DIY Simple Desk

Every designer requires a large table or desk to work on. When we moved into our office, we realized we did not have very much furniture but, I needed to get something for Laura to use, other than the kitchen table. On a tight budget and a limited supply of tools, I opted to build something fun yet simple. A few 2x4’s, a Luan door and a handful of bolts is all I needed to build a nice little desk - for about $40.

Step 1
The door I bought is 28” wide by 8’ long, so I cut 4 pieces of 2x4 at 24” for the top and bottom of the legs. I laid the two pieces on the floor and made a guidelines with masking tape. The interior space between the top and bottom portions should equal the total height, or about 30 inches.

Step 2
Lay center diagonal piece atop the top and bottom portions. Align the outer edges, then mark the overhang so you know where to make your cuts. This will be more or less a 45° angle.

Step 3
Drill holes through both top, bottom and center pieces, just wide enough for the bolts. I thought that two bolts would be enough but decided to throw in a couple screws for added support. Bolt it up, and don’t forget to use washers!

Step 4
Because I designed the legs based on aesthetics and not structure, I added two supporting pieces to keep the angle strong. Cut the angled side first so as not to cut the piece too short, then cut the blunt side. Attach these to the inside of the top and bottom pieces, tight to angled piece.

Step 5
Measure again and repeat steps 1-4 for the other side.

Step 6
With two legs completed, I added one long 2x4 to the backside of the legs connecting the two ends. Using scrap 2x4, screw in an angle bracket into either corner. This will help stabilize the legs and allow you to screw into the desk top (door), from below.

Step 7
On the bottom side of the door, measure exactly where the legs will fasten in. I wanted a 3” overhang in the front of the desk, and the rear to be flush.

Place the door on top of the legs and screw one bolt in on both corners to hold it in place. Again, screw from below, through the angled brackets. You can screw the top down if you want, but this comes with a cleaner end result.

Step 8
Once your desk is all assembled, give everything a good sanding. Start with 120 grit on the legs and 220 on the desk top. Luan is a very soft wood, so no need to get crazy.

Custom Paint Job

I like to add a little artistic flare to all of my furniture pieces. This desk was for Laura and she requested traditional, old school floral with a Day of the Dead Skull.

Just draw it up and paint with acrylics. It’s good to use a Sharpie marker for the line work, however, do this last because any water or wash will make the marker bleed.

Once dry, clean the surface with a moist cloth to get all the dust and dirt off.

With a foam brush apply a light coat of Clear Polyurethane to the entire surface and edges of the desk top. This will take many coats (4-5) because Luan is a porous wood. Sand very lightly between coats to eliminate any bubbles or high spots.

Let sit dry for at least 24 hours before you put you put anything on the desk.

Now get to work!

Materials list:
4 - 2x4s
1 - 28” Luan Door
8 - 3” Hex bolts with washers and nuts
2 1/2” screws
120 & 220 grit sandpaper
Polyurethane
Foam brush
Acrylic paints & Brushes

Post by matt on 12/04
Artwork • Handmade • (1) Comments •