This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It’s a sturdy, stylish desk that breaks down into manageable parts, making it ideal for long-term use and easy relocation.
Designed with both looks and practicality in mind, the desk features a cantilever leg system that opens up space underneath while maintaining structural strength. It’s a great fit for any modern home office setup.
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Starting with the Materials
Mark begins by selecting rough-sawn ash for the desk frame and thinner boards for the top. The legs are shaped from heavy stock, while the top pieces are chosen for clarity and straightness.
Using an end vise for support, the boards are broken down to more manageable sizes. This makes shaping and flattening easier and more precise during the milling process.
Addressing Problem Boards
One of the boards had a deep crack and some cupping that needed to be addressed. Mark rips the piece down the center using a circular saw to minimize cupping and salvage as much usable material as possible.
This step not only preserves the wood but also prepares it for smoother joinery later in the process. Careful material selection and problem-solving keep the build on track.
Preparing the Desktop
With the leg stock milled, Mark turns his focus to the desktop. The boards are run through the jointer and planer to ensure flat, even surfaces and consistent thickness.
There’s one board short, so he decides to add a walnut strip down the center. The added contrast creates a visual highlight that gives the desk a racing stripe feel.
Using a biscuit joiner, he aligns the boards during glue-up for strength and accuracy. With help from his shop assistant, glue is spread evenly, biscuits are inserted, and the panel is clamped tightly.
Crafting the Cantilevered Legs
Mark designs the legs with a cantilevered structure to keep the underside open and visually light. This also improves legroom and usability without sacrificing strength.
He uses a precision miter gauge to cut clean half-lap joints, ensuring that the leg assemblies are square and sturdy. These joints are dry-fitted before glue-up to confirm placement and balance.
Adding Structural Support
Once the legs are assembled, Mark designs and installs stretchers to tie the legs together. Measurements are checked multiple times to get the alignment just right.
Unique shaping at the base of the legs adds a custom touch. The band saw and table saw are used to create angled feet that support the asymmetrical frame.
Assembly and Finishing Work
The parts are glued and fastened together with pilot holes and screws to avoid splitting. Everything is clamped securely to cure evenly and stay aligned.
After assembly, the desk is thoroughly sanded from coarse to fine grits. This leaves the surface ready for finish and smooth to the touch.
For the top, fasteners are used to attach it securely to the leg frame while allowing for wood movement. Mark also installs a power strip on the back leg for convenient cable management.
Final Result
The finished piece is both functional and refined. It offers ample space for monitors, laptops, and accessories, making it ideal for focused work in a dedicated office setting.
With its clean lines, clever joinery, and thoughtful details, this desk is built to last. It’s a great example of woodworking that blends design, comfort, and usability.
Want to See the Full Build?
Get Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/product-page/home-office-desk-plans.