Securing a table top to metal filing cabinets provides a quick and easy way to create additional work surface in your home office or workspace. With some basic tools and materials, you can securely fasten a table top to the top of filing cabinets to create a DIY desk.
Introduction
Adding a table top to metal filing cabinets is an affordable and straightforward way to build a desk for your home office. Many people already have filing cabinets that can be repurposed to support a wooden table top, saving the cost of buying an entire desk. This simple furniture hack allows you to customize the size and style of desk based on your needs.Follow these steps to securely attach a table top to metal filing cabinets and create the workspace you need.
Materials Needed
Before starting this project, gather the necessary materials:
- Table top – This could be a precut countertop, finished board, or other sturdy wooden surface cut to the desired size. Pine boards, butcher block, and laminate countertops all work well.
- Metal filing cabinets – 2 or more similarly sized cabinets to form the base. They should be similar in height and depth.
- Drill and drill bits – For drilling pilot holes. A power drill makes quicker work of this.
- Screws – 1 1/4″ or longer screws work best. Self-tapping screws designed for metal provide extra holding power.
- Washers – Use oversized washers to help distribute the clamping pressure.
- Level – Helpful for leveling cabinets and positioning top.
Preparing the Filing Cabinets
Before attaching the table top, some preparation of the filing cabinets is required:
Clean Surfaces
Wipe down the top surfaces of the filing cabinets with a damp cloth. Remove any dirt or debris to create a clean foundation for the desk.
Position Cabinets
Arrange the filing cabinets in the desired location, ideally 24-30 inches apart to allow enough support for the table top. Use a level to ensure the tops are even. Shim underneath if needed.
Open Top Drawers
Open the top drawer of each cabinet about 2 inches. This allows access to drill pilot holes and install screws into the cabinet tops later.
Drilling Pilot Holes
Once the filing cabinets are in position, mark and drill pilot holes in the tops:
- Mark locations – Mark 2-4 pilot hole locations evenly spaced along the back top edge of each cabinet. Holes should be 1-2 inches from the back.
- Drill pilot holes – Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws, such as 3/16″. Drill straight down at each marked spot, penetrating the cabinet top.
- Open holes with larger bit – Enlarge each pilot hole using a bit slightly bigger than the screws, for example 7/32″. This allows screws to easily slide through holes.
Securing the Table Top
With pilot holes drilled, you’re ready to secure the table top:
Align Top on Cabinets
Place the table top centered on the filing cabinets, overhanging evenly on sides. The front should be flush or slightly overhanging.
Add Washers and Screws
Slide a washer onto each screw, then insert screws through table top into pilot holes. Use a screwdriver or drill to drive screws into metal cabinets, securing the top.
Tighten Screws
Tighten down all screws firmly. The washers help prevent cracking or splitting the wood. Two screws per cabinet placed as noted earlier should sufficiently support the top.
Safety Tips
- Avoid overhanging the table top too far beyond filing cabinets, as leverage can loosen the screws over time. An overhang of 6-12 inches is reasonable.
- For extra safety, apply non-slip padding strips to the table top surface adjacent to the filing cabinets. This helps prevent items from sliding or vibrating off the desk.
- Periodically check and re-tighten the screws, especially after moving the desk.
And that’s it – you now have a durable DIY desk built on top of filing cabinets! This simple furniture hack creates a customized workspace using easy techniques and common household tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size table top should I use?
The table top size depends on the width of your filing cabinets and desired workspace size. Common depths are 24-30 inches. The overhang length is personal preference, usually 6-12 inches on each side. Standard widths are 4, 6 or 8 feet.
What screws work best?
Self-tapping metal screws that are 1 1/4″ to 2″ long provide the strongest hold in the metal cabinet tops. Using washers is also recommended.
Should I drill pilot holes?
Yes, drilling smaller pilot holes prevents splitting the wood when driving in screws. It also allows screws to penetrate metal more easily.
How much overhang should I allow?
An overhang of 6-12 inches on each side is typical. Larger overhangs can put excessive leverage on screws. Support legs can be added for greater overhangs if desired.
What can I use if I don’t have a power drill?
A manual screwdriver will work, just require more effort. Use sharpened screws for easier driving into metal. Minimal pilot holes help reduce effort.
Can I secure a table top to just one filing cabinet?
For stability and support, using two filing cabinets is recommended. A single cabinet risks allowing leverage that loosens screws over time.
How do I hide the filing cabinets?
If desired, filing cabinets can be painted, wrapped in contact paper, or concealed behind wooden shiplap panels attached to the sides and back.
Conclusion
Attaching a table top to metal filing cabinets is an easy and affordable way to create a customized DIY desk. With some basic tools, pilot holes, and the right screws, nearly any wooden table top can be securely fastened. This project is beginner-friendly, allowing you to build the ideal workspace from reused materials. Just follow safe practices, check screws periodically, and enjoy your new filing cabinet desktop!