The simplest way to add storage to your desk

The fastest way to add drawers to a computer table is to buy a ready-made drawer unit that slides under your existing desk. These units come fully assembled, cost between $40 and $150 depending on size and material, and need only a screwdriver to attach to the underside of your tabletop. If you want a more permanent solution, you can build a drawer box from plywood and install it as a fixed unit, or you can replace your current table with a desk that has drawers built in.

Your choice depends on three things: how much space you have under the table, whether you want to keep your current desk, and how much time and skill you want to invest. A sliding unit takes an hour. Building a drawer takes a weekend. Buying a new desk takes one shopping trip but means getting rid of your old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Sliding drawer units attach to the underside of your desk in under an hour and cost $40 to $150, making them the fastest option for most people.
  • Built-in drawers require basic carpentry skills, plywood, drawer slides, and a weekend of work, but give you a permanent, custom-sized solution.
  • Drawer slides are the mechanical part that makes a drawer open and close smoothly; side-mounted slides are easier to install than bottom-mounted ones.
  • You need to measure the space under your table before buying any unit or materials to make sure the drawer will fit without hitting your legs or cables.
  • Securing a drawer unit to your desk prevents it from tipping if you pull the drawer out while leaning on it.

Measuring the space under your table

Before you buy or build anything, measure three dimensions: the width of the space where the drawer will sit, the depth from the front edge of the table to the back, and the height from the floor to the underside of the tabletop. Write these numbers down. The drawer unit or box must fit within all three measurements, and you should leave at least 2 inches of clearance on each side so the drawer does not scrape against the table legs or frame.

Check whether there are cables, power strips, or monitor stands already mounted under the table. A drawer unit will take up space and may block airflow around equipment. If your table has a cable tray or clips running underneath, you may need to relocate them before installing a drawer. Take a photo of the underside of your table with your phone so you remember what is there when you are shopping.

Using a ready-made sliding drawer unit

A sliding drawer unit is a box on wheels or glides that you push under your desk. It comes with pre-installed drawer slides, a handle, and usually four feet or wheels. You straightforward position it under your table, align it, and screw it to the underside of the tabletop using the mounting brackets that come with it. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes and requires only a drill or screwdriver.

Popular options include the IKEA ALEX drawer unit (which has three drawers and costs around $80), the Yamazaki Home rolling cart (which has open shelves and costs $60 to $100), and generic metal or plastic drawer carts sold on Amazon and at office supply stores. Check the product dimensions against your measurements before buying. Most sliding units are 15 to 20 inches wide and 12 to 18 inches deep, so they fit under most desks without hitting your knees.

To install a sliding unit, position it under the table where you want it, then use the mounting brackets (usually two metal L-brackets) to screw it to the underside of the tabletop. Use wood screws rated for the thickness of your tabletop—typically 1.5-inch screws for a standard desk. Drill pilot holes first so the screws do not split the wood. Tighten the brackets firmly so the unit does not shift when you open and close the drawer.

Building a fixed drawer box from scratch

If you want a drawer that is permanently attached to your table and sized exactly to your space, you can build one from plywood. You will need a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood, a pair of drawer slides (either side-mounted or bottom-mounted), a handle, wood screws, wood glue, and basic tools: a circular saw or table saw, a drill, a screwdriver, and a measuring tape. The cost is usually $60 to $120 for materials.

Start by cutting five pieces of plywood: a front, a back, two sides, and a bottom. The dimensions depend on your space, but a typical drawer is 18 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 6 inches tall. Cut the front and back pieces to the full width of your space. Cut the side pieces to the depth (front to back). Cut the bottom to fit inside the frame formed by the front, back, and sides. Assemble the box by gluing and screwing the sides to the front and back, then screw the bottom to the underside of the frame.

Attach the drawer slides to the inside of the side pieces, following the manufacturer's instructions. Side-mounted slides are easier for a beginner because they bolt directly to the sides of the drawer box. Bottom-mounted slides are more stable but require more precision to install. Once the slides are attached to the drawer box, attach the matching slides to the underside of your table, then slide the drawer box onto the table-mounted slides. Screw the drawer box to the table frame to lock it in place. Attach a handle to the front of the drawer so you can pull it open.

Choosing the right drawer slides

Drawer slides are the metal rails that let a drawer open and close. There are two main types: side-mounted slides and bottom-mounted slides. Side-mounted slides bolt to the inside of the left and right sides of the drawer box and are the easiest for a first-time builder to install. Bottom-mounted slides bolt to the bottom of the drawer box and to the underside of the table, and they support heavier loads but require more precision to align.

Most drawer slides come in pairs and are rated by how much weight they can hold. A standard office drawer holds 50 to 100 pounds, so look for slides rated for at least 100 pounds. Ball-bearing slides are smoother and more durable than roller slides, but they cost more. Soft-close slides have a mechanism that slows the drawer as it closes, preventing slamming. For a computer table, a basic ball-bearing side-mounted slide costs $15 to $30 per pair and works well.

Securing the drawer to prevent tipping

A drawer unit that is not secured to the table can tip forward if you pull the drawer open while leaning on it or if you put too much weight on the open drawer. To prevent this, always screw the drawer unit or box to the underside of the tabletop using the mounting brackets or holes provided. Use wood screws that are long enough to bite into the table but not so long that they poke through the top surface—typically 1.5 inches for a standard desk.

If the drawer unit did not come with mounting brackets, you can buy L-brackets at any hardware store and screw them to both the drawer unit and the table. Use at least two brackets, one on each side of the drawer. Tighten the screws firmly so there is no play or movement. Test the drawer by pulling it open and pushing down on it to make sure it does not shift or rock.

Dealing with cables and airflow

A drawer unit under your desk can block airflow around your computer, monitor, or other equipment, which can cause overheating. Before you install the drawer, check whether your equipment has ventilation holes on the bottom or sides. If it does, make sure the drawer does not cover those holes. You may need to position the drawer off to one side of the table or leave a gap between the drawer and the table frame.

Cables running under the table can also get pinched or crushed by a drawer unit. Before you install the drawer, move any cables out of the way or route them around the drawer. If you have a lot of cables, consider installing a cable tray or clips above the drawer unit so the cables run overhead instead of underneath. Label your cables with tape and a marker so you know which one is which if you need to unplug something later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a drawer to a glass or metal table?

Yes, but the mounting method is different. For a glass table, you cannot screw into the glass itself. Instead, use a sliding drawer unit with wheels and position it under the table without fastening it. For a metal table, you can drill holes in the frame and use bolts with washers and nuts to find the drawer unit. Consult the table manufacturer to find out where the frame is strong enough to drill.

What if there is not enough space under my table for a drawer?

You can mount a shallow drawer unit on the side of your table instead, or use a rolling cart that sits next to the table rather than under it. Another option is to replace your table with a desk that has drawers built in. If space is very tight, consider a wall-mounted shelf or cabinet above your desk instead.

How much weight can a drawer hold?

A drawer with standard ball-bearing slides can hold 50 to 100 pounds, depending on the slides. Heavy-duty slides rated for 150 pounds or more are available if you need to store heavier items. Do not exceed the weight rating of your slides, as overloading can cause the drawer to jam or the slides to fail.

Do I need to hire someone to install a drawer?

A sliding drawer unit can be installed in under an hour with just a screwdriver or drill, so most people can do it themselves. Building a drawer box from plywood requires basic carpentry skills and takes a weekend. If you are not comfortable using power tools, you can hire a handyperson or carpenter to build and install a drawer for $200 to $400 in labor.

Can I remove a drawer unit later without damaging the table?

Yes. Unscrew the mounting brackets from the underside of the table and slide the drawer unit out. If you used wood screws, the holes will remain but can be filled with wood filler and sanded smooth. If you built a permanent drawer box, removing it requires unbolting the slides and may leave holes that need to be filled.