Desk Plans Material List

Desktop Materials

• A desk's surface must be flat, wide and strong enough to support the weight of a computer monitor, any on-the-desk storage and your weight if you ever lean against it while you work. Use 1 1/2 inch or thicker plywood or pine sheets, countertops, prefabricated desk or tabletops or even a solid core door. If the material you use for your desktop isn't perfectly flat, like a door with recessed panels, or you want to protect the desktop's surface from scratches and wear, cut a thin sheet of clear acrylic plastic to match your desktop's size.

Desk Leg Materials

• Your desk will need support from sturdy legs. You can by prefabricated legs, which screw into the underside of your desk, or you can get creative with your leg choices, depending on your desk plans. Do-it-yourself desk leg ideas include a pair of painted sawhorses, painted filing cabinets, small bedside dressers or short bookcases. Options that provide extra storage maximize your work area. Attach furniture gliders to the bottoms of desk legs to avoid scratching floors. If mount your desk to a wall instead of using legs, install very strong brackets along the bottom of your desk.

Other Materials

• You need tools to build most desks. The most basic tools you need to execute any desk plans include a screwdriver and several screws. If you're making the desk, you'll need a measuring tape, saw, sandpaper and power drill with bits. You'll need a wall stud finder if your desk plans call for a wall-mounted desk. If you customize your desk's top or legs with paint, you'll need interior latex primer and paint, a small roller or brush, a paint tray and a drop cloth.