How to Build a Desk and Shelf Unit

Measure down 6 inches from the top of two 72-inch planks of 2-by-6-inch lumber. These are the vertical frame planks of the desk shelving unit. Mark a line at the 6-inch point, then a line every 12 inches below; there should be six lines in total, with the last line 6 inches from the bottom of the frame planks.

Mark a second line 1-inch under each of the initial lines, then use a dado blade set into a table saw to cut out between each line to 3 1/2 inches deep, so you have six notches on each frame plank that are 1-inch wide and 3 1/2 inches deep.

Measure in 3 inches from each end of five planks of 42-inch 1-by-12, the shelves, and one piece of 42-inch 1-by-24-inch lumber, the desk top. Mark a second line 2 inches in from the initial lines then use the dado blade to cut out between the lines to a depth of 2 1/2 inches, so that you have a notch 3 inches in from each end of the shelves and desk top that is 1 inch wide by 2 1/2 inches deep.

Sand and paint the frame planks, shelves and desk top, as well as two planks of 2-by-4 lumber measuring 33 inches, which are the braces for the desk shelving unit. Leave to dry for the time recommended by the paint manufacturer.

Lay the frame planks notch-side up 33 inches apart. Place a brace plank just above the first notches on the top of the frame planks, and just below the second from the bottom notches on the frame planks. They should be flush with the back of the frame planks. Secure them to the frame planks with three 3-inch wood screws driven through the side of the frame planks into the ends of the brace pieces.

Spread a thin amount of glue into the notches on the shelves, desk top and frames, then slot the shelf notches into the notches on the frame planks, with the desk top slotting into the notches second from the bottom on the frame planks. The backs of the shelves will be flush with the back of the frame planks. Let the glue dry.

Turn the frame and shelves over, so the back of the frame planks are up. Secure the shelves and desk top to the frame planks with a 3-inch screw driven through the cross point of the mated notches at the back of the frames.

Measure up 12 inches from the ground and mark a light level line on the wall. This will be the height the ends of the frame planks sit at so that the desk top sits at 30 inches high.

Locate the wall stud points on the wall using a stud finder. Have a helper assist you in lifting the desk and shelf unit upright onto the wall, adjusting the position so that the ends of the frame planks are on the level line.

Secure the desk and shelf unit to the wall with two evenly spaced 4-inch screws through each of the brace planks into the wall stud points.