Instructions on Building Desks

Building a basic writing desk can be a simple project that saves money and takes only a little longer than assembling a premanufactured purchase. From a simple frame, you can add drawers, cabinets and keyboard shelves as taste and usage require. Setting aside an afternoon for this project is suitable for novice and intermediate do-it-yourselfers.

Wooden sheet, 1/2 inch by 30 inches by 60 inches
4 Wooden sheets, 1/2 inch by 30 inches by 30 inches
Wooden sheet, 1/2 inch by 15 inches by 60 inches
Sandpaper
Wood glue
Nails, 1 inch long
Hammer or nail gun

Instructions

- 1
  Sand all surfaces of your lumber using rough grit sandpaper, then a second time with fine-grit. Surfaces must be smooth for writing.
- 2
  Set one 30-by-30 sheet and the 30-by-60 sheet together in an L-shape. The end of the smaller sheet should abut the inside face of the larger.
- 3
  Glue the sheets together at the joint. Reinforce with a line of 10 evenly spaced nails. Wipe off excess glue.
- 4
  Add a second 30-by-30 sheet to the opposite end of the 30-by-60 sheet. Mount, glue and nail as you did the first.
- 5
  Mount the remaining 30-by-30 sheets between the two you have already mounted. Place each approximately 15 inches inward from either of the first sheets. Mount, glue and nail as you did the first two.
- 6
  Stand the desk up so that it rests on the open ends of the 30-by-30 sheets.
- 7
  Lay the 60-by-18 sheet along the top of the back of the desk structure. Glue in place to the ends of all five sheets. Nail in place using a line of 20 evenly spaced nails along the edge of the top of the desk. Reinforce with a line of six evenly spaced nails along the edges of each of the support legs.

How to Convert a Desk into a Sink

How to Use Power Washers on Wood Desks

Desks