How to Make a Desk With Cubes

Stack together four piles of five 6-inch cubes. Apply wood glue between each cube, and turn the cubes slightly as you stack them. The turning will create a spiral appearance, giving the desk more character. Allow the wood glue to dry while continuing to build the desk.

Place a section of plywood -- 1/2-inch thick, and 24 inches wide by 48 inches long -- on a flat surface running horizontally. Apply a 2-inch-wide line of wood glue along the plywood's left-side edge. Place a line of 2-inch cubes over the wood glue.

Apply a line of wood glue over the right-side edge of all the already-placed cubes, and create another 2-inch-thick line of wood glue across the plywood as done in Step 2. The new line of wood glue should run next to the previously installed cube row.

Line another row of cubes next to the line previously installed. Press them against the row to their left as well as down onto the plywood to create a secure hold.

Add on each row of cubes as done in Steps 2 through 4 until all 288 cubes are laid across the plywood. Allow wood glue to dry for 30 minutes before continuing.

Place the four stacks of 6-inch cubes on a flat surface. Place two on the left end, 2 inches from outer edge to outer edge at each end, spaced 48 inches from outer edge to outer edge apart. Apply wood glue to the top of each stack, and set the plywood covered with cubes over the stacks. Place one stack of cubes at each corner to hold it up.

Place a 24-by-48-inch sheet of glass over the cube top. This will create a smooth work surface.