Building a Floating Desk from Plywood

By Matt Hagens / , ,

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This floating desk design was built by Wengels Workshop, and it utilizes scrap plywood to create a functional and stylish workspace. This guide will walk you through the steps to build your own floating desk, perfect for any office space.

Materials Needed

  • Scrap plywood
  • 2×4 lumber
  • 2×6 lumber
  • Wood glue
  • Screws
  • Wood filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Finish of your choice

Tools Required

  • Circular saw
  • Table saw
  • Drill
  • Clamps
  • Router
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil

Step 1: Build the Frame

The first step is to build a sturdy frame that will be attached to the wall. Wengels Workshop gathered 2x4s and 2x6s to create this frame. After cutting all the lumber to the required lengths, a fresh edge is ripped on one side to ensure straightness.

Cutting lumber for the frame

Once the lumber is cut, the pieces are assembled using screws in each joint for stability. With the frame complete, it’s time to move on to the plywood.

Assembling the frame

Step 2: Prepare the Plywood

Next, it’s essential to break down the plywood to the right size for the desk. Since the desk is wider than the ripping capacity of the table saw, Wengels Workshop uses a circular saw to rip it to length first.

Cutting plywood to length

For accurate bevels, the cuts will be done on the table saw. The plywood is cut slightly larger than the final dimensions to allow for adjustments. A 45-degree bevel is used to ensure a seamless look when the plywood pieces are glued together.

Cutting plywood with a bevel

Step 3: Cut and Attach Face Pieces

With the main pieces of plywood cut to size, it’s time to measure and cut the face pieces. Instead of using a tape measure, Wengels Workshop holds the piece in place and marks it directly with a pencil for accuracy.

Measuring and cutting face pieces

After cutting the face pieces to size, they are glued onto the main desk piece. Shims are used to create space between the plywood and the frame, allowing for easy sliding on and off.

Gluing face pieces onto the plywood

Step 4: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

Once the glue has dried, the clamps are removed, and any excess plywood is trimmed. The edges are rounded over using a router, and any nail holes or cracks are filled with wood filler.

Sanding and finishing the desk

A light sanding is done before applying the finish of choice to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

Applying finish to the desk

Step 5: Install the Desk

To install the desk, Wengels Workshop marks out the wall studs and draws a level line. The frame is then screwed into the wall, providing a solid foundation for the floating desk.

Installing the desk frame to the wall

This floating desk project is not only functional but also a great way to utilize scrap materials. With careful planning and execution, anyone can create a beautiful workspace that complements their home or office.

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