How to Build a Modern Desk out of a Single Sheet of Plywood

If you've dreamed of making your own furniture, this could be the project for you. It's quick, cheap and easy. And it looks great. All you need is one sheet of plywood, a bit of hardware, some basic tools and an afternoon to build this modern desk with a full length pullout. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 5-by-10 foot sheet of 3/4 inch plywood
• A pair of 20 inch heavy duty sidemount drawer slides
• Woodscrews
• Circular saw
• Orbital or palm sander
• Drill
• Woodfiller
• Stain or paint and primer
• Laquer
• Edgebanding (optional)
• Pocket screw kit (optional)

1. 
   cut layout

   Make these cuts:
   1 piece that is 60-by-24 inches (top)
   2 pieces that is 24-by-28 1/4 inches (sides)
   1 piece that is 58 1/2-by-28 1/4 inches (back)
   1 piece @ 57 1/2-by-20 inches (pullout)
   2 pieces @ 58 1/2-by-4 inches (spacers)

2. Sand all surfaces using 120 then 220 grit sandpaper.

3. Attach the 2 sides to the back. Your dimensions will be 28 1/4 inches high by 60 inches long and 24 inches deep.

4. Measure down six inches from the top on the inside front and inside back. Attach the spacers horizontally. One attaches flush with the front edge. The other should be flush with the back. Make sure both are level. (If you are edgebanding, do it now).

5. Paint or stain pullout, underside of the top and the interior of the sides and back. Lacquer it for an raw look.

6. Attach the drawer slides. Most slides separate into two pieces. Attach the mount to the inside of the sides, just above the spacers and flush with the front. Attach the runners to the sides of the pullout, flush with the front.

7. Attach the top. Either screw down from above or use pocket screws. Make sure you are flush on all sides.

8. Stain or paint the exterior of the desk (sides, back and top).

9. Mount the pullout.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative with the scrap you have left over. You can make an additional support rail or a backstop for the pullout.
• The plywood will support most monitors, but reinforce if you're setting something over 50 pounds on top.
• Never paint or stain in a room without ventilation.