light Sanding and Apply Second Coat of Paint

    ≈ 25 min

    After first coat fully dries, lightly sand surface with #320 grit sandpaper to smooth roughness. Remove dust, then apply second coat thinner than first for even finish. Let dry at least 24 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 15 / 17

    Tip

    • Light sanding smooths roughness without removing paint layer.
    • Second coat must be thin; thick coats cause drips.
    • Avoid touching the surface during drying to prevent fingerprints and dust contamination.

    Watch out

    • Sanding too hard removes first coat completely; mild sanding with #320 is essential.
    • Thick second coat extends drying time and delays further work.
16. 16

    Attach Leg Pads and Anti-Tip Hardware

    ≈ 20 min

    Apply felt pads to leg bottoms to prevent floor scratching and wobbling. For earthquake safety, attach anti-tip straps or brackets at the upper rear, fixing to wall with screws into studs for most safety.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 16 / 17

    Tip

    • Felt pads cost about 50 yen at home centers; 10mm thickness absorbs floor irregularities.
    • Anti-tip straps available at 100-yen shops; TV stand specific ones costing ~1000 yen offer more security.
    • Secure to wall studs; attaching into drywall alone is ineffective.

    Watch out

    • Skipping felt pads leads to scratched flooring.
    • Omitting anti-tip hardware risks TV stand toppling in large earthquakes.
17. 17

    Final Check and Installation

    ≈ 20 min

    Move completed TV stand to location, check level front-to-back and side-to-side using a level. Adjust wobble with felt pads. Place TV and run cables, plug in and confirm operation. Initially place only light items, and monitor for 1 week until paint fully cures.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 17 / 17

    Tip

    • Place TV centered to evenly distribute weight on top board; offset placement causes warping.
    • Route cables from back board hole and tidy with cable ties for neat look.
    • If placing AV amplifier or BD recorder on shelf, leave at least 50mm space front and back for ventilation.

    Watch out

    • Paint requires 1 week to fully cure; placing items or using remote controls on day one causes stickiness.
    • Floor slope in house may prevent leveling; adjust felt pad thickness on each leg accordingly.

Warnings

• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent wood splitting.

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