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pitwoman_gw

Converting desk drawer for keyboard

19 years ago

Does anyone have a solution to converting or replacing a top desk drawer for a computer keyboard shelf?

Comments (8)

  • 19 years ago

    You should be able to remove the drawer completely, along with its drawer slides, and replace it with a pull-out keyboard shelf. Most of them are screwed to the underside of the countertop. I think they cost between $35 to $65, from any office supply store, like Staples. Measure the opening to ensure what they offer will fit and that it will be at a comfortable height for typing.

  • 19 years ago

    While not fancy, inside the existing drawer we piled a few National Geographics under the keyboard. It raised the keyboard enough for us to be able to use it, and the front of the drawer provides a bit of a wrist rest. Works like a charm.

  • 19 years ago

    You can also take off the drawer front and hinge it along the bottom so you can fold it down toward you. the keyboard can be stored in the drawer with other things (if not wireless you can cut a hole in the back) and when closed it looks normal but when pulled out and the front flipped down, is just a keyboard shelf/drawer.

  • 19 years ago

    You could use Styrofoam panels from the crafts store to lift up the keyboard, too!

    Or these Iris "project cases" to store stuff (I keep my P-touch labeler in one, stationery in another, etc.), and set THEM under the keyboard to lift it up.

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    There's a few ways to do this and they depend on a number of factors. If you want to use an existing drawer you'll need to cut the face off cleanly and re-install it using one of two options: 1. The easy way. This isn't the prettiest but it will do the job and doesn't require much skill or expensive tools. Once the face board is free and finished to your liking, re attach it to the drawer using a pair of concealed hinges like these from Home Depot SKU # 1002748073 and you're pretty much done. 2. A second method requires power tools and carpentry skills but is the most aesthetic because the hinges are invisible in the closed position. Instead of surface mounted self closing hinges from Home Depot, start by mortising a pair of Soss hinges (https://www.rockler.com/search?w=soss+hinge) into the front edge of the drawer bottom and front of the drawer. You may have to add a piece of hardwood to the bottom of the drawer if the bottom is too thin. After the hinges are installed, add a soft-down drop front support hinge (https://www.rockler.com/sugatsune-csd-10-compact-soft-down-drop-front-support) and you're all set.

    If you want to ADD a keyboard drawer you have too many options to count. You'll find ready-to-install complete and partial kits most anywhere such as on Uline.com or Amazon (search for keyboard drawer under desk). These are ready made from $20 and up and are super easy to install. Rockler has a high quality set of slides that only requires a board if you want something super simple and well made. These slides are designed specifically for making a keyboard slide and stay in position when either extended or retracted (https://www.rockler.com/12-keyboard-slide-black). Have fun! - Aris Troncoso

  • last year

    Put a sturdy box or thick plank of wood inside the drawer and place keyboard on top, it will make it the height you need when you pull out the drawer and just drill holes at the back for wires. Amazon also have Clamp On keyboard trays ( made of word).

  • last year

    Wood rather- sorry 😣