How to Make a Small Desk

You can build an organized space to complete assignments.

Students of all ages need a clean, well-organized space to complete assignments. Building a desk for your student's room or dorm is as simple as gathering a few materials and setting aside the time to complete it. You may have some of the wood and materials needed to complete this project already lying around the house. When completed, you will have made not only a great, quiet place to work, but also a beautiful addition to your home decor.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

1. Select one of the pieces of the 1-by-6-inch wood and cut it to measure 34 and 3/8 inches. Cut a 45-degree angle on each corner, using the circular saw.

2. Cut another piece of the 1-by-6 to 32 and 7/8 inches, leaving the edges straight. Cut another two pieces of 1-by-6 to 19 inches long, leaving one side straight. Cut the other ends' edges to a 45-degree angle. These pieces will serve as the side panels of the desk.

3. Use the power drill and the wood screws to connect all four of the pieces from the above steps. The piece measuring 34 and 3/8 inches will serve as the front. The piece measuring 32 and 7/8 inches will be the back of the desk, and the two 19-inch pieces will serve as the sides of the desk. Using the carpenter square, make sure that all angles meet at 90 degrees. The frame should now be a perfect rectangle.

4. Cut the 3/4-inch plywood into a 38 and 5/8 inch-by-20 and 1/2-inch panel. Using wood screws and the power drill, attach it to the frame assembled in Step 3. The back of the desk should be flush with the frame and all overhang should be in the front. Measure overhang with the tape measure on each side to make sure that it is even.

5. Cut the piece of 2-by-4 inch wood into four pieces measuring 28 and 1/2 inches long. These will become the legs. Cut three pieces from the 1-by-6 inch wood: a back bottom brace piece, measuring 34 and 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.

6. Lay two legs created in Step 5 onto a flat work surface 10 and 1/2 inches apart. Measure 2 and 1/2 inches from the bottom of the legs and place a mark. Connect the 19-inch side and bottom brace to the two legs on the marks using wood screws. The 45-degree angle should face the back and meet with the angles cut on the side braces. The straight cut overhang should be facing toward the front. Repeat this process for the other set of legs.

7. Connect the two leg assemblies made in the above steps to the top panel using wood screws and power drill.

8. Sand all rough edges and fill any holes using wood filler. The desk is ready to stain, using the wood stain and medium paint brush.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, paint the desk the color you prefer instead of staining.

• Wear safety goggles and gloves while using power tools.

• When staining, do so in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Make A Childs Desk And Shelving
• HGTV: How To- Making A Desk Out Of An Antique Door
• Wayne Of The Woods: Free Woodworking Projects- Free Plans On How To Build A Desk

Resources

• Planet Green: Make A Desk From A Door And Three Other Found Object Furniture Projects