How to Make a Desk Out of Wood

Having a quiet, personal place to work on assignments is necessary for students of any age. Having a desk at home or in the dorm room is as simple as following a few instructions and making a small investment in materials. With a little time, effort and a few supplies, you can build a sturdy wooden work desk that will serve as the perfect place to work on school assignments and projects for many years to come.

Instructions

1

Cut one of the pieces of the 1-by-6-inch wood to 34 3/8 inches, cutting a 45 degree angle on each corner, using the circular saw. Cut another piece of the 1-by-6 to 32 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 at a 45 degree angle. These will serve as the side pieces of the desk.

2

Connect all four of the above pieces using a power drill and the wood screws. The piece measuring 34 3/8 inches should be the front, the piece measuring 32 7/8 inches will serve as the back, and the two 19-inch pieces will be the sides. Ensure that all angles are at 90 degrees so that the desk will be a perfect rectangle.

3

Cut the piece of 3/4-inch plywood to a 38 5/8-inch-by-20 1/2-inch panel with the circular saw and attach it to the frame with wood screws. The back should be flush and the overhang should be in the front. Measure the overhang on each side to make sure that it is even.

4

Cut the piece of 2-by-4-inch wood into four legs measuring 28 1/2 inches long. Cut three bottom brace pieces from the 1-by-6-inch wood: the 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.

5

Lay two of the 2-by-4 legs on a flat surface 10 1/2 inches apart. Use a carpenter square to ensure the legs are even. Measure 2 1/2 inches from the bottom of each leg and place a mark on each leg. Attach the 19-inch side and bottom brace to the two legs using wood screws. The 45 degree angle should be in the back and the straight cut overhang should be in the front. Repeat this process for the other set of legs.

6

Attach the two leg assemblies to the top panel using wood screws. Attach the 1-by-6-by-34 3/8-inch bottom back brace 4 inches from the bottom of the legs.

7

Sand any rough edges and fill all holes with wood putty. If desired, stain the desk using wood stain and a medium paintbrush.