Want to do a built-in computer desk in my house. Will base cabinets used for a kitchen work for file cabinet?

Question

I want to use uppers for the top and use a couple lower base cabinets with a countertop over them. I am curious if the base cabinet will work for using one of the drawers as a filing cabinet. Or do you have any other suggestions for something that might work? I want to buy something that is pre-made (i.e. the premade cabinets) but I dont want to just use a regular filing cabinet as I want it to look custom without really being custom made.

Answer 1

Kitchen Base cabinets are too tall for this application; most cabinet manufacturers make "desk" components as part of their line of vanity cabinets, including file drawers and "pencil" or "knee" drawers.

Go to a "real" lumber yard, avoid home centers; talk to a cabinet specialist and show them what you want to do. Bring a sketch, and accurate measurements of the space available. Remember, standard widths for cabinets start at 9" and increase by 3" at a time. You can use filler strips (or purchase cabinets with extended stiles) to make up any differences in the width of the area you want the desk in.

If possible, bring in a sample of wood stained to the color you are trying to match (a small cabinet door, or a drawer front works great).

Answer 2

Go to Lowe's and see all the cabinets choices they have for DIY'ers.

You can also get a pre-made top or make your own.

Keep in mind that the file drawer has to be 13" wide inside for the file rack.

Answer 3

One can easily design/create their own KITCHEN ISLAND CENTERS with base kitchen cabinets but FYI they don't have the same internal dimensions as office filing cabinets so they will not work as well as a filing cabinet drawer(s) that is/are specially designed to hold the hanging file folders or to put a metal device inside to hang the folders from.

Best  bet if I were in your shoes would recommend visiting the nearest IKEA store bec a lot of their furniture designs crossover in both kitchen and office/home styling....

Hope the Above Info Helps!

Answer 4

Also try to check out any Habitat for Humanity Restore (Hopefully some are in your area) or salvage yards for drawer guides, base cabinets & counter tops that are being recycled after kitchen renovations.