How to Build an L-Shaped Desk in a Hallway Nook

Measure the width and depth of the nook in inches. On the plywood, draw the outline for the pieces you have to cut out. Two pieces must be 30-by-18 inches; one piece is the width of the nook by 18 inches. Another is the depth of the nook with 18 inches subtracted from this measurement, by 18 inches.

Cut out the outlined pieces using a band saw. Place the sheet cut to 18 inches less than the depth along its side. Put the 18-inch side of one of the 18-by-30-inch pieces up to the end edge of one of the 18-inch ends so they match up. Screw the pieces together using a power screwdriver. Place one screw at every 4 inches. Fill in the indented screw areas with wood filler. When it dries, sand it down to make it even with the wood filler.

Lay the piece of plywood that is cut to the width of the nook on its side. Place the other piece that is 18-by-30 inches up against one base edge of the other piece. Screw it in place through the top of the piece cut to the width. Fill the screw holes with wood filler and sand it down when the filler dries.

Paint the pieces in your choice of color. Once dry, put the piece cut to the width into the nook with the 18-by-30-inch section up against the side wall of the nook to the left. Go underneath the piece once it is in place and screw in two L-brackets. Each one should be 12 inches from either wall. Screw the top of the bracket into the top of the desk and screw the side of the bracket into the wall.

Put the other along the right side of the nook with the 18-by-30-inch piece facing out. Check that it is flush with the other piece. On either side of the seam, attach an L-bracket.