modern-floating-desk-with-logo-detail
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A simple, modern floating desk that proves less is really more. Clean lines, a slim profile, and a design that feels light, functional, and easy. This is perfect for anyone, no matter their experience level.

Difficulty easy

Materials

Wood Products

  • 2 Walnut plywood , 4x8
  • 2 Solid walnut , 3/4"
  • 1 Wood glue
  • 2 Soft close concealed insert hinges

Hardware & Supplies

  • 1 Box of 1-1/4" Pocket hole screws

Cut List & Parts

  • 2 Floating desk box sides - plywood , 6" x 16"
  • 1 Floating desk box top - plywood , 42 1/2" x 16"
  • 1 Floating desk box bottom - plywood , 42 1/2" x 16"
  • 2 Floating desk box face frame stiles- solid walnut , 6" x 1-1/2"
  • 2 Floating desk box face frame rails - solid walnut , 41" x 1-1/2"
  • 2 Right hand cabinet sides- plywood , 24" x 16"
  • 1 Right hand cabinet top- plywood , 16" x 14-1/2"
  • 1 Right hand cabinet bottom - plywood , 16" 14- 1/2"
  • 1 Shelf (optional) - plywood , 15" x 14-1/2"
  • 2 Faceframe stiles- solid walnut , 24" x 1-1/2"
  • 2 Faceframe rails - solid walnut , 13" x 1-1/2"
  • 1 Insert slab door - solid walnut , Cut to size after face frame install

Directions

  • Build the floating desk box

    - Cut all floating box plywood parts square and label them.
    - Drill pocket holes on the inside edges of the Top and Bottom panels (along both 16" edges).
    - Dry-fit: clamp sides between top and bottom. Confirm the box is square (check diagonals).
    - Glue and drive 1-1/4" pocket screws to assemble.
    - Lightly sand inside edges now (easier before mounting)

  • Build the right-hand cabinet

    - Cut cabinet plywood parts square and label them.
    - Drill pocket holes on the inside edges of the cabinet Top and Bottom panels.
    - Dry-fit and clamp. Check to make sure everything is square.
    - Glue and drive 1-1/4" pocket screws to assemble.
    - If adding shelf pins, drill the shelf pin holes now (before the face frame)

  • Build both face frames

    - Mill face frame stock to 3/4" thick and 1-1/2" wide.
    - Cut rails/stiles per cut list. Dry-fit each frame on its carcass.
    - Drill two pocket holes on the back side of each rail end.
    - Glue, clamp flat, then screw rails into stiles to assemble each frame.
    - Glue face frames to carcass fronts. Clamp. Optionally: add a few brads to hold while glue cures.

  • Install cleats and hang both desk components

    Rip a 3/4" plywood strip at 45 degrees to create a wall cleat and matching box cleats.
    - Find studs. Level the wall cleat line. Pre-drill and fasten the wall cleat into studs with 3" structural screws.
    - Fasten matching cleats inside the floating box and inside the cabinet (mirror orientation so they hook securely).
    - Hang the floating box first and level it.
    - Hang the right cabinet and align the face frame edges so the tops read as one continuous line.

    -Add screws from inside each box into adjoining box.

  • Fit and install the insert slab door

    - Measure the finished face frame opening after the cabinet is hung and square. -Decide reveal (common: 1/16" all around). Cut slab door to size.
    - Drill and install concealed hinges. Mount door to face frame.
    - Adjust hinges for even reveal. Install pull/knob and optional catch.

  • Install the desk top

    - Set the top in place and confirm alignment. Install 1-½” walnut face around countertop edge.
    -From inside the box and cabinet, fasten cabinet to countertop.

  • Finish

    - Sand: 120 -> 180 -> 220 (or your preferred sequence). Apply oil or finish of your choice.