How to Make a Desk Inexpensively

A work desk can turn into an expensive purchase depending on the material, size and the amount of drawer space provided. While this may be acceptable for some, a simpler and cheaper solution does exist for budget-weary purchasers. Create your own desk using a minimal amount of wood and standard woodworking materials. This project does requires extra labor but results in a highly functional desk capable of providing the work areas you always wanted at only a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Measuring tape
• Dimensional lumber
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Birch plywood sheet
• Work bench
• Power drill
• Drill bit
• Screws

Instructions

1. Measure the distance from the ground to your waist. Record this measurement. This height represents the optimal desk height for a person of your size.

2. Measure and cut four pieces of dimensional lumber on a work bench with a circular saw. All dimensional lumber for this project must have a depth of at least 2-inches along with a width of 4-inches. The length must be equal or greater than the length of birch plywood desktop as discussed in Step 3. Use a pencil to mark off the recorded waist length and begin cutting. A hand saw also works but takes additional precision and physical effort. These 2-by-4-inch pieces of lumber serve as the desk legs.

3. Hold the one dimensional lumber at the corner of a large sheet of birch plywood and fasten with a drill. First drill a hole through the top of the plywood into one corner of the dimensional lumber. Next, insert a screw to fasten the leg to the plywood. Repeat this process roughly 2 inches to the side to drill the other end of the dimensional lumber that contacts the plywood. Do this for all four corners of the plywood. When finished, stand the unfinished desk up on all four legs.

4. Measure the length and width of the desk. Next, cut two pieces of dimensional lumber to the width specifications and one piece of lumber to the length specification.

5. Fasten the three pieces of lumber to the bottom portion of the legs to add stability to the desk. Place the front of the lumber (the broad side) against the back of the legs and drill two holes at each end with a drill bit. Next, insert a screw and drill into both the lumber support and desk legs. Repeat until the legs are secured at both sides and the rear. Leave one of the long sides of the desk unsupported as this serves as the desk opening. You can now use your completed homemade office desk.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more complete look, try painting your desk or use a wood finish for a more polished appearance.

• Consider making the desk longer so you can fit items such as a waste basket, printer and file cabinet underneath.