Simple Desk with Style – Metric

By Kreg Tool
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Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

This desk provides a great workspace in a compact package. Thanks to the folding lid, you can leave your laptop and working materials in place on the desk, but cover them up when they’re not in use. On top of being functional, the desk also offers a unique look that’s surprisingly easy to create.

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Circular Saw (corded)
    Circular Saw (corded)
  • Jigsaw
    Jigsaw
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Iron
    Iron
  • Sander
    Sander

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Board , 19mm x 64mm , 2400mm
  • 2 Board , 19mm x 89mm , 2400mm
  • 1 Board , 19mm x 89mm , 1200mm
  • 1 Board , 19mm x 184mm , 2400mm
  • 1 Board , 19mm x 235mm , 1200mm
  • 1 Plywood , 19mm-thick , 600mm x 900mm

Hardware & Supplies

  • 32 Kreg 32mm coarse-thread pocket-hole screws
  • 16 Kreg paint-grade pocket-hole plugs
  • 2 Full-inset, partial-wrap hinges for 19mm cabinet door
  • 1 Iron-on edgebanding
  • 1 Wood glue
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 2 Front Leg , 19 x 89 x 930mm
  • 2 Back Leg , 19 x 89 x 900mm
  • 2 Upper Side Rail , 19 x 184 x 330mm
  • 2 Lower Side Rail , 19 x 89 x 420mm
  • 1 Back , 19 x 184 x 725mm
  • 1 Back Rail , 19 x 89 x 725mm
  • 1 Lid , 19 x 235 x 720mm
  • 1 Lid Front , 19 x 64 x 720mm
  • 1 Lid Support , 19 x 64 x 725mm
  • 1 Desk Top , 19 ply x 485 x 725mm
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See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Cut Legs to Size

    Cut two Back Legs to length from a 19x89mm board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then cut two Front Legs to length. Note that both ends of the Front Legs are cut at parallel 10° angles. Then, use a quart can to lay out the radius on the Front Legs, and cut it to shape with a jig saw.

    Step 1

  • Cut a Pair of Upper Rails

    Cut two Upper Side Rails from a 19x184 board. Not that one end is cut at a 10° angle. Then, with your pocket-hole jig set up for 19mm material, drill pocket holes where shown.

    Step 2

  • Cut a Pair of Lower Rails

    Cut two Lower Side Rails from a 19x89mm board. Not that one end is cut at a 10° angle. With your pocket-hole jig set up for 19mm material, drill pocket holes where shown.

    Step 3

  • Assemble the Sides

    Now you can attach the Legs to the Rails using 32mm coarse-thread pocket-hole screws, as shown. Glue pocket-hole plugs into the holes, and then sand the plugs smooth.

    Step 4

  • Make a Desk Top

    Cut a Desk Top to size from a quarter-sheet of 19mm plywood. With your pocket-hole jig set up for 19mm material, drill pocket holes where shown. Also drill a 50mm hole near the back edge for power cords to pass through. Apply iron-on edgebanding to the front edge of the Top, as well.

    Step 5

  • Add a Back and Back Rail

    Cut a Back to length from a 19x184 board, and a Back Rail to length from a 19x89mm board, as shown in the cutting diagram. With your pocket-hole jig set up for 19mm material, drill pocket holes where shown.

    Step 6

  • Attach the Back and Desk Top

    Attach the Back to the Desk Top using 32mm coarse-thread pocket-hole screws, then attach these pieces to one of the side assemblies. Also attach the Back Rail, aligning it with the Lower Side Rail.

    Step 7

  • Make the Lid Parts

    Cut a Lid to length from a 19x235mm board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Also cut a Lid Front and a Lid Support to length from a 19x64mm board. Then drill pocket holes, as shown, with your pocket-hole jig set up for 19mm material.

    Step 8

  • Bring in Support and a Side

    Now you can attach the Lid Support using 32mm coarse-thread pocket-hole screws. Then bring in the other side assembly and secure it.

    Step 9

  • Assemble the Lid

    Attach the Lid Front to the Lid using 32mm coarse-thread pocket-hole screws. Note that the Lid front is set back 13mm from the edge of the Lid.

    Step 10

  • Install the Lid, then Paint

    To complete construction of your desk, install a pair of hinges on the Lid, and connect them to the Lid Support. Then you can paint, stain, or finish the desk and put it to work.

    Paint with Natural Edges

    The paint finish on this desk might look complicated, but it’s easy. The secret is to use foam rollers, and go lightly near the edges. Don’t load the roller with a lot of paint, and it won’t seep over the edges. You’ll have to apply several light coats, but the result is worth it. If any paint gets on the edges, just let it dry, and then sand it away. To protect he edges, wipe on a coat of natural oil finish after the paint dries.

    Step 11