How to build a desk with drawers

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a desk with drawers. If you want to learn more about building a desk, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are so many desk plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the related woodworking projects that are featured on our website. More desk plans HERE.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the desk to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a simple desk

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 13″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 13″ long, 1 piece – 57″ long SUPPORTS
C – 1 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 13 3/4″ long SUPPORT
D – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 16″x60″ long TOP
E – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 25 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 12 3/4″ long, 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 12 3/4″x26 3/4″ long 2xDRAWER
F – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 28 3/8″ long 2xDRAWER FACE

1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 2’x’6′
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler
slides

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building a desk with drawers

Building the sides of the desk

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the sides of the desk. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to build the legs out of 2×2 lumber, as well as the bottom support. Build the aprons out of 2×4 lumber and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the apron between the legs and lock it tightly by inserting 2 1/2″ screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the residues. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the bottom support and lock it to the legs by using 2 1/2″ screws.

Building the frame of the desk

Build the back apron out of 2×4 lumber, after taking accurate measurements. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the apron and lock it to the legs by using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws, to prevent the end result will be professional. Add glue to joints in order to enhance the bond of the components.

Attaching the top of the desk

Cut the top of the desk out of 3/4″ plywood. Drill pocket holes through the aprons and insert 2″ screws into the 3/4″ plywood top. Make sure you align the top with great care and you leave no gaps between the components. Add glue and remove the excess.

Building the drawer

Build the drawers out of 1×3 lumber, as described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the yellow components and secure them to the perpendicular slats, after making sure the corners are square. Leave no gaps between the components and repeat the process for the other drawer.

Attaching the plywood back

Attach the 1/2″ plywood (you could use 1/4″ plywood as well) to the drawers. Drill pilot holes through the plywood and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the frame, as described in the diagram. Add waterproof glue to the joints in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Attaching the drower stop

Fit the 2×2 stop to the desk, as described in the image. Drill pilot holes through the stop before locking it to the structure. Add glue to the joint in order to create a rigid structure.

Fitting the drawers

Fit the drawers to the desk and secure them to the structure by using 3/8″ slides Align everything with attention and make sure the drawers open and close properly before locking them to the structure with galvanized screws.

Attaching the drawer faces

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the faces to the desk. Make sure you cut the components at the right size (use 1×4 slats). Smooth the edges with sandpaper and make sure there is a gap of 1/8″ around the drawers before locking them into place.

How to build a desk with drawers

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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