How to Construct a Desk

Lay a standard-size, 32-by-80-inch hollow-core interior door flat on the work surface, underside up. This will be the desk top.

Form two planks of 74-inch and two planks of 22-inch 2-by-4 lumber into a frame for the aprons of the desk, with the 22-inch planks on the inside of the 74-inch plank ends to make the frame 26 by 74 inches. Secure the aprons together with two 2 5/8-inch screws countersunk through the side aprons into the end of the end (22-inch) aprons.

Apply glue to the top of the apron frame, then center it over the underside of the desk top. Leave the glue to dry, with the frame weighted down onto the desk top.

Stand two cubbies or cabinets, measuring 20 by 20 inches and standing 28 inches tall, around 70 inches apart. Place the desk top over them, and adjust the position so that the short sides of the apron are pressed against the outer side of the cubbies.

Insert a piece of 22-inch 2-by-2 lumber into the apron frame, flush against the inside edge of the cubbies, and mark the position before removing the planks. These planks will ensure the cubbies are secure under the desk top.

Take the desk top off the cubbies and turn it back over so the apron frame is up. Place the 2-by-2 lumber back in the position you marked, and attach it to the apron frame like you did the end aprons. Secure these planks to the underside of the desk top as well, with four evenly spaced screws through the planks into the underside of the desk top.

Replace the desk top over the cubbies and press the desk top down so that it is flat on top of the cubbies. Secure the apron frame to the cubbies with four evenly spaced screws through the end aprons and 2-by-2 planks into the sides of the cubbies.