How to Build an Old-Fashioned Phone Desk

Measure 2 inches along each edge from each corner on the 36-by-18-inch section of plywood. Use a straight edge to connect the lines along each side to create a square section at each corner.

Place the 36-by-18-inch plywood on a flat surface, positioned horizontally. Measure 8 inches from each left-side corner along the top and bottom edge. Mark this location. Measure and mark 12 inches from each left-side corner along the top and bottom edge.

Draw a line from the top to the bottom edge of the 36-by-18-inch section of plywood at the 8-inch and 12-inch marks. This will create two 4-by-4-inch squares along the bottom and top edges of the 36-by-18-inch plywood.

Measure 2 inches along each edge from each corner on the 12-by-18-inch plywood. Use a straight edge to connect the lines along each side to create a square section at each corner.

Draw an X over each of the 4-inch squares drawn onto both sections of plywood. Place the straight edge running from the top left corner of each square to the bottom right corner of each square and draw a line across. Repeat the line-drawing process with the top right corner and the bottom left corner of each square.

Place the 36-by-18-inch plywood on a flat surface, positioned horizontally. The wood should be positioned so there are two squares along the left edge, and two additional squares beginning at 8 inches from the left-side edge. Drill a hole through the center of the X on each of the four squares. Insert a threaded rod into each of the four holes so half of the rod is sticking out the top and half is sticking out of the bottom of the plywood.

Draw an X on the base of the four 12-inch-long balusters as well as the top edges of four of the 16-inch balusters. Drill a hole through the center of each X on each baluster.

Cover the top of each of the four 16-inch balusters with wood glue. Screw the baluster onto the threaded rods. Cover the bottom drilled edge of the four 12-inch balusters with wood glue and screw them onto the top of the threaded rod. Make sure all the outer edges of the balusters are lined up with the outer edges of the plywood.

Cover the top edge of the remaining two 16-inch balusters with wood glue. Place them on the corners of the plywood along the opposite side of the plywood. Place the remaining two 16-inch balusters along the same side of the plywood where the previously installed four 16-inch balusters were placed. Allow the wood glue to dry for 10 to 15 minutes before placing the desk on the 16-inch balusters.

Cover the top edges of the four 12-inch balusters on the top of the plywood sticking in the air with wood glue. Press the 12-by-18-inch section of plywood along the top of the balusters.

Hammer a 5-inch nail into the center of each X on the 12-by-18-inch plywood as well as the two corners along the right-side edge of the plywood. This will secure the plywood to the balusters.