How to Make a Desk From Old Lumber

Finding old lumber that is sturdy and straight enough to make a desk can be difficult, as old lumber tends to be weathered and warped. However, old lumber doors reclaimed from building yards or thrift stores are perfect for making a large, sturdy desk. Two old flat panel doors can make a very handsome desk that will not only be practical and attractive, but provide a talking point for your home office or workspace.

2 flat panel doors, standard 32-by-80 inch
Table saw
Wood glue
Drill
Screws

Instructions

- 1
  Rip one of the 32-by-80 inch doors into a 20-by-80-inch panel on a table saw, leaving the other half a 12-by-80-inch panel.
- 2
  Cut the 20-by-80-inch panel into two pieces measuring 20-by-27 inches for the desk legs. From the scrap of the 20-by-80-inch panel, cut two cleats for the legs measuring 3-by-20 inches.
- 3
  Cut the 12-by-80-inch panel to 60 inches long for the brace between the desk legs.
- 4
  Choose which side of the leg pieces will be the outside (the most attractive side), then glue a cleat to the side of the inside of the legs, flush with the top. Secure the cleats with five evenly spaced screws. The screws should be long enough to go through the cleat and halfway into the thickness of the legs.
- 5
  Lay the legs on their edge, with the cleats both at the same end. Place the brace over the legs on the end with the cleats. The brace should be flush with the top of the legs and flush with the sides of the legs.
- 6
  Secure the brace to the edge of the legs with four evenly spaced screws.
- 7
  Stand the legs upright (cleat side up) and place the second door centered on top. If the door has an old handle hole, position it at the back near the brace and use if for a power cord hole.
- 8
  Secure the door desk top to the legs with five evenly spaced screws through the cleats on the legs into the underside of the door desk top.

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