Do It Yourself U Shaped Desk

Sketch the design for your desk onto paper. Measure the area you have decided to put the desk. Then, open the measuring tape and place it on the floor to determine the final measurements for your desk. You need two measurements the total width of the desk that will be the bottom of the "U" shape, and the total length of the desk that is the length of the sides of the "U."

Transfer these measurements to the sheets of medium-density fiberboard, or MDF. You will need one piece for the entire length of the desk, or the bottom of the “U,” and two pieces the width of the desk minus the measurement of the desk top. A good size desk is six feet wide and six feet long. This would make the bottom of the "U" six feet long by two feet wide. The sides would be four feet long by two feet wide.

Sand the cut edges to remove any splintered wood.

Turn the three pieces upside down on the work surface. Line the edges up to make the “U” shape with the longest piece at the bottom of the “U.”

Place three flat brackets over both seams where the two pieces meet.

Screw each bracket into place with one screw on each end, attaching the bracket to the underside of the desk.

Place a threaded pipe flange on the outside four corners of the underside of the desktop. A pipe flange has a flat side that will sit against the wood and a threaded side that will screw onto the metal pipe legs. Place two flanges on the inner corners at the tips of the “U.” Space two more flanges across the outer edge of the desktop at the bottom of the “U,” and one more on each side. This is eight pipe flanges for eight legs.

Secure each flange to the underside of the desk with four screws into each flange.

Screw pipes into each metal flange.

Attach the remaining eight flanges to the bottom of the metal poles.

Turn the desk over and sand the top and sides.

Wipe down with a clean cloth and paint or stain as desired.