Hey guys! My name’s Sarah, and this is my Top 5 DIY, Desks! Twice a week I’ll help you sort through the endless stream of maker videos, and help you find the very best of the best for your next build!
#5 Woodbrew
Let’s get started with #5! The adorable duo from Woodbrew decided it was time to make a simple plywood desk using the least amount of tools as possible. They started by taking their circular saw and cutting the plywood into 29 strips that will eventually be glued up for the desktop. If you have access to bar clamps for this that would be so much easier than holding them all together by hand. Next they cut the the pieces they need for the carcass of the desk and screw it all together. They added a cabinet with drawers, and supportive legs for the other end and some finish. Once everything was assembled in their office this beauty was ready to use!
#4 Coral
Coral is #4 with her DIY Murphy Desk! This project consists of three main elements. The frame, the desktop and the L-brackets. She started with the frame using 1×2’s and 1×4’s. Using a few little hinges she attached the murphy table top to the base that will be mounted on the wall. If you’re building this project make sure you are predrilling your holes so you don’t split the wood. Next she built her L-Brackets and used the same hinges like she used before to attach them to the frame. That’s it! This is an easy build that is a perfect solution for needing a workspace but not having enough room for a giant desk.
#3 Steve Ramsey’s – Woodworking for Mere Mortals.
Next Up is #3. If you’ve been on YouTube at all searching for DIY projects there is no doubt that you have come across Steve Ramsey’s channel! I’m not going to say he is the king of DIY, but he does have some of the most amazing tutorials filled with advice for anyone who wants to get started in woodworking or an experienced woodworker for that matter. He just knows things. His video for this little writing desk is one you won’t want to miss. Steve walks you through the step by step process of this build giving you the confidence to make a beautiful desk anyone would be proud of to have in their home. Trust me, just go watch this!
#2 Jeremy Siers
# 2 is…Jeremy Siers with this video that really is focused on how to build a custom wooden desktop. Jeremy jumps right into this build with choosing the lumber that would work best for his space. He does a great job explaining how to figure out the measurements for your build to make sure you get the results you want. Once you have all of your boards cut to length and you are happy with the layout it is time for the pocket holes. Assemble the center section and once that is done add the pocket holes for the end pieces. Sand everything down to the smoothness you desire and stain it. He added a little bit of a distressed design to his but if you dont like that style you can just skip this step. All that’s left is to add the desktop to a set of filing cabinets, or a standing desk frame, or table legs you can find at your local woodworking shop.
#1 Ishitani Furniture
Finally, coming in at #1 is Ishitani Furniture. This is one of those woodworking videos that you just grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy. Natsuki made an Oak Desk with mitered dovetail joints that is one of the prettiest projects I have ever seen. Even though he doesn’t talk in the video, he is sure to bring you along for every single bit of the process. There is something just therapeutic about watching dovetail joints coming together. So satisfying. Not only does he make the table part of this desk, but he goes the extra mile to make a matching filing cabinet that can be placed on either side.
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