How to Build an A-Frame Desk

Miter the ends of eight planks of 29-inch-long 2-by-2 lumber to parallel 15 degree angles on a miter saw. These are the leg planks for the A-frame leg units of the desk.

Miter the ends of four planks of 14-inch-long 2-by-2 lumber to opposing 15-degree angles on a miter saw. These are the support planks for ibetween each pair of legs.

Lay two leg planks flat on the work surface and form them into a “V” shape, with approximately 5 inches between the ends of the planks at the point of the “V.”

Fit a support plank between the two angled leg planks, approximately 5 3/4 inches up from the widest end of the “V” to create an “A” shape, still with the roughly 5-inch gap between the top of the legs or the point of the “A.”

Glue the support plank to the sides of the legs, then secure the support plank to the legs with a 2-1/2-inch wood screw driven through the outside of the leg into the ends of the support plank. Repeat with the remaining leg planks and support plank so you have four pairs of “A” shaped legs.

Lay a plank of 24-inch 1-by-6 lumber flat on the work surface. This is the top of the leg unit, which will connect two pairs of legs to form the A-frame sawhorse that will support the desktop.

Apply wood glue to the tops of the legs at the point of the “A” and glue two pairs of legs at either end of the top plank. You may need to support the legs so they remain straight up as the glue dries.

Turn the leg frame over so that the “A” portions of the legs are upright, with the top plank between them. Secure the top plank in place with two 2-1/2-inch wood screws through the top plank into the end of each leg.

Repeat with the remaining two leg units and another top plank so you have two A-frame sawhorses.

Stand the sawhorses approximately 60 inches apart and center a 32-by-80-inch hollow-core door on top of them for the desktop. Secure the desktop to the sawhorses with five 2-1/2-inch wood screws through the underside of the sawhorse top plank into the underside of the desktop.