How to Build Desk Furniture

You can build a desk with a few materials and a little time.

Whether you are a student or a homeowner who needs to pay bills, having a clean and well-organized work space can be invaluable. Building a sturdy work desk with common household material, including wood, adds functionality and interior design to your living space.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of 1-inch by-6-inch wood measuring 10 feet long
• Circular saw
• 1/2 pound of 1 5/8-inch wood screws
• Power drill
• 3/4-inch plywood measuring 2 feet by 4 feet
• Measuring tape
• 2-by-4-inch board measuring 10 feet long
• Carpenter square
• Sandpaper
• Wood filler
• Wood stain
• Medium paintbrush

Instructions

1. Cut one of the 1-by-6-inch pieces of wood to 34 3/8 inches, cutting a 45-degree angle on each corner with the circular saw. Cut another piece to 32 7/8 inches, but leave these edges straight.

2. Cut another two pieces of the 1-by-6 to 19 inches long. Cut the edge of one end at a 45-degree angle, leaving the other end straight. These pieces will form the sides of the desk.

3. Connect all four of the pieces from the above steps using a power drill and the wood screws. The piece measuring 34 3/8 inches will be the front, the piece measuring 32 7/8 inches will serve as the rear, and the two 19-inch panels will be used for the sides. Use the carpenter square to make sure that all angles are 90-degrees and that the desk is a perfect rectangle.

4. Cut the 3/4-inch plywood into a 38 5/8-inch by 20 1/2-inch panel using the circular saw. Attach this panel to the frame created in step 3, using the wood screws. The back of the panel should be flush with the back of the frame and the overhang should be in the front. Measure the overhang on each side using the tape measure to make sure that it is even on either side.

5. Cut the piece of 2-by-4-inch wood into four legs, each measuring 28 1/2 inches in length. Cut three bottom brace pieces from the 1-by-6-inch wood: a back piece, measuring 34 3/8 inches with a 45- degree cut on each end, and two side pieces measuring 19 inches with a 45-degree cut on the back end and a straight cut on the front end.

6. Lay two of the legs made in step 5 on a flat surface 10 1/2 inches apart. Measure 2 1/2 inches up from the bottom of each leg and place a mark at that spot. Attach the 19-inch sides and bottom brace to the two legs using wood screws. The 45-degree angle should be facing the back and the straight cut overhang should be in the front. Repeat this process for the other set of legs

7. Connect the two leg assemblies from the previous step to the top panel using wood screws. Attach the 1-by-6-inch-by-34-3/8-inch bottom brace four inches from the bottom of the legs of the desk.

8. Fill all holes and uneven sections with wood filler and sand all rough edges. The desk is now ready to be stained with the wood stain and medium paint brush.

Tips & Warnings

• You can paint the desk instead of staining if preferred.

• Wear safety goggles and gloves when using power tools.

• Use stain or paint in a well-ventilated area to reduce fumes or, alternatively, wear a face mask.

References

• Wayne Of The Woods: Free Woodworking Projects- Free Plans On How To Build A Desk
• Planet Green: Make A Desk From A Door And Three Other Found Object Furniture Projects
• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Make A Childs Desk And Shelving

Resources

• HGTV: How To- Making A Desk Out Of An Antique Door