How to Make a Table Desk

A table desk is the easiest kind of desk to build. You don't have to worry about drawers, cabinets, roll tops or any of the other fancy gewgaws more elaborate desks require. Start with plans for a basic, table-style desk using the least expensive materials and easily alter them to make a fancier work surface.

4 4-by-4-by-36-inch posts
2 2-by-6-by-48-inch beams
2 2-by-6-by-33-inch beams
48-by-36-by-1/2 inch plywood sheet
Power saw
Power drill
Screwdriver bits
Box of 3-inch wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Build a rectangular frame, using all four of your 2-by-4-inch beams. Lay them with the shorter beams on the inside, all beams resting on the narrow edges.
- 2
  Screw the beams together to connect the frame, using two screws at each corner. Position the screws stacked vertically about 1/2 inch from each other and either end of the beam.
- 3
  Lay your plywood sheet on top of your frame. Screw it in position with one screw at each corner.
- 4
  Reinforce the plywood sheet with an extra screw at the center of each short side and two evenly spaced screws along each longer side.
- 5
  Lay the frame on end, positioned so you can access both sides.
- 6
  Set one post on end in one corner of your frame, on the side with the beams. Mount it to the plywood sheet with four screws, one in each corner of the beam.
- 7
  Screw the other three posts into position in the other three corners of your frame.

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