This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan. It’s a simple and affordable alternative to IKEA’s Linnmon desk—made from solid wood and built for lasting durability, all for around $20.
Stan designed this desktop to solve a common issue: the need for a functional, stylish workspace that doesn’t rely on fragile particleboard or generic looks. With basic tools and inexpensive materials, he shows how to create a desk that stands up to daily use while adding warmth to your space.
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A Smarter Take on a Common Design
The idea for this build came from a need for a new desk in the family room. The Linnmon tabletop from IKEA was the initial inspiration due to its size and affordability, but Stan wanted something stronger and more personal.
He noted that the MDF core of the original often doesn’t hold up to wear—especially when exposed to moisture. By turning to solid wood instead, the new version offers better durability, more character, and a handcrafted feel that flat-pack furniture can’t match.
Materials That Make Sense
Stan kept the material list short and simple: four 2x4s from the home center, plus glue and some sandpaper. Each board cost around $3.20, bringing the total to about $16 for the whole desktop.
This low-cost approach makes the build accessible to nearly any woodworker, whether you’re just starting out or looking to furnish a room on a budget. Plus, the use of common lumber makes it easy to replicate or customize.
Cutting and Sizing the Boards
The project begins with cutting the 2x4s to length using a miter saw. A circular saw or handsaw would work as well—what matters most is making clean, square cuts for a seamless glue-up later.
To improve the appearance and fit, Stan runs the boards through a table saw to remove the rounded factory edges. This creates flat sides that fit tightly together, giving the finished top a more polished and intentional look.
Getting the Glue-Up Just Right
With the boards prepped, Stan moves on to gluing them into a single desktop panel. Rather than tackling all the joints at once, he breaks it down into manageable sections—just two or three boards at a time.
This slower approach makes the glue-up more controlled and less stressful, especially when working without clamps long enough for a wide panel. It also helps prevent misalignment or gaps in the final piece.
Prioritizing Visual Appeal Over Tradition
Though traditional woodworking often suggests alternating grain direction to prevent warping, Stan chooses to align the boards for visual flow. This lets the grain patterns and knots run more consistently across the top, giving the piece a more natural and cohesive look.
It’s a choice that prioritizes aesthetics without sacrificing performance—especially when the boards are well-dried and properly sealed during finishing.
Sanding and Shaping the Desktop
After the glue dries, the desktop is sanded flat using an 80-grit belt sander to remove high spots and glue residue. He follows this with 120-grit on a random orbit sander to smooth the surface and prepare it for finish.
Once sanded, Stan squares up the ends of the desk using a combination square and straight edge. This small step adds a crisp look and helps ensure the desktop sits evenly on its base.
To finish the shaping, he rounds over the top and bottom edges of the desk. This softens the appearance and makes the piece more comfortable to use, especially at the wrists and forearms.
Applying the Finish
Before applying finish, Stan wipes the surface with a damp cloth to remove all sanding dust. This helps the finish adhere evenly and avoids creating a gritty texture.
Though he doesn’t specify the exact finish used, the goal is to protect the wood while keeping the grain and natural tones visible. A light oil or polyurethane coat would be ideal for a smooth, durable finish in a work environment.
Why This Build Is Worth Doing
This project is a great example of how simple materials and a thoughtful approach can lead to something both functional and beautiful. It proves that you don’t need to spend a lot—or rely on particleboard—to create a quality workspace.
The desk fits well into small rooms, home offices, or shared spaces, and the solid wood construction ensures it’ll last for years. Best of all, it’s completely customizable, both in size and finish, to match your own style.
Customize It Even Further
While Stan sticks with a straightforward rectangular design, this build offers plenty of room for modifications. You could choose a different wood species, add decorative joinery, or even integrate drawers or cable management features.
That flexibility is part of the fun—and it’s what separates DIY from buying off-the-shelf. With a few tweaks, this desk can be tailored to fit any space or use case.
Please support Stan by visiting his website: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/.