A cable tray is the workhorse of a clean desk: a channel that mounts under the desktop and holds your power strip, adapters, and slack cable up off the floor. This guide explains the types, how to mount one, and how to pick the right size.
What a cable tray does
Rather than leaving the power strip and a nest of cables on the floor, a cable tray suspends them beneath the desk. That keeps the floor clear for cleaning, protects cables from feet and chair wheels, and gives the whole setup a finished look. It’s often the first thing people add when tidying a workspace.
Types of cable trays
- Basket / mesh trays — open wire baskets that hold a power strip and let heat escape; easy to add or remove cables.
- Solid trough trays — enclosed channels that hide cables more fully for a cleaner front-on look.
- Clamp-on trays — attach without screws, ideal for renters or glass/finished desks.
Browse our cable trays and the popular under-desk cable management tray.
Screw-mount vs clamp-on vs adhesive
| Mounting | Best for |
|---|---|
| Screw-mount | Wooden desks; most secure, holds the most weight |
| Clamp-on | Renters and desks you don’t want to drill |
| Adhesive | Light loads, glass or laminate surfaces |
How to size and mount a tray
- Measure the width you have under the desk and the size of your power strip.
- Choose a tray long enough for the strip plus a little slack cable.
- Mount toward the back of the desk so it’s hidden from the front.
- Route the single feed cable down one desk leg, secured with clips.
For the full workflow beyond the tray itself, see our under-desk cable management guide.
Pair it with the right accessories
A tray works best alongside a spiral cable wrap to bundle the feed run and cable clips to guide cables to the tray. Prefer a fully enclosed look? Consider a cable management box instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a cable tray without drilling?
Yes — clamp-on and adhesive trays mount without screws, which is ideal for renters and glass desks.
How much weight can a tray hold?
Enough for a power strip and adapters on most trays; check the specific product’s stated capacity for heavier loads.
Do trays work on standing desks?
Yes. Combine a tray with a flexible sleeve so the cable bundle can move as the desk raises and lowers.
Shop cable trays
Browse cable trays and the full cable management range to complete your under-desk setup.