How to Build a Desk
To build a desk out of wood or plywood, make the top 28–30 in (71–76 cm) high, 24–30 in deep and 48–60 in wide, rest it on two cabinets, two plywood panel legs or a pair of shelf towers, and tie the legs together with a modesty panel at the back so the desk cannot wobble. A plywood desk is a weekend project: every part is a rectangle, and a drill, a saw and some glue are all you need.
Size
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 28–30 in (71–76 cm) |
| Depth | 24–30 in (61–76 cm); 30 in for two monitors |
| Width | 48–60 in (122–152 cm) for one person |
| Knee space | at least 24 in high under any drawer, 20 in wide |
| Top thickness | 3/4 in, or 1 1/2 in doubled for spans over 48 in |
See standard desk height for children, keyboards and standing desks.
Three ways to build a desk
| Base | Build | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Two cabinets or drawer units | Two boxes, a top across | Storage on both sides |
| Panel legs and a modesty panel | Three panels and a top | Clean, modern look; easiest |
| One cabinet and one panel leg | A box, a panel, a rail | Small rooms |
| L-shaped, two tops | Two desks meeting at a corner | Corners, two monitors |
Step by step (panel-leg desk)
- Cut the top from 3/4 in plywood and band or solid-wood the front edge.
- Cut two panel legs as deep as the top minus 2 in and as tall as the desk height minus the top.
- Cut a modesty panel 8–14 in tall, as long as the space between the legs.
- Assemble the legs and the modesty panel with glue and screws or pocket screws, checking that they are square.
- Fix the top from below with screws through cleats, or with figure-eight fasteners, overhanging the legs by about 1 in.
- Drill a cable hole at the back corner with a 2–3 in hole saw and fit a grommet, or hang a cable tray under the back edge.
- Sand and finish with a hard-wearing varnish or paint.
Our desk plans size every panel from the width, depth and height you type, and the L-shaped desk adds the corner leg and the return:
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest desk to build?
A plywood top resting on two storage cabinets or shelf towers, or on two plywood panel legs joined by a modesty panel. Every part is a straight cut.
How tall should a desk be?
28–30 in (71–76 cm) for most adults; 25–27 in for a keyboard tray; 38–42 in for a standing desk. See the standard desk height guide.
What wood is best for a desk top?
3/4 in hardwood plywood with a banded or solid wood front edge, doubled to 1 1/2 in on long desks; a butcher-block or solid hardwood top for a heavier look.
How do you keep a desk from wobbling?
Add a modesty panel or a rail at the back between the legs, screwed to both legs and the top. Panel legs or cabinets are far stiffer than four thin legs.