Build a Modern Industrial Desk

By Woodshop Mike
modern-desk-front
modern-desk
modern-desk-top-drawer
modern-desk-left-side-detail
modern-desk-right-side
modern-desk-left-side
modern-desk-left-side-2
modern-desk-left-side-3
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

Want a desk that blends the best of modern design with elements of industrial style? Check out how to build this desk that packs a ton of customizable storage into a stylish workspace.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Jointer
    Jointer
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Square
    Square
  • Table Saw
    Table Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Thickness Planer
    Thickness Planer
  • Clamps
    Clamps
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Drill Press
    Drill Press
  • Impact Driver
    Impact Driver
  • Sander
    Sander
  • Shop Vacuum
    Shop Vacuum
  • Workbench
    Workbench

Materials

Wood Products

  • 15 Hardwood , 4/4 stock , Bf
  • 2 Plywood , 3/4" Thick , Half Sheet
  • 1 Plywood , 1/2" Thick , Full Sheet
  • 1 Plywood , 1/4" Thick , Full Sheet

Hardware & Supplies

  • 8 Steel pipe: 2" OD x 2-1/2" long
  • 3 22" undermount drawer glides
  • 2 Inset Euro Hinges
  • 100 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
  • 28 1" pan head pocket hole screws
  • 8 #10 x 3-1/2" screws
  • 16 #6 x 1/2" screws
  • 6 Drawer handles
  • 8 Anti-slip pads
  • 1 1qt glue
  • 2 2qts General Finishes Milk Paint
  • 1 1qt General Finishes High Performance Top Coat
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 6 Top, Bottom, & Shelf , 23-3/4" x 14-3/4" x 3/4"
  • 2 Stretcher , 3" x 14-3/4" x 3/4"
  • 4 Side , 23-3/4" x 26-1/4" x 3/4"
  • 1 Divider Shelf , 17-3/4" x 6-1/4" x 1/2"
  • 1 Top Vertical Divder , 13" x 14" x 1/2"
  • 1 Bottom Vertical Divider , 10-1/4" x 17-3/4" x 1/2"
  • 1 Back Panel , 39-1/2" x 13-1/4" x 3/4"
  • 8 Spacer , 2" diameter x 2-1/8" long
  • 1 Desk Top , 72" x 23-3/4" x 2"
  • 1 Left Cabinet Door , 14-1/2" x 8-3/4" x 1/2"
  • 1 Right Cabinet Door , 21" x 14-1/2" x 1/2"
  • 2 Top Drawer False Front , 14-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 3/4"
  • 1 Left Side Drawer False Front , 14-1/2" x 11-1/4" x 3/4"
  • 2 Bottom Drawer Side , 22" x 6" x 1/2"
  • 2 Bottom Drawer Front & Back , 13" x 6" x 1/2"
  • 4 Top Drawer Side , 22" x 1-7/8" x 1/2"
  • 4 Top Drawer Front & Back , 13" x 1-7/8" x 1/2"
  • 3 Drawer Bottom , 21-1/2" x 13-1/2" x 1/4"
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • First Cuts

    Grab the full plans from the extras tab! These steps will be much easier to follow with the plans to reference. To begin this build, I go ahead and cut all of the parts to make the cabinet bases.

    Step 1

  • Pocket Holes

    After all of the panels are cut, I drill pocket holes in each of the parts made from 3/4" plywood as noted in the plans.

    Step 2

  • Cabinet Base Assembly

    I use parallel clamps or 90 degree Kreg clamps to hold the parts in place (as shown in the plans) while assembling the cabinet with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

    Step 3

  • Custom Cabinet Dividers

    Modify the dividers as necessary to fit your needs. Cut the dividers from 1/2" plywood and drill pocket holes as shown in the plans. Install the dividers in the cabinet using 1" pan head pocket hole screws.

    Step 4

  • Drawer Boxes

    I used undermount drawer slides for this build which require 1/2" plywood for the drawer box. I followed the MFGs instructions for notching and drawer sizing. If you choose to use different slides, you'll need to resize the drawers as necessary to follow the MFGs guidelines.

    Cut all drawer components and drill pocket holes as noted on the plans. Be sure to not drill pocket holes into the drawer bottom groove.

    Step 5

  • Install Drawer Boxes

    Next I install the drawer slides per the MFGs instructions. One thing I love about these slides is how easy they are to install and the amount of adjustability they have after the drawer is installed!

    Step 6

  • Door Fronts

    Cut the door fronts as shown and adjust as necessary to maintain an even reveal around the cabinet. Cut grooves in right side door front to mimic the doors and drawers on the left hand side using a router or table saw.

    Drill for Euro hinges and install per MFGs instructions.

    Step 7

  • Attach Drawer Fronts

    Cut drawer fronts to size (adjust as necessary to achieve proper reveal.) Attach drawer fronts with 2 screws from inside drawer box. Adjust drawer slides as necessary to center drawer front in cabinet opening.

    Step 8

  • Desk Top

    Mill lumber and glue up top layer of desk top. Glue a second layer (border) on the underside of the desk top. This will add the illusion of a thicker top.

    Step 9

  • Finish

    Sand, paint, and finish the project as desired. I recommend masking off the drawer fronts during the finishing process.

    Step 10

  • Install Spacers

    I cut the metal tube spacers using a cermet blade. This gave very quick and accurate results. After spray painting the spacers (and allowing the paint to sufficiently dry) I pressed the spacers into the 2" holes in the top of each cabinet.

    Step 11

  • Final Assembly

    I would highly recommend doing the final assembly in the location you plan to have the desk if possible. I start by attaching the back panel to each cabinet and shown in the plans.

    Then I center the desktop on the base and secure it with screws through the top of each base (hidden by the spacers) and into the underside of the desktop.

    Reinstall each of the drawers and doors and your desk is done!

    Step 12

  • Watch the Video!

    Make sure to check out the build video on this one! (linked in the extras tab)

    https://youtu.be/KxaUzucNmYY

    I had a blast producing it and I think you'll find it helpful when tackling this project!

    Step 13

  • Woodshopmike.com

    Make sure to check out additional info over on my blog: (also linked in the extras tab)

    https://woodshopmike.com/how-to-make-the-ultimate-desk/
    I'd love to know what you all think so let me know! Thanks for reading!

    Step 14