A Guide on How to Install Sliding Keyboard Tray

Undoubtedly, compared to most fixed-height workstations, only a small fraction of sit-stand desks have installed ergonomically designed sliding keyboard trays. They are essential whether you are sitting, standing, or moving about at your workplace. They are, in fact, much more valuable and vital. Therefore we are always trying to convince people who use interactive workstations that they might benefit from a sliding keyboard tray.

In addition, you may use a wide variety of under-desk sliding keyboard tray options available at their workstation. This article will explain how to install under-desk sliding keyboard trays on a workstation.

Here is All You Need to Know Before Making a Sliding Keyboard Tray

Installing a keyboard and mouse sliding tray may appear easy at first, but it requires a few specialized equipment and materials to be completed properly. However, with little preparation (including the appropriate drawer glides), the perfect finish, and maybe a few hours, can help almost any DIY-er complete the job.

You could only use a few supplies to get started making and installing your customized keyboard tray:

• Sliders for top-mount shelves
• Material for keyboard trays
• If you're building your tray, use a wood polish.

Build Drawers Slides for a Keyboard Tray

Drawer sliders come first since without cabinet slides, no trays will move. And although your initial instinct could be to create an L-shaped plate and utilize typical side mounting slides, we strongly advise that if you do not have sides to put the tray to, you should acquire the top attachment drawer slides. After all, it is why they were designed. Following that, the following is a simple method for selecting slides:

• If you want to place your keyboard tray on the bottom of a wooden computer desk, you should install the top mount sliders. If you wish to position your tray among two hardwood pieces, you should utilize the side mount slides.

Select the Type of Keyboard Tray

Therefore, you get two main options when it pertains to the keyboard tray with wrist rest. It might be cheaper to get a ready-made tray if you want to purchase both the drawer glides and the tray. However, you're mostly on the correct path if you're making your customized tray to complement a desktop (let's say an oak desk). Here are some fantastic techniques for creating a unique-looking keyboard tray:

• Purchase a cutting board approximately 12" broad by 24" long and fasten it to the chosen drawer glides.
• Go to a big-box retailer and choose a pre-glued wood plank or even a staircase step.
• Seek a local merchant of wooden materials.
• Purchase pre-made MDF shelving.

Tools Needed To Install a Sliding Keyboard Tray

Here are some tools you could need to be available on hand depending on the type of under-desk keyboard tray you make.

For constructing the tray:

• Worktop saw, round saw, or miter saw.
• Random orbital sander
• Wooden glue
• Mounts

For basic installation:

• Electric screwdriver
• Tape measure

Here is How You Can Install a DIY Sliding Keyboard Tray

Step 1: Specify the DIY keyboard tray's dimensions

In this phase, you should take two things into account:

• You may use the tray's smallest size.
• The largest installation area possible.

Measure Desk without any Sides: You can choose the depth of the adjustable mouse and keyboard stand mount you want if your tray is not mounted between two side walls.

Measure Desks with Drawers and Sides: Although it will be simpler to construct, side mount cabinet slides must be allowed in your dimensions if your keyboard plate fits within two side spaces.

Determine both, Width and Depth of the Keyboard Tray: Your tray table would need to be chosen at this time. Once the slides are opened, the depths of the mounting bracket should provide accessibility to the whole keyboard.

Step 2: Start Making the DIY Keyboard Tray:

You may complete this stage by cutting your wooden board to the appropriate width and depth, sanding the corners, and continuing. However, there still are a few techniques to improve the appearance of the completed tray:

• Corner banding or encircling the board using a 1/2′′ x 1′′ (or wider) sheet of solid wood are two excellent options for hiding the hardwood edge on pull-out shelves. The wooden edge should then be rounded over with a cutter for convenience.

Step 3: Coating the DIY Keyboard Using a Wood Finish

Each keyboard tray should have a polish to prevent the hardwood from absorbing your palms' oils. Additionally, to improve the mouse's motion across the surface. We suggest using General Finishes because they will give you a flawless finish within a few hours.

Step 4: Installation of the Keyboard Tray

Here is how to install a sliding keyboard tray; you can use side mounting slides if you plan to put the keypad tray across two vertical walls. Despite being, in our opinion, simpler to attach than a top mounting slide, you should think about:

• Calculate the distance between the top of the compartment slide and the top of the mounting bracket.
• A drawer sliding tool will be worthwhile if you are skilled and working on other renovation tasks.
• Use the included screws to connect the slides after marking their height.

Converting an existing surface facing down to install an under-desk keyboard drawer is the simplest approach to attaching a DIY computer keyboard tray if feasible. This technique is also helpful if you want to know how to remove a sliding keyboard tray. When you attach and fasten the sliders to the underside of the computer desk, gravity will be on your side rather than against you. If it isn't a choice, try these tips:

• The keyboards tray, as well as slides, should be fully put together.
• Next, pull the installation under the table and label the position of the upper mounting with chalk or electrical tape.
• As you would this step, readjust the elevation as necessary, then take apart the sliding tray and put the slides in.

For standing desks, ensure that your office desk accessories such as keyboards tray and sliders pass by the structure and supporting mechanisms at the top. Many desks may, however, include a saddle in the middle. It forces you to purchase a clamp-on computer keyboard tray instead of continuing your DIY effort.

You should also visit the Autonomous website to get the greatest office accessories, such as sliding keyboard trays. Currently, the company's Autonomous Employee Purchase Program gives a sizable discount. What have you been holding out for? Optimize your office environment right away!