How can I make a desktop for a DIY desk?
by
Chandra
+4
Good morning. I have two drawer file cabinets that I am using as the base for a desk but I can't decide what to use as desk top, plexiglass or wood? Also I like wood but it's too cold to paint or stain where I live. Any suggestions. Thanks.
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An old door would work too. I would take a trip to the thrift store and see what they have that you could repurpose.
Get a pre-made laminate shelf.
or...if you want it larger, get an old door.
You can stain or paint indoors. Get low or zero VOC paint. Just cover the floor and use something like plastic cups to elevate the piece.
You can buy a piece of butcherblock counter top at a local home improvement store like Menards. They usually stock different sizes. You could use a water based poly to seal it. A water based poly really doesn't smell as much as an oil based poly so you could do it inside the house. You could also seal the butcherblock with a butcherblock oil/conditioner. If you do that I would give it a few days to soak in so any papers you put on top of it don't absorb the oil from the butcherblock. I think the poly finish would hold up better for your use as a desktop.
Hollow core doors are pretty inexpensive. Fairly smooth, it could get its final finish when weather us more inviting.
Get a piece of countertop cut to the size you need. It's finished and you can probably pick one up pretty cheap. I did that for my daughter and it held up 100% for 12 years.