Crafting A Comfortable Home Office Desk

Making a desk for your home office is a fun and affordable alternative to buying a new one. You can customise it to your liking and ensure it fits your space. Building a desk can be a beginner to intermediate project, depending on the design you choose.

You can use a variety of materials to build a desk, such as plywood, laminated plywood, solid doors, hairpin legs, butcher block, concrete, and industrial piping. The tools you will need include a saw, sandpaper, wood glue, paint or stain, and screws.

There are many different desk designs to choose from, including floating desks, fold-down desks, L-shaped desks, corner desks, and standing desks. You can also add storage options like drawers, shelves, and cabinets.

So, if you're looking for a fun project to upgrade your home office, building your own desk is a great option!

Choosing the right wood

Type of Wood

There are various wood types that are suitable for desktops, each offering unique characteristics such as grain patterns and colours. Some popular options include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. These woods can add warmth and beauty to your workspace while also providing durability. Pine is another option that is affordable, easy to find and work with, but it may dent or scratch easily.

Ease of Workability

Consider the ease of working with the wood you choose. For example, pine is soft and easy to cut and shape, while cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it suitable for outdoor projects. The best wood type will depend on factors such as your budget, the tools you have, and the specific requirements of your project.

Aesthetic

The aesthetic you want to achieve for your desk is also an important consideration. Different woods have distinct colours and grain patterns that can complement or contrast with your room's style. For example, oak has a warm colour and a characterful grain pattern, while pine is a classic choice for furniture and accepts coloured stains well. Walnut, on the other hand, is darker and known for its beautiful grain.

Budget and Availability

Your budget and the availability of the wood type will also influence your decision. Some woods, like oak, may be more expensive and volatile in price, while others, such as pine and Asian hardwood, are more affordable and readily available. Thicker woods also tend to be more expensive.

Weight and Density

The weight and density of the wood are important factors, especially if you plan to mount monitors or clamps on your desk. Denser woods like oak and walnut can withstand pressure and are less likely to show pressure marks. Softer woods like pine and Asian hardwood may show indents from clamps or mounts.

Longevity

Consider the longevity of the wood you choose. Harder woods like maple and oak are more durable and resistant to scratches and dents. Softer woods may be more prone to wear and tear over time.

In summary, when choosing the right wood for your DIY office desk, consider factors such as the type of wood, ease of workability, aesthetic, budget, weight, density, and longevity. Each type of wood has unique characteristics that will impact the look, feel, and functionality of your desk.

Cutting the wood

First, measure the area where you plan to put your desk. This will help you decide on the size of your desk. If you have limited space, consider a floating desk, which can be as small as 1.5 feet by 3 feet and usually requires only one or two pieces of wood.

Once you've decided on the size, you can start cutting your wood to the appropriate dimensions. For a basic desk, you can use 2x6 and/or 2x4 boards. Mark the measurements on your boards with a pencil, and use a circular saw or miter saw to cut them to size. If you don't want to deal with cutting and clamping multiple boards, you can also use a solid door slab or a sheet of laminated plywood for your desktop.

If you're creating legs for your desk, you can cut them from 2x4 boards. The length of the legs will depend on the desired height of your desk, minus the width of the boards making up the desktop. For example, if you want your desk to be 28 inches off the ground and your desktop is made from 2-inch-thick boards, cut your legs to 26.5 inches long.

When cutting wood, it's important to take safety precautions. Always wear protective gear, including eye and ear protection, and make sure you're using the right type of saw for your project. Follow the instructions for your saw carefully, and make sure the blade is sharp and properly secured before beginning your cuts.

After cutting your wood to size, you'll need to sand it to prepare it for paint or stain. Use medium- or high-grit sandpaper (80-120 grit) and move it in smooth, circular motions over the faces and edges of the wood. This will create a rough surface that will better hold paint or stain.

Once your wood is cut and sanded, you're ready to start assembling your desk.

Sanding the wood

Choosing the Right Sandpaper

Select sandpaper with the appropriate grit for the task. Starting with a medium-grit sandpaper, such as 80-grit or 100-grit, is generally recommended for sanding planed or shaped wood. Finer grits, such as 120-grit or 150-grit, can be used for smoother wood with no deep scratches or surface defects. For most types of wood, a final sanding with 220-grit sandpaper will suffice, but denser grains like ebony may require finer grits like 320- or 400-grit.

Using a Sanding Block

Using a sanding block can improve the efficiency and quality of your sanding. It helps distribute sanding pressure more evenly and maintain a flatter surface. You can make your own sanding block by cutting a small square of rigid foam or gluing cork to a wood block. Alternatively, you can purchase a rubber sanding block from a hardware store.

Sanding Technique

When sanding, use smooth circular motions and apply consistent pressure. It is generally recommended to sand with the grain of the wood, especially for the final grits. However, for removing deep scratches and stains, you can angle across the grain at up to 45 degrees during the initial sanding. Just remember to sand with the grain again before switching to a finer grit.

Sanding Tools and Tips

• Foam pipe insulation and swimming noodles can be used as sanding pads for concave surfaces.
• Contour sanding grips are helpful for sanding molding profiles, as they provide a good grip and consistent shape.
• Adhesive-backed sandpaper can be attached to a putty knife to reach into tight corners without scratching adjacent wood.
• If you're sanding painted surfaces or resinous wood, use "no-clog" or "clog-resistant" sandpaper to prevent the sandpaper from clogging quickly.
• For complex shapes, create a custom sanding block by spraying adhesive on rigid foam insulation and the backside of sandpaper, then sticking it to the molding.
• Change your sandpaper frequently, as it can get clogged with dust and broken-down grits, reducing its effectiveness.

By following these instructions and tips, you can effectively sand the wood for your homemade desk and achieve a smooth and polished surface.

Attaching the legs

Cutting and Preparing the Legs

First, decide whether you want to cut your own custom desk legs or purchase pre-made ones. If you opt for custom legs, use a 2x4 board and cut it into two pieces that match the width of your desktop, minus the width of the legs. These pieces will serve as supports for the legs. Then, cut your chosen wood into four identical legs, ensuring that their length corresponds to your desired desk height minus the thickness of the desktop. Sand and paint or stain the legs as desired.

Now, it's time to attach the legs to the underside of your desktop. If you've cut your own legs, use wood screws to secure them in place. Drill two screws through the outer edge of each leg and into the end of the central support piece on each side of the desk. Then, add another screw every 7 inches (18 cm) along the length of the support. Gently jostle the desk to confirm its stability.

If you've purchased pre-made desk legs, they typically come with screw holes, making the assembly process straightforward. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the legs securely.

Tips for a Sturdy Desk

For added stability, consider using mounting blocks or metal plates as an attachment option. These methods provide a sturdy and invisible means of affixing the legs, resulting in a strong and durable desk. Additionally, ensure that your screws are of appropriate length and won't pierce through the entire desk.

Creative Leg Options

If you want to explore creative leg options, you can use various items as improvised legs. For example, you could use wooden pedestals, sawhorses, or even industrial pipes. Get creative and keep an eye out for unique materials that can be transformed into one-of-a-kind desk legs.

Adding storage

Filing Cabinets or Benches

Filing cabinets are a great way to store important documents and can be easily rolled under your desk when not in use. If you're tight on space, consider a slim bench with built-in storage that can serve as both a seating option and a place to store files and other supplies.

Under-Desk Storage Trays

For small items like pens, highlighters, and sticky notes, an under-desk storage tray is a great solution. These trays are designed specifically for desks and come in various styles and finishes. Some require drilling, while others simply stick to the bottom of your desk.

Under-Shelf Baskets

Under-shelf baskets are typically used in kitchens but can be a great storage addition to your home office. They slide onto the desk and hold items like notebooks and planners horizontally. Avoid storing small items in these baskets, as they don't have individual compartments.

Tiered Cart

If you have the height space under your desk, a rolling tiered cart can provide additional storage. This option is inexpensive and offers an easily accessible way to store office supplies. Use small caddies or containers on each shelf to keep things organised.

Repurposed Nightstand

If your desk lacks drawers, consider repurposing a nightstand as extra storage space. Measure your desk and the nightstand to ensure a good fit, and choose one that complements your desk's colour, style, and material.

Locked Cabinet

A locked cabinet can be a great way to keep important and sensitive documents safe and secure. These small metal cabinets typically feature two or more drawers and provide extra security for your essential paperwork.

Magazine Rack

A magazine rack is a budget-friendly and easily movable storage solution. Slide it under your desk to hold filed paperwork, magazines, and documents. It's available in various styles and materials, from coastal rattan to modern metal designs.

Drawer System

Adding a set of sliding drawers under your desk can significantly increase your storage space. This is especially useful if you have a floating desk or a desk without built-in drawers. Retailers offer a range of drawer systems to choose from, allowing you to create additional space for your home office supplies.

Baskets with Handles

A basket with handles can serve as a catch-all for your office supplies, keeping your desktop clutter-free. If it's within view, choose a decorative basket that doubles as a stylish accent to your space. The handles make it easy to carry and access your supplies.

Stackable Lidded Boxes

Pretty lidded boxes are a great way to add extra storage under your desk. They can be stacked without toppling over and are easily movable. The lids keep the contents protected and hidden, and you can add cute labels for better organisation.

Wicker Basket

A decorative wicker basket adds a textural element to your space while providing additional storage. Wicker is a sturdy and durable material that will last for years. Use it to hold extra office supplies, computer cables, chargers, or paperwork that would otherwise clutter your desktop.

Over-the-Door Storage

Don't forget about utilising the space behind your office door. Over-the-door storage is a handy way to store small supplies like phone and earbud chargers, pens, and pencils.

Under-Bed Storage

If your office is in your bedroom, take advantage of under-bed storage space for work needs. It's a great way to keep things tucked away when not in use.

Bar Cart

For chic storage in living spaces, a bar cart can be a stylish solution. Pretty boxes can be placed on the cart to store paperwork and office supplies when the workday is done.

There are plenty of creative ways to add storage to your home office desk setup. Choose the options that best fit your space and organisational needs, and you'll be well on your way to a tidier, more functional workspace.

Frequently asked questions