How to Add Legs to a Countertop to Make a Desk

A countertop makes the ideal top for a do-it-yourself desk project. Search salvage yards and antique shops for old wooden countertops from old farmhouses to use for your desk. The well-used countertop surface will add character and depth. Combine the aged countertop with sleek metal table legs to create a modern piece of furniture that will complement nearly any style of home. A clear lacquer applied to the countertop will seal in the age of the piece and provide a smooth, durable work surface.

Wooden countertop
Drill
Hole saw-bit, 2-inch
Sanding pad, fine-grit
Clear spray lacquer
4 Metal furniture legs, with mounting hardware
Screw gun

Instructions

- 1
  Place the wooden countertop flat on a work surface with the top side facing up and the long back edge facing you.
- 2
  Drill a 2-inch hole through the countertop in the center of the long back edge of the countertop using a drill equipped with a 2-inch hole saw bit. Space the hole 1 inch in from the long back edge.
- 3
  Sand the edges of the hole with a fine-grit sanding pad until they are completely smooth. The hole will allow wires from accessories such as computers, printers, phones and electronics chargers to be neatly channeled down through the back edge of the desk.
- 4
  Apply two even coats of clear spray lacquer to countertop. Allow the first coat to dry for 4 hours and apply a second coat. Wait 24 hours for the second coat to dry before continuing.
- 5
  Turn the countertop upside down on the work surface so that the bottom side is facing up. Align one metal table leg in each corner of the countertop. Space the mounting plates on the legs 1-inch in from the edges.
- 6
  Drive the mounting screws that were included with the table legs through the holes in the mounting plates into bottom of the countertop with a screw gun.

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