After making over my office in August of 2019 a year later I am finally able to share these plans for this DIY Modern Wood Desk! Officially a year to this date I made this desk, seems fitting that we finally share the tutorial and free plans. This desk modeled after a dining table so it’s large and in charge but not too big where it take up almost the entire office.

This desk was a really easy build and great for anyone wanting a modern larger than average desk. Plus, if you’re in the boat of distance learning or working from home this is great piece that could serve you well for years to come!

How to Build Your Own DIY Modern Wood Desk

Building your own desk has become a normal thing these days and great way to help with the distance learning and working from home! This DIY tutorial is super easy and a great way to make an inexpensive impact in your home. Let’s get to making this DIY modern wood desk friends!

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Step 1: Make your cuts and prep

Be sure to make your cuts according to the printable plans! I used a circular saw and miter saw to make my cuts for this project. I like to use a scrap board and clamps for my circular saw guide. I also use 2×4’s underneath my plywood top to be able to rip my plywood sheet down. This can also be done with a 2″ large foam piece!

Fun fact, you can have your boards ripped or cut at Home Depot! Your first 5 cuts are free and after that they are 10 cents a cut.

I was 6.5 months pregnant when I made this desk, “say hi to baby bump Cash.”

Step 2: Assemble desk legs

If you’re familiar with our DIY modern outdoor furniture you can see how these are very similar to the arms of the chair and sofa! Same exact build concept. The progress photos of the desk are before modifications were made. The desk was a bit wobbly and I “beefed” it up a bit to help!

Step 3: Attach legs to table top

The plans reflect an easier way to assemble the desk after building it myself with no set plans. Tip: Put plywood pieces on a flat surface to attach legs as as using a sawhorse the plywood may not be lined up evenly.

Be sure to measure and mark before attaching with wood glue and brad nails/screws!

Step 4: Stabilizing desk frame

The desk top will bow if you do not add the 2×2 stabilizers. 

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Step 5: Underside Cross Desk Supports

This step is an addition to the original desk build as it helped with the wobbly desk and any additional bowing from computer and traditional desk use.

Step 6: Iron On Plywood Edge banding

Woot woot! Desk is officially almost done. Grab your iron and iron edge banding and cover the rough plywood edges! If you want a thicker border you can modify the plans to add 1×2’s to trim out. 

Step 10: Stain Desk

The table should be sanded prior to fully assembling all there’s left to do is stain! I was pregnant when I made this desk so I used my favorite mask and gloves for staining.

Download the PDF plans if you’d like to build the Easy DIY Side Table. It’ll have the step-by-step directions, along with dimensions and a complete materials and cut list.

pin it for later

To “Get the Look” for this space check out the Home Office Sources with a full list of sources for everything! You can also check out the Modern Office Makeover to see how this room came to life!

SHOPPING LIST :

  • 4 – 2×2 @ 8 FT furring strip board
  • 16 – 1 1/4“ Kreg screws
  • 6 – 1×3 @ 8 FT select pine
  • 1 – 1×3 @ 6 FT select pine
  • 1 – 4×8 sheet birch plywood
  • 120 and 220 grit sand paper
  • Wiping Cloths (for stain/cleaning)
  • Staining Pad
  • Varathane 8oz in Flagstone
  • Wood Glue

TOOLS :

Tape Measure

Pencil

Safety Glasses

Ear Protection

Mask

Miter Saw

DIY Ikea Tarva Dresser Hack

Table Saw or Circular Saw
table saw

Sander

Kreg Jig

Power Drill

Brad Nailer

SKILL LEVEL :

Moderate Beginner

PROJECT COST:

$90-$140 (cost may very)

 

Let me know if you have any questions about anything building wise or product questions! I’m an open book 🙂

For more behind the scenes on all of our DIY and home projects be sure to follow along on instagram. To see all of our inspo and upcoming projects be sure to follow along on pinterest.

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2 thoughts on “DIY Modern Wood Desk”

  1. Hey! Just finished building this desk and it came out amazing. Out of curiosity, can you share the green paint colour of your bookcase?

    1. Hi Kate,

      That is awesome! I’d love to see, tag me on instagram using @kourtnileigh and use #DIYohmyohmy to share your projects! The paint color of the bookcase is Pinecone Hill by Behr Paint!

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