How to Build a Student Desk

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Strapped for space, but you still need a desk? This student desk is big enough to accommodate a PC but small enough to squeeze into tiny places. And it's full width keyboard pullout adds some extra, hidden space.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

(1) 4 foot x 5 foot sheet of plywood
(2) 12 inch drawer slides
Woodscrews
Circular Saw
Sander or sandpaper
Drill
Edgebanding and glue or bondo
Woodfiller or bondo
Paint or stain
Lacquer

Step1

Go to your local home improvement store and see if they will cut down a 4 foot x 8 foot sheet of plywood for you. They will make one cut for free, but they may still charge you for the entire sheet. If so, you can easily build something else out of the other half.

Step2

cut chart on a 4 foot x 8 foot sheet of plywood Make these cuts from the plywood:
1 piece @ 17 inches x 30 inches (top)
2 pieces @ 17 inches x 28 1/2 inches (sides)
1 piece @ 12 inches x 27 1/2 inches (pullout)
1 piece @ 4 inches x 28 1/2 inches (brace)
1 piece @ 4 3/4 inches x 16 1/4 inches (shelf bottom)
1 piece @ 6 inches x 16 1/4 inches (shelf side)
1 piece @ 6 inches x 4 inches (shelf back)

Step3

Sand all surfaces.

Step4

Assemble the sides and top. Stand the top on the 3/4 inch edge of its 30 inch side. Match up one leg at each end flush with the front and side. Attach using screws.

Step5

Attach the brace. Place the brace flush with the front underneath the top. It will touch both sides. Screw into place through both legs and the top. Stand the desk up. The side that was up (previously called the front) is now going to be the back.

Step6

diagram Build the shelf. Attach the 6 inch x 16 1/4 inch piece to the top of the 4 3/4 inch x 16 1/4 inch piece on its edge. (See diagram.) Attach the 6 inch x 4 inch piece to the back of the top of the 4 3/4 inch piece. Note: you can build the shelf so that it faces either left or right.

Step7

Attach the shelf. Measure down 10 inches from the underside of the top. Level the shelf and attach flush with the front. (The 4 inch x 6 inch piece will be at the back).

Step8

Edgeband or bondo. Cover the front and side edges. Trim the edgebanding or sand the bondo.

Step9

Fill all visible screw holes with woodfiller or bondo (unless you plan on breaking down your desk occassionally). Let dry and sand until smooth.

Step10

Paint or stain to your liking. Another alternative is to simply apply a couple of coats of laquer. The desk retains an unfinished look while still having a smooth surface.

Step11

Attach the drawer slides. Most drawer sildes com apart into two pieces. Attach the inside pieces to the sides of the pullout. Make sure you are flush with the front. Measure down 5 inches on the sides(or 4 1/4 inches from the underside of the top) and attach the other halves of the slides. Make sure you are level.

Step12

Insert the pullout.