Another IKEA hack in the books! After creating a wrap-around built-in wardrobe with PAX, building a storage bench with SEKTION, and hacking the IKEA Billy bookcase, this time I made a built-in computer desk in my son’s big boy bedroom with IKEA Nordli and Billy. This DIY can turn any corner into a beautiful and functional office space. If you’ve been thinking about adding a homework area or a new desk to your home, this blog post covers tips and steps for putting it together without breaking the bank (there are many factors to consider, so make sure you read all the way till the end!).
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Built-in desk design plan
The single most important step in this woodworking project is planning. After going through inspiration pictures on Pinterest and Instagram, I had a basic idea in mind (mood board here). But honestly I didn’t know what I pictured in my head would actually look nice in the room. As a visual person, I needed to see how everything fits together.
Tip: Graph paper works great for drawing things to scale and visualizing how the design looks proportionally.
I came up with a few different designs. With a pencil and paper, it was easy to switch things up.
For reference, my built-in desk measures 88 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 29 inches tall. I used a second-hand IKEA Nordli dresser (approx. 31.5 inches wide) and a custom made bookcase as bases, and added an IKEA hack bookcase on top with trim pieces to make them look built-in. I wanted to keep it open and airy. Since the built-in is next to a door, it may feel boxed-in if there is too much going on on this side of the room.
This layout also maximizes storage by utilizing wall space in a small room. Plus, the desk is large enough to fit two monitors comfortably (bonus point).
Update on February 2025. Guess what, now you can watch the DIY process on YouTube!
Five functional and stylish built in desk ideas
Before I landed on this closed cabinet + drawers combo, I saved many design ideas others have done (there are so many amazing DIYers out there!). Here is a round up of 5 clever DIY desk ideas.
IKEA Alex drawers with waterfall laminate desktop.
Via Remington Avenue
IKEA Alex drawers with Billy bookcase and KALLAX Units as overhead storage
IKEA Billy bookcase with custom desk
Via Home On Harbor
IKEA PAX wardrobe as storage and DIY floating desks on both sides
DIY built in cabinets on both sides of the window with poplar desktop
In the printable plans, I will provide three different layouts in 3D rendering. All of them can be built using the steps laid out in the plans. Check it out, if you want to learn more.
How to make a built-in desk CHEAP
Custom made built-ins can cost thousands of dollars. To lower the building cost, I decided to shop second-hand.
Yes, you can buy as-is furniture at IKEA for 30%-50% off. But you may come across the exact same item listed for a lot less, even for FREE, if you find thrifted items! Many people are willing to part with their old furniture for way less than retail price.
Check Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, Craigslist, or other online markets. For this built-in computer desk, I was able to save thousands, compared to buying a readymade desk from a popular brand (the seadrift finish of this model is really pretty tho, don’t you think?).
Cost breakdown
Here is the detailed cost breakdown of this low budget DIY.
| Category | Item | After Tax |
| Desk base | IKEA Nordli Dresser (bought as-is) | $86.00 |
| Cabinet | IKEA Billy Bookcase (thrifted) | $5.00 |
| Cabinet | 1x2x8 primed pine | $7.50 |
| Desk base | 1x10x8 primed pine | $25.45 |
| Desk top | liquid nails | $2.00 |
| Desk top | 3/4″ 4×8 sande plywood | $70.57 |
| Desk top edge | 1x2x8 primed pine | $21.50 |
| Finishing | Tack cloth | $8.60 |
| Finishing | Zinsser BIN Primer | $25.80 |
| Finishing | Wood filler | $10.00 |
| Finishing | Polyurethane | $26.88 |
| Paint | Clare trim paint 1 gallon | $74.00 |
| Cabinet doors | 3/4″ 4×8 MDF | $62.82 |
| Cabinet doors | 1/4″ 4×8 MDF | $34.40 |
| Cabinet doors | Drawer knobs | $42.58 |
| Cabinet doors | Full overlay soft close hingers | $23.05 |
| Total | $526.15 |
Since I got the interior trim paint for free, my out-of-pocket was less than $500. But it would have been around $550 give or take, if I bought everything myself. Absolutely a steal in my opinion!
What kind of premade furniture can be used as a desk?
Did you know standard desk height is between 29-30 inches and the depth is usually between 24-30 inches? Unless you’re designing the desk for someone tall, following the standard desk size to ensure it is functional and ergonomic.
A few other options I’ve considered:
- IKEA SEKTION kitchen cabinet with 3 drawers, 30” wide, 24” deep, 30” high (a bit tall as a desk base), $287
- IKEA KOPPANG3-drawer chest, 35 3/8 ” wide, 18 1/8 ” deep, 32 5/8 ” high (legs will need to be trimmed down, also there are complaints about drawers not opening fully), $129
- IKEA Alex, perfect depth, good price $90 each. The only downside was they are a bit skinny for the space I am working on.
- Stock cabinets from Lowes or Home Depot, standard height 34 ½”. These are too tall for average height people without modification.
Of course, it’s always an option to build cabinets from scratch. You can customize the size to fit the room. But this route requires more skills and time. Choose what works best for you and your specific situation.
What I ended up doing was combining one IKEA Nordli dresser, one IKEA Billy bookcase and a custom-built bookcase to make this diy built in computer desk. Nordli dresser and Billy bookcase are both popular IKEA furniture. If you can thrift them online, it will save you quite a bit of material cost.
Tip: Add a box with 2x4s to extend the wall studs. The total depth of a computer desk should be at least 24 inches to provide enough space for a monitor, keyboard, mouse and some extra workspace. You do not want to sit in an awkward position when working.
How to build a solid desktop with plywood
I looked into all kinds of options for the desktop. Ultimately, to cut down on cost, I decided to glue up two sheets of ¾” plywood to make the desktop.
Yep, as simple as that. Just rip the 4×8 plywood in half (along the long side), place the 2×8 plywood on saw horse, and use liquid nails and heavy weight to glue them together. This makes a desktop that is 8 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1 1/2″ thick.
This calculator provides good estimates on how likely a desktop will sag: the Sagulator.
Tip: The thicker the desktop, the sturdier it is. A 1 1/2″ thick desktop is a lot less likely to sag than a 3/4″ thick plywood top. Adding a cleat underneath also helps support the desktop and prevent sagging.
Other desktop options:
- IKEA Lagkapten tabletop $69.99 (good price, but at 78 3/4″, it is not long enough)
- IKEA countertop $300 and up (made of particle board)
- Lowe’s butcher block $274 (perfect size, solid wood Acacia. 3 times more than the price of 4×8 plywood)
Fitting a standing desk into built-ins
If you like standing desks, I’ve seen woodworkers place them in between bookshelves and hide the metal legs with wood planks. It’s an brilliant way to integrate an adjustable desk as part of a built-in.
This example comes from Hill Country Board & Beam. I love the way the wood legs are customized to have the same trim details and color as the rest of the built-ins. It’s such a sleek design, I can’t even tell the desk is adjustable when the desktop is lowered all the way. See this desk in action here.
The second example is created by casa_de_columbie. Rachael transformed this standing desk with plywood and pole wrap. It looks great and functions just as well as before.
Check out more ideas here and here.
Steps for making a DIY built in computer desk
Now let’s dive into the process of making the desk. As you will see, this is a fairly simple build.
If you want all the details on exact measurements, shopping list, installation, how to make the built-in look custom, etc. I’ve prepared a detailed guide. Grab a copy and save yourself some time!
Step 1. Base Cabinet
Adjust the size of the base cabinets. Trim off the bottom if it’s too high.
I added a small platform made of 1×2 pine to the IKEA Nordli dresser to provide clearance for the bottom drawer to slide out. I also screwed in a 2×4 frame between the back of the dresser and the wall, so the desktop is 24 inches deep.
Step 2. Paint
Prime, paint and seal the base cabinets. I found it easier to paint all of my pieces BEFORE installing them. It’s much easier to reach the edges and corners this way.
I used paint rollers specifically for cabinets and doors, and went over all the surfaces with at least 2 coats of paint.
Step 3. Wall Treatment
Paint behind the built-ins. If you plan to add paint, wallpaper, shiplap, or other wall treatment, do so before installing cabinets.
Step 4. Remove Baseboard
Remove baseboard and/or flooring. If you have LVP, the vinyl planks may buckle under the heavy weight of the built-ins. Add shims to level the base cabinets. Secure them to the walls.
Step 5. Desktop
Cut the desktop to size. Scribe and make sure there aren’t any big gaps between the desk and the walls. Drill grommet for cables. Secure the desktop to the base cabinets.
Step 6. Top Cabinet
Cut the top cabinet to size. If repurposing an IKEA bookcase, add support to the back to reinforce the structure. Prime, paint and seal the cabinet. Secure it to wall studs.
Note: this picture showed I used pocket hole screws to attach the 1×3 support pieces to the Billy bookcase. The joints were flimsy. Since the Billy bookcase is made of particle boards, I decided to change to butt joints and screwed in from the side panels for a stronger hold.
Step 7. Add Doors (optional)
You can either make the doors yourself or order custom made ones online. Custom doors save time, but they do cost more ($422 vs. $100 in my case, quote from Barker Door). I added the same shaker style details to the drawer fronts and the bookcase, so it’s cohesive.
Install hingers and adjust alignment.
Step 8. Trim out cabinets
Trim out the built-in desk to get a custom built-in look. This step takes a lot of measuring and calculating, so take your time.
Add filler pieces and crown molding. Since we don’t have crown molding in the rest of the house, I closed the gap on the top of the cabinet with 1/4″ MDF.
Step 9. Finishing touches
Caulk gaps between wall, cabinet and trim. Touch up paint.
I went over the entire built-in with a tiny paint brush to touch up paint chips, and added polyurethane to protect the finish. This makes sure the new desk will stand up to daily wear and tear.
I also painted the heat vent cover on the wall the same blue color as the built-in, so it would blend in.
Step 10. Install hardware
Add floating shelves and hardware. The brass drawer knobs added bling to the blue cabinets and make them look even more elevated.
IKEA Hack Custom Built-in Desk Start to Finish
For those of you who love pictures, here is the entire transformation of this DIY built in computer desk.
Move the slider in the middle of this image to see the difference between the before and after. It looks so much more sophisticated and interesting now.
For around $500 and a few weeks work, this built in computer desk is a great option to turn any underused space to an elegant home office. It’s so versatile and is a beginner-friendly project that adds a ton of value. Don’t forget to check out the build plans, if you want to tackle the same project in your home.
For other furniture build ideas, here are two of my favorites:
- How to Build a Modern DIY Floating Nightstand With Drawer
- How To Build a Crate And Barrel Inspired Nightstand
- and you would probably love this IKEA kitchenette I just completed
Feel free to send me your questions regarding this build. Until next time!
I love this! Can you share the dimensions and material you used for the custom base cabinet/shelf on the bottom (not the dresser). Also, what paint colour did you use, it’s perfect!
I used 1×10 primed pine boards to build the bookcase, its total width is 24 inches, matching the total depth of the desk. As to the paint color, I picked Good Jeans from Clare Paint. I love this soft blue color too. Thanks for the kind words!
hi! i absolutely love this. doing something similar. did you sand down the ikea furniture before painting? I’ve heard horror stories about painting ikea furniture!
Yes, scuff sanding is important. Use 220 grit sanding sponge or sanding pad to scuff up the surface and remove dust with a tack cloth. I have detailed steps in this other IKEA hack: https://funhomebuilding.com/diy-modern-green-dresser-with-ikea-nordli-hack/. Hope it works out for you!