How to build a small desk

This step by step diy project is about how to build a small desk. Building a desk will help you organize your papers and make use of the space efficiently. Any person that has the basic woodworking skills can get the job done in one day, if the right materials and tools are used. Plan everything from the very beginning, according to the size of your room, as well as to how many books you need to store.

As a general rule, you should buy the best materials you could afford. Therefore, MDF or pine boards are great choices, as the components will be durable and have a great appearance. Use proper tools (circular saw with a sharp blade) to make the necessary cuts and smooth the cuts edges with a fine-grit sanding block. Always align the components at both ends, before driving in the screws.

In order to get strong joints and to hide the head of the screws, we recommend you to use a pocket hole system. Therefore, drill pocket holes at both ends of the components and drive in 1 1/4” screws. In addition, don’t forget to add wood glue to the edges of the components, in order to enhance the rigidity of the frame. Work with attention and with great care, if you wnat to get the job done as a professional. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build a small desk, you need to use the following:

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 28″, 2 pieces of 1×4 – 21″, 2 pieces – 19″ LEGS
B – 2 piece of 3/4″ MDF – 22 x 28″, 3 pieces of 3/4″ MDF – 16 1/2 x 22″ SHELVES
C – 2 pieces of 1×2 – 46”, 2 piece of 1×4 – 19”, 1 pieces of 1×2 – 19″ FRAME
D – 1 pieces of 3/4″ plywood MDF – 24 x 48″ TOP

1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 12 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

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

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes

Time

One Day

How to build a simple desk

Building a simple desk

Building a small desk

Building the shelves

The first step of the project is to build the shelves that will be places on one side of the desk. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to use 3/4 MDF, as you can adjust the size of the components easily, as to fit your needs. Use a circular saw with a sharp blade to make long straight cuts.

Building the supports

Continue the woodworking project with building the support that will be placed on the opposite side of the shelves. In order to get the job done quickly, we recommend you to use 1×4 slats, cut at different sizes.

Building the countertop

Building the top of the desk is a straight forward process, provided you use the right instructions. Beside using a 24×48″ piece of MDF, you should attach 1×2 trims to the bottom face, as in the image. In this manner, you will reinforce the top and create a connection between the legs, shelves and the top.

Add wood glue and drive in 1 1/4″ screws to secure the supports into place. In the left side don’t fit teh support to the top, but to the legs.

Installing the countertop

After fitting the 1×4 support to the legs, you should secure them to the top with 1 1/4” screws and wood glue. As you might imagine, you should align and plumb the legs with a spirit level.

How to build a small desk

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. In order to build a small desk with a nice appearance, you have to fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper, after the compound has dried out.

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