How to Build a Simple L-Shaped Corner Desk Unit

Place the measuring tape horizontally on one wall that makes up the corner, where you want to place the L-shaped desk. Decide how long you want the one side of the L-desk to be and write the measurement down. Repeat this step with the other wall in the corner, so you have two custom measurements. In addition, measure outward from the walls to determine your desired width of the desk.

Lay a plywood sheet down. Draw a straight line on the plywood using the pencil and ruler that measures the desired length of one side of the L-shaped desk. From one end of the straight line, draw a perpendicular line measuring the desired width.

Place a protractor on the other end of the horizontal straight line, opposite the vertical drawn line. Place the protractor directly on the end of the line, matching the end of the line to the middle circle of the protractor. Locate the 45-degree angle that slants toward the vertical line, and make a pencil mark by the 45-degree mark on the protractor. Remove the protractor and grab the ruler. Place the ruler at the end of the horizontal line so it lines up with the pencil mark, creating a 45-degree angle. Draw a straight line. In addition, draw another horizontal line, connecting the top end of the vertical line and the slanted 45-degree line to get the outline of one of the desk pieces required. Repeat this entire procedure on a second piece of plywood, so you have two custom-drawn desk surfaces with 45-degree angles.

Cut the two desk surfaces using a table saw. Use sandpaper to remove any splinters that may have been created during the cutting.

Stand six table legs straight up and place a plywood square on each of the legs’ top surfaces so an inch is visible around all four sides of each square. Hammer a single nail through the square, so the nail extends into the leg. This square serves as the connection panel between the leg and the desk surface.

Turn the two plywood desks upside down, so the bottom side is facing upward. Turn the table legs upside down, so the plywood panel is facing downward. Place two table legs in the two 90-degree corners on a single plywood piece. Place two additional legs on the other 90-degree corners on the second plywood desk. Nail them in place by hammering nails into the one-inch perimeter around the desk legs.

Push the two desks together, so the two 45-degree angle cuts line up. Place the two remaining legs on top of the cut, so each plywood square is on both desks. Nail the legs in place, so they are spread evenly apart. Ask a friend to help you turn the entire desk right-side up and push it into the desired corner.