How to Build a Desk & Shelves on Brackets

There is an infinite variety of desk solutions available, ranging from simple table desks to ornate roll-tops to sturdy teacher desks. One interesting option is a wall-mounted bracket desk, where the work surface and storage is simply screwed into the wall. Although this may seem intimidating, it's a project well within the reach of even beginning woodworkers. Note that the lumber dimensions given here are a guide for simplicity. Customize these plans to suit your needs by adjusting measurements to taste.

2 L-brackets with 2-foot arms
4 L-brackets with 1-foot arms
Wooden sheet, 1 inch by 24 inches by 40 inches
2 wooden sheets, 1 inch by 12 inches by 20 inches
Sandpaper
Stain
Paintbrush
Wood screws
Power drill
Level
Stud finder

Instructions

- 1
  Sand all faces of your lumber and wipe clean. Apply a coat of stain in a well-ventilated area. Allow to dry, then apply a second coat.
- 2
  Locate the wall studs on the wall where you want to mount your desk unit. Standard spacing on wall studs is 16 inches on center.
- 3
  Mount one 2-foot bracket on one wall stud. Place it so its upper arm is 30 inches off the floor. Fix it in place using 3-inch wood screws and power drill.
- 4
  Mount the other 2-foot bracket to a wall stud two studs away from the one you already mounted. Use your level to confirm that the upper arms are even with each other. Screw it in place as you did the other.
- 5
  Set the 24-by-40 wooden sheet on top of the brackets, with 3 inches of wood overlapping on either side. Screw it to the brackets using 1/2 inch wood screws. If you screw in from the bottom, the screws won't mar your work surface.
- 6
  Mount one 12-inch bracket to a wall stud at least 18 inches above the surface of your desk. Use 3-inch wood screws. Mount a second 12-inch bracket to an adjacent wall stud, using your level to keep the upper arms level.
- 7
  Place a 20-inch wooden sheet on top of the brackets, with 2 inches overlapping on either side. Screw in place using 1/2-inch wood screws driven from underneath.
- 8
  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to mount the other shelf in an appropriate area. You can add more than two shelves if you have the supplies and inclination.

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Desks