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ikea-desk-hack-metal-drawers

A work surface and organized storage, what more could you ask for?!  Build a wood desk frame and incorporate metal drawers for storage and functionality. Take a metal tower of drawers and build it into a wood desk frame, it's a beautiful combination that's suitable for kids and adults.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Circular Saw (cordless)
    Circular Saw (cordless)
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Nail Gun
    Nail Gun
  • Sander
    Sander

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Plywood , 3/4" Thick , Full Sheet
  • 1 Plywood , 1/4" Thick , Quarter Sheet
  • 4 Board , 2x2 , 96"
  • 1 Board , 1x2 , 96"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 48 2 1/2" pocket hole screws
  • 24 1 1/4" pocket hole screws
  • 6 2" wood screws
  • 4 1/2" lath screws
  • 12 1 1/4" finish nails

Cut List & Parts

  • 6 Legs , 2 x 2 @ 29 1/4"
  • 6 Side frames top / bottom , 2 x 2 @ 19 3/4"
  • 2 Side panels , 3/4" x 19 ¾” x 24 5/8”
  • 4 Short cross supports , 1 x 2 @ 11 1/8"
  • 2 Back long cross supports , 2 x 2 @ 26 3/8"
  • 1 Front long cross support , 1 x 2 @ 26 3/8"
  • 1 Top , 3/4" x 24" x 44"
  • 1 Shelf ledge , 3/4" x 26 3/8" x 22 3/4"
  • 1 Backing , 1/4" x 14" x 27 1/4"

Directions

  • Dimensions

    44"w x 24"d x 30"h

  • Step 1

    Step 1: Make the side frames. Attach the horizontal piece to the legs using wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws.

    Make 3.

  • Step 2

    Step 2: Make the side panels. Attach the side panel wall to the frame using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.

    Make 2.

  • Step 3

    Step 3: Attach the short cross supports to the interior side of one wall panel. I suggest placing the metal drawer unit temporarily in position to ensure proper spacing.

  • Step 4

    Step 4: Attach the other side wall panel to the cross supports using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.

  • Step 5

    Step 5: Construct the desk base by attaching the long cross supports from the open frame to the side wall panel.

  • Step 6

    Step 6: Attach the desk top the frame using countersunk screws.

  • Step 7

    Step 7: Insert the metal drawer unit frame and attach using ½” lath screws at all four corners.

  • Step 8

    Step 8: Attach the open shelf ledge to the legs using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.

  • Step 9

    Step 9: Attach the backing to the frame using 1 ¼” finish nails.