How to Build a Desk: Construction Plans

Cut the lumber to the specified dimensions using your power saw. If you're not comfortable with cutting long, straight lines, most lumber yards will do it for you before you load up.

Cut the 24-inch square plywood sheet in half on the diagonal, making two triangles.

Sand all faces of your lumber twice: once with rough grit paper, once with soft-grit paper. One side of your largest plywood sheet should be smooth enough to write on.

Set the largest plywood sheet in an L with one 30-inch by 30-inch plywood sheet. The edge of the smaller sheet should abut the inside face of the large sheet. Attach with a line of 10 evenly spaced nails, driven through the large plywood sheet into the edge of the smaller.

Set the second 30-inch by 30-inch plywood sheet on the free end of the L, forming a C. Nail it in place as you did with the original corner.

Set your C shape on its open edges. Decide which side will be the front face of your desk, and which will be the back.

Set one of your plywood triangles in one top corner of the back of your desk frame. Position it so its straight edges are aligned with the edges of the desk. Nail it in place with three wood screws per straight side.

Repeat Step 7 to reinforce the open top corner of the back of your desk.

Slide your desk into position in the room where you plan to use it.