How to Build a Workshop Desk

For the hobbyist or the craftsman, a workshop desk is a must. This is he they escapes to plan projects and work on hobbies. Every man or woman who loves to work with his hands needs to build his very own workshop desk. It can be as elaborate or simple as the need requires.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 sheet of ¾ inch Medium density iberboard (MDF)
• (6) 2-by-4-inch by 8-feet Lumber (spruce is recommended)
• Skill saw
• Table saw (optional)
• Carpenter’s square
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• 1 lb 1 ½-inch Drywall screws
• Screw gun

1. Draw a rectangle 48 inches wide and 36 inches deep on the MDF using the carpenter’s square and a pencil. Also, draw two rectangles 33 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Finally, draw two more rectangles 48 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Carefully cut these out with the skill saw.

2. Measure and cut one of the 2x4-inch lumber into two pieces that are 48 inches in length. Measure and cut two more that are 33 inches in length.

3. Secure the two 33-inch 2x4 pieces between the 48-inch pieces so that they make a rectangle the same size as the large MDF piece. Secure the 36x48-inch top to this rectangle with drywall screws. Counter sink the heads and fill the holes with putty.

4. Measure and cut two 2x4-inch lumbers into four pieces that are 40 inches in length. These are the legs. Secure them to the inside of the rectangle built out of the 2x4-inch lumber with the drywall screws.

5. Secure the two 33-inch wide by 10-inch deep MDF pieces to the legs at the bottom of the sides of the workshop desk with drywall screws. Secure two 48-inch wide by 10-inch deep pieces of MDF on the front on the back 10 inches from the floor. This will allow the user to stand next to the desk without stubbing a toe.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.
• One of the 48x10 inch MDF pieces can be left off for a chair to slide under the desk.
• If a table saw is available, use it to cut the MDF.
• Sand the top when finished for the best results.
• Do not raise the table saw blade any more than needed for the cut.
• Use care when operating power saws as they can cause injury.

Resources

• Desk Building Plans