Creative Ways to Turn RTA Cabinets Into an Office Desk

Every workspace needs an inviting and practical desk to provide the perfect spot to work. But, if you have limited space or budget, investing in RTA cabinets can be a great option. Not only are these cabinets affordable but they’re also customizable which makes them the perfect choice for any office set up. Best of all, with a bit of creativity and DIY know-how, you can transform RTA cabinets into an efficient office desk without spending too much money!

 

Read on as we explore some creative ways to turn RTA cabinets into an awesome workspace that features all the bells and whistles.

What are RTA Kitchen Cabinets?

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets have transformed the way we approach kitchen remodeling and design. These cabinets provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, offering a way to revamp kitchens without the hassle and hefty expenses of traditional cabinetry.

RTA cabinets are shipped in flat packs, complete with all necessary components and hardware for easy assembly. This innovative cabinetry approach not only saves on shipping costs but also allows for effortless transportation and storage until you’re prepared to assemble them.

Engineered for simplicity, RTA kitchen cabinets can be assembled by anyone with basic tools and a willingness to follow instructions. This makes them an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts or those who want to customize their kitchen. While the assembly process may vary by manufacturer, it generally involves interlocking pieces, cam locks, and pre-drilled holes, making cabinet assembly a straightforward task.

What You’ll Need

To successfully build a desk using RTA cabinets, gather the necessary items before you start your project:

  • RTA Cabinet Kit: Select cabinets that fit your space, ensuring they include all the required parts and assembly instructions.
  • Essential Tools: Prepare a screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips), hammer, pliers, measuring tape, and a level for seamless assembly.
  • Assembly Supplies: Keep wood glue, sandpaper, and extra screws or brackets available for additional support.
  • Workspace Setup: Arrange a well-lit and spacious area where you can lay out components and easily follow instructions.
  • Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles and gloves to ensure your safety while handling tools and materials.
  • Optional Extras: Consider adding a countertop, caster wheels, or drawer inserts to improve functionality and enhance the visual appeal.

How to Make a Desk Using Kitchen Cabinets

Creating a custom office desk can be an exciting project that combines practicality and creativity. Repurposing kitchen cabinets is a versatile and popular option for crafting a functional and stylish workstation. With a few simple steps, you can transform these cabinets into a desk that perfectly suits your needs and complements your space.

 

Prepare the Cabinets

To repurpose kitchen cabinets into a desk, start by removing any doors and potentially interior shelving from the cabinet frames. Take care not to damage the doors as you may want to use them for future projects. This step creates an open structure as the foundation for your desk.

Add Storage Solutions

Consider the type of storage you’ll need in your desk. You can install drawers or additional shelving for better organization. Prefabricated drawer units can be easily mounted inside the cabinets to hold office supplies, documents, and other essentials. Alternatively, shallow pull-out drawers on side-mounted tracks offer an elegant solution for easy access to items.

Create the Desktop Surface

Measure the top of the cabinet structure and cut a piece of countertop to fit. You have various countertop materials to choose from, including laminate, granite, or butcher block, depending on your style and preferences. Secure the countertop to a piece of plywood cut to the same size and attach this assembly to the top of the cabinet structure using screws or nails.

Enhance Mobility (Optional)

If you want a desk that’s easily movable, you can attach caster wheels to the base of each cabinet frame. Casters provide mobility, allowing you to rearrange your workspace whenever necessary. Opt for wheels with locking mechanisms to keep your desk in place as desired.

Final Thoughts

Everyone should take pride in making their home office a comfortable and creative space that reflects their personality. By using RTA cabinets as useful do-it-yourself projects, you can add unique flair to your office while saving money.

 

Kimberly Atwood’s books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Kimberly lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an exceptionally perfect dog, and an attack cat. Before she started writing historical research, Kimberly got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from Ohio State University. After that, just to shake things up, she went to law school at the University of London and graduated summa cum laude. Then she did a handful of clerkships with some really important people who are way too dignified to be named here. She was a law professor for a while. She now writes full-time.

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