This is a very simple build, built from off the shelf lumber. It can be built in just an afternoon with very basic tools. This desk is a child sized desk, meant for older children or even adults. The desk has an lid that opens for easy access to books, crayons, laptops, or tablets.
Tools
Kreg Tools
Other Tools
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Circular Saw (corded)
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Jigsaw
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Miter Saw
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Drill (cordless)
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Sander
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Tape Measure
Materials
Wood Products
- 2 Board , 2x2 , 96"
- 1 Board , 1x4 , 96"
- 1 Board , 1x3 , 96"
- 1 Board , 1x2 , 72"
- 1 Plywood , 3/4" Thick , Half Sheet
Hardware & Supplies
- 1 Piano Hinge (30")
- 50 1 1/4" pocket hole screws
- 12 2 1/2" pocket hole screws
- 1 Wood Glue
Cut List & Parts
- 4 Legs , 29" (2x2)
- 2 Horizontal Supports , 16" (2x2)
- 1 Horizontal Support , 30" (2x2)
- 2 Apron Front & Back , 30" (1x4)
- 2 Apron Sides , 16" (1x4)
- 1 Desk Back , 33" (1x3)
- 2 Desk Sides , 4 1/4" (1x3)
- 4 Cubby Supports , 17 1/2" (1x2)
- 1 Cubby Bottom , 31 1/2" x 17 1/2" (1/2" plywood)
- 1 Desk Top Back Portion , 34 1/2" x 3.5 (1/2" plywood)
- 1 Desk Top , 31 1/2" x 16" (1/2" plywood)
Directions
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Build Sides
Cut FOUR 29" 2x2 boards. Cut TWO 16" 1x4 boards, and drill pocket holes in each end. Cut TWO 16" 2x2 boards, and drill pocket holes in each end. Using wood glue and 1 1/4" oocket hole screws, attach the 16" 1x4's to the 22 1/2" 2x2's, flush with the top of the boards. Then using wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, attach the 16" 2x2's to the 29" 2x2's, 6 inches from the ground.
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Prepare Apron Boards
Cut TWO 30" 1x4 boards. Drill pocket holes in both ends of both boards. Drill pocket holes on one side of one board. Cut a notch out of the other board (see plans). This will create a space in order to open the lid of the desk later.
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Prepare Desk Back
Cut ONE 33" 1x3 board. Cut TWO 4 1/4" 1x3 boards. Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood, 3 1/2" x 33". Drill pocket holes in both ends of the plywood. Drill pocket holes in one side as well. Using wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, attach the plywood to the 1x2 pieces. (see plans)
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Attach Apron to Desk Back
Using wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, attach the desk back to your 30" apron board you prepared earlier.
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Attach Back Apron
Cut ONE 30" 2x2. Drill pocket holes in each end. Using wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, attach to the back legs. 6 inches from the floor.
Using wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, attach the piece you just built to the side pieces from step 1.
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Attach Front Apron
Using wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, attach the 30" 1x4 board with the notch cut from it. It should be flush with the front and tops of your 2x2 legs. The notch should be on the top of the board.
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Attach Cubby Supports
Cut THREE 17 1/2" 1x2's. Drill pocket holes in both ends. Using wood glue and 1 1/4" screws, attach the boards to the front and back apron, spaced evenly apart. The bottoms of these boards should be flush with the bottoms of your 1x4 aprons.
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Attach Cubby Bottom
Cut a piece of 1/2" plywood at 31 1/2" x 17 1/2". Using a jig saw, cut 3/4" x 3/4" notches from each corner. Lay this plywood on top of the 1x2 supports to create the bottom of your desk cubby.
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Add Desk Lid
Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood at 16" x 34 1/2". Using a piano hinge, attach this piece of plywood to the piece you already attached on the back. Make sure the sides are flush with each other.
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Finish
Stain or paint the desk. Seal with polyurethane.
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Desktop Back Portion
This is what the back portion should look like.
