How to Build a Stud Frame Desk

A stud-frame desk can lend a minimalist look to your home while providing a place for storage or work tasks. This type of desk is particularly appropriate for a work shed, basement office or other area where you might not need a premade desk. Because 2-by-4-inch studs are inexpensive and readily available at lumber yards and home improvement stores, you can quickly build your desk without the cost associate with buying a premade desk. This project requires basic carpentry supplies and tools.

2-by-4-inch lumber
Measuring tape
Circular saw
Miter saw
Drill
4-inch wood screws
Electric screwdriver
6-inch wood screws
3/8-inch-thick plywood
Wood glue
Hand sander

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the width, depth and height of the stud desk. It should be large enough to accommodate all of your work materials, which may include binders, a computer monitor and keyboard and office supplies. It should be about 36 inches high to provide comfort while you are working.
- 2
  Measure two sections of 2-by-4-inch stud lumber to the width of the desk and two sections to the depth of the desk with a measuring tape. These sections form the top frame of the desk. Cut the sections to length with a circular saw.
- 3
  Miter the ends of the top frame sections at 45-degree angles with a miter saw. Assemble the sections to form a rectangle. Drill two pilot holes through each corner with a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the wood screws and insert a 4-inch wood screw into each pilot hole with an electric screwdriver.
- 4
  Measure and cut four sections of 2-by-4-inch stud lumber about 4 1/2 inches shorter than the finished desk height. These sections form the legs of the desk.
- 5
  Turn the frame on its side and place the ends of two of the legs against the bottom of the frame, one at each corner. Drill pilot holes through the frame into the ends of the legs. Insert and tighten 6-inch wood screws through the pilot holes with an electric screwdriver to secure the first two legs to the top frame. Turn the frame over and repeat this process with the remaining two legs.
- 6
  Measure and cut with a table saw two sections of 3/8-inch-thick plywood to fit the top frame of the table. Turn the table frame upright, place one of the plywood sheets on the top frame and align the edges. Drill pilot holes through the plywood into the top frame at 4-inch intervals. Insert and tighten 4-inch wood screws through the pilot holes to secure the plywood to the frame.
- 7
  Apply wood glue to the plywood section affixed to the top frame. Place the second plywood sheet on top of the first and align the edges. Press the top plywood sheet down to allow the glue to bond. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
- 8
  Sand all surfaces of the stud stable with a hand sander to smooth rough edges and round the corners.

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