DIY Student Desk

Measure and mark the plywood to form two boards 3 feet long by 2 feet wide and two wood strips each 6 inches high by 2 feet across.

Cut out the four rectangles with a circular saw. Set the two small pieces 3 feet apart on a flat surface. The 2-foot long edge should rest on the work surface. Balance a long board on the small pieces to create the appearance of a shelf. Connect the pieces with three screws through each end of the long board into the edge of the small sections.

Turn the desk frame upside down and attach the other long board with screws to create a wooden rectangle.

Place a desk chair near the wall where you plan to mount the desk and instruct the student to sit as if at a desk. Mark the best height placement for the desk on the wall in pencil.

Use a stud finder to locate the wall braces. Mark the stud placements on the wall so you know where to place your desk screws. A desk that is not attached to studs will rip loose from the sheet rock if too much strain is placed on it, so avoid costly structure repairs by taking the time to find the studs and attach the desk in the correct anchor points.

Attach L-braces to the studs with screws. Slide the desk top onto the braces and secure with screws.

Measure the distance from the bottom of the desk to the floor. Mark and cut 2 plywood boards to this length and 1 foot wide. Cut three boards 35 inches long by 1 foot wide and set aside.

Divide the height measurement from the desk to the floor by three. Mark these intervals on both boards and use a router to create shelf notches.

Place the boards 3 feet apart with notched sides facing each other. Slide in the three 35-inch by 1-foot boards into the shelf notches. Secure with two screws through each shelf on both sides and set upright under the desk surface to hold books. Use the 6-inch space in the drawer to store paper, writing utensils and basic office supplies.