Monday, October 23

DIY Desk Series #18 - Corner Floor Desk w/ Shelves

Today's floor desk tucks into the corner to make the most of a small space.

P.S. Check out the rest of our free DIY Desk Plan Series here!
And the rest of the floor desk plans here!


inspiration photo source

I love how warm and inviting this looks. It's the kind of place I want to cozy up and get a little work done!


I'll go ahead and tell you, though, our shelves won't be actually attached to our desk like sample photo. I'm going to suggest building a simple corner desk with shelves mounted about it. It will be easier to make and more stable, plus the shelving will be adjustable if your needs change.




Shopping List:
1  -  4x4  @  4'
1  -  2x4  @  8'
1  -  3/4" plywood @ 36 x 36"
1  -  1x3  @  6'
enough 1x8 to make the number of shelves you need
shelf tracks and brackets
Kreg Jig
2 1/2" pocket hole screws
2" wood screws
finishing nails
wood glue
sandpaper and finishing supplies


Measure twice, cut once (seriously, though). Use glue in every step (be careful to clean up any drip, because they will mess up your finish at the end!). Read through all the instructions before you begin. Use 1 1/4" screws unless otherwise indicated. Pre-drill and countersink all your screws. Be safe, have fun, and let me know if you have any questions! Please note I have not built from these plans myself (you might be the first!), so double check everything as you go.

Cut List:
(A)  3  -  4x4  @  12 3/4"  (legs)
(B)  2  -  2x4  @  25 1/2"  (back)
(C)  1  -  2x4  @  41"  (front)
(D)  1  -  plywood  @  36 x 36"  (top)
(E)  1  -  1x3  @  51"  (trim)

Drill pocket holes in both ends of the back boards (B). Attach the legs (A) to the ends of the back boards in an L-shape as shown below. Use the pocket hole screws.
You can easily adjust the height of this desk by adjusting the length of the legs. You can even make it a standard-height or standing-height desk!


Drill pocket holes in the ends of the front board (C) and attach it between the two front legs (the front corners should be flush) using the pocket hole screws.


Attach the top (D) to the frame. It should be flush with the back edges, but overhang on the front. Attach it with the 1 1/4" wood screws by drilling up through the 2x4 frame into the top, but be careful not to poke all the way through!


Use finishing nails and glue to attach the trim board (E) to the front of the desk.


The desk is done! To finish, fill any holes with wood filler then sand everything down really well. This is the most important step for a professional finish! Start with a rough sand paper, then go over everything with a medium paper, then again with a fine paper. Once it's super smooth, finish it with whatever paint or stain and sealer you like.


Now you just need to add some shelving. One of the most practical ways to do this is with a shelving track system. Like this:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/242279654936745662/
shelving photo source

Or get creative and build-in whatever you like!

image source

This is the easiest way to install multiple shelves that can be adjusted on a whim! And if the older brass or gold finish isn't your style, don't sweat it. There are updated finishes available, too, like black or oil rubbed bronze. And you can always spray paint a cheaper set like Ikea's Algot system (although it's less flexible on the shelf lengths you can choose). You just need four tracks and enough shelf brackets for each shelf to fit your needs and space! You can purchase shelves, or just use 1x8s cut down to size. To get a good fit for the desk, cut the shelves for one side 34" long, and cut 25" long shelves for the other side. Cut the outer end of each shelf at a 45 degree angle to match the shape of your desk. Finish the shelves the same way you finished the desk to get the cohesive look of the inspiration photo, or mix things up with a contrasting finish.


That's it! Come back tomorrow for another DIY desk plan, and check out the full series here!

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