How to Make Your Own L-Desk

Space is at a premium in most offices; an L-shaped desk capitalizes on this issue to maximize space usage. As its name implies, the L-shaped desk forms an L-shape and uses the wall as an anchor. This desk style is most commonly seen as a receptionist desk or fit entirely into a corner to make the most of a room's shape. In part because of the simplicity of its design, the L-shaped desk is also a popular woodworking project. File cabinets act as support and storage to create a modern minimalist look thus making this corner desk project more straightforward for a beginning woodworker.

2 panels of 1/2-inch hard maple plywood measuring 4-feet by 8-feet cut to size
Bandsaw
Power sander
100 grit sandpaper
200 grit sandpaper
220 grit sandpaper
1 gal. fast-drying polyurethane finish
Paintbrush
2 V-shaped brackets with corresponding screws
Power drill
2 identical metal file cabinets to measure desired height of desk top.
8 L-shaped wall brackets with corresponding screws

Instructions

- 1
  Select the desired corner for the desk. Measure the available distance from the corner to any obstructions to determine the preferred desk size. Cut the maple plywood to size with a bandsaw.
- 2
  Determine where the two panels will join together. Cut a diagonal edge on one end of each panel so that both fit together at the middle and form a right angle.
- 3
  Load the power sander with the 100 grit sandpaper. Sand all surfaces of the plywood to eliminate any imperfections in the wood. Round the edges if desired. Switch to the 200 grit sandpaper to smooth the wood. Finish sanding the wood with the 220 grit sandpaper.
- 4
  Brush two coats of the polyurethane finish in the direction of the grain over the desk. Allow the desk to dry overnight.
- 5
  Lay the wood panels perpendicular to one another to create the L-shape. Place a V-shaped bracket at each end of the desk and use a power drill to secure the screws.
- 6
  Place two file cabinets near where the edge of the desk will sit. Lift the wooden desk surface on top of the cabinets.
- 7
  Drill a metal "L"-shaped bracket to the wall and the underside of the desk every 2 feet to ensure the desk is secured.

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