Small Desk for Laptop and Dual Monitor Setup

Since my apartment has limited space, I decided to build a desk that will hold my laptop and two monitors. It should also have a prominent workplace, which could shrink or be close to save space in case of need.

I've repurposed some wood components from an old cabinet, specifically a module containing drawers, and purchased two wooden boards for the tabletop. I invested in two monitor stands featuring tubes to accommodate my dual-monitor setup. These allow me to combine both stands in a single tube and still individually set the height of each monitor for optimal ergonomics.

To maximize space, I chose two foldable stands capable of supporting a weight of at least 30 to 40 kg, which provides flexibility for different uses.

Materials Required:

1. Reused wood parts from a cabinet (drawer module)
2. Two wooden boards (for the tabletop)
3. Two wooden boards for shelves
4. Two adjustable monitor stands (with tubes)
5. Two foldable stands (rated for 30-40 kg)
6. Screws and fasteners (for assembly)
7. Magnets to hold the removable tabletop
8. Wood glue (for the magnets)
9. IKEA laptop stand
10. Grinding machine (for finishing the wood)
11. Power drill make the hole in the removable tabletop
12. Wood finish or paint (optional, for aesthetics)

I first screwed the shelves on the drawer board and sanded the movable table with rounded edges to look nicer. I've also drilled the hole where the laptop would fit to show only the monitor and have more tabletop available to place things like paper. Since the board was quite thick (3 cm), I made an inclined edge so it would be possible to view the laptop monitor content.

Also, the bottom shelf was larger to the right so that I could fit my resin 3d printer.

Finally, I've made a hole in the back of the tabletop where the monitor stand would fit. Since my drawer module was a bit thin to hold the monitor stand, I added a wood square to extend the area to fit it.

I drill some holes in the top of the module to put 0,5 cm magnets. One in each corner and glue them with wood glue

I did the same to the movable tabletop so I could conveniently place and remove it, and the magnets would secure it once it was set.

To improve the desk's look and feel, I used a primary to prepare the wood and then painted it a kind of petrol blue. I kept one of the shelves in its original colour, so I covered it with paper so it would not get painted.

Then I screwed the supports on the desk and placed the monitor stand. I've adjusted tabletop supports using a level.

I've noticed that the foldable tabletop was quite heavy, so the monitor stands are required to keep it balanced.

Because the space for the laptop's power cable was too small, I had to drill an extra gap to accommodate it. Then, I had to paint that gap again.

To finish, I have varnished the wood tabletops and the bottom shelf.

Finally, I've mounted the monitors; I use one vertically.

The images show the desk without the movable tabletop, which can be put and taken to remove the laptop efficiently.