Looking for a quick and budget-friendly desk project? This farmhouse-style desk was built and designed by Ryan from That Tech Teacher, and it’s perfect for any home office. With a cost of around $100, this desk combines style with functionality.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 4×4 lumber (for legs)
- 2×4 lumber (for support beams)
- 2×8 lumber (for the tabletop)
- Screws (wood screws and Kreg jig screws)
- Wood glue
- Wood stain or paint (for finishing)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Drill and drill bits
- Table saw or circular saw
- Planer (optional)
- Chisel (for cleaning joints)
- Counter sink drill bit
- Plug cutter
- Forstner bit (for wire grommet hole)
Step 1: Planning and Measuring
The first step is to plan out your design. Ryan, being a CAD teacher, created a 3D model to get exact sizes and a parts list. However, a simple sketch will also work. After planning, head to your local store to buy the lumber.
Step 2: Cutting the Lumber
Ryan purchased nominal size lumber including 4x4s, 2x8s, and 2x4s. He cut the 4x4s to 18 inches for the legs and mitered the corners for a beveled look. The vertical components were cut to 22 inches. The 2x4s were also cut to length with miters on either side.
Step 3: Assembling the Legs
Next, he assembled the legs by pre-drilling them, screwing, and gluing the joints together. This step ensures stability and strength for the desk.
Step 4: Connecting the Legs
Ryan cut additional 4×4 pieces to connect the legs. This step involved making lap joints, which can be done with a table saw or chisel. After that, he used Kreg jig screws to secure everything.
Step 5: Filling Screw Holes
Once the legs were assembled, he filled the screw holes with wooden plugs made using a plug cutter. After applying glue, he tapped them into place and made sure they were flush.
Step 6: Assembling the Tabletop
For the tabletop, Ryan used Kreg jig screws and wood glue to hold the boards together. He applied pressure by standing on the boards, ensuring a tight fit.
Step 7: Sanding and Finishing
After assembling the top, he sanded it down with multiple grits of sandpaper for a smooth finish. The bottom was painted white, while the top received a stain and polyurethane finish using Minwax Polyshades.
Step 8: Attaching the Top to the Legs
Ryan flipped the tabletop over, positioned the legs, and pre-drilled holes to attach them securely without using glue, allowing for easy disassembly if needed.
Step 9: Adding the Wire Grommet
The final step was to drill a hole for a wire grommet using a Forstner bit. He marked the center point and drilled carefully to protect the finish.
Conclusion
Ryan completed the desk and was thrilled to see it in use. The final dimensions of the desk are 4 feet long by 6 feet wide and 30 inches high, making it a versatile addition to any workspace. This project showcases how a simple design can be both functional and stylish!
