Looking for a stylish and functional computer desk project? This desk was built and designed by Shara Woodshop Diaries, and it’s perfect for any home office.
This guide will walk you through the steps to create a desk with a pivot hinge door, drawers, and a pull-out keyboard tray.
Materials
- 2×4 boards
- 3/4″ birch plywood
- 16″ ball-bearing drawer slides
- Cove molding
- Pocket hole screws
- Wood glue
Tools
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Kreg pocket hole jig
- Drill/driver
- Sander
Step 1: Cut the Legs
Start by trimming down your 2×4 boards to 32 inches. Glue them together in pairs to make a total of 8 legs for the desk.
Step 2: Trim and Taper the Legs
Once the glue has dried, trim about a quarter of an inch off each edge on the table saw to clean them up. Adjust your miter saw angle to 60 degrees to taper two sides of each leg for a stylish look.
Step 3: Assemble the Side Panels
Cut down some 2x2s and plywood panels for the sides of the desk cabinets. Use the Kreg pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes in the 2x2s and plywood pieces, then assemble the side panels using wood glue and pocket hole screws.
Step 4: Build the Desk Cabinets
Assemble two desk cabinets, making sure to attach a solid bottom for the one that will have a door and shelves. Use pocket hole screws to secure the bottom panel between two 2x2s.
Step 5: Customize the Drawer Cabinet
Install ball bearing drawer slides into the drawer cabinet and build the drawer boxes from plywood. Edge band the tops of the drawer box pieces for a clean look.
Step 6: Create the Door Cabinet
Drill shelf pin holes in the door cabinet for adjustable shelves. Cut the door from 3/4″ plywood and edge band the sides.
Step 7: Install the Door
Use pivot hinges for the door since it is thick due to the added cove molding. Drill the necessary holes to install the hinges and test fit the door.
Step 8: Add the Desktop and Keyboard Tray
Cut the desktop from plywood, ensuring an overhang on each side. Install a keyboard tray in the middle of the desk by attaching the drawer slides between the legs.
Step 9: Final Touches
Apply three coats of polycrylic to the entire desk for a protective finish. Add handles and any additional shelves necessary.
Video