How I Built a Basic Desk Using Only Plywood

A step-by-step guide to building a basic and customizable desk using plywood.

Ever dreamed of building your own furniture? It’s not as hard as you might think! In this DIY tutorial, I’m teaming up with my daughter to show you how to create a basic desk using just plywood. This is a perfect project for anyone who wants a simple and affordable desk, and it’s great for beginners.

This design is perfect for beginners because it’s straightforward and requires minimal tools. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option since you can use leftover plywood or a single sheet from your local hardware store.

So, are you ready to get started on your new desk? Let’s grab our materials and tools and dive in!

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Step 1: Planning Your Design

Like any building project, the first step is creating a plan. Here are some things to consider when sketching out your design:

• Measure Your Space: Take note of the available space where you want to put the desk. This will help determine the overall dimensions of your desk.
• Functionality: Think about how you’ll be using the desk. Do you need a lot of surface area? Will you need shelves for storage? Make sure your design accommodates your needs.
• Design Inspiration: Search online or browse magazines for inspiration. There are many variations of basic plywood desks, so find one that suits your style.

Decide on the design features you want and sketch a plan with specific measurements for each piece of plywood you’ll need to cut.

In my build, I created a simple desk with a flat surface, one storage box, and one leg. The final dimensions were 48 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 30 inches tall. And the storage box is 12” wide. However, you can adjust these measurements to fit your needs and available space.

Because this is a tutorial, you can also download my plans. Or you can purchase my premium plans with detailed diagrams and cut lists. 

Step 2: Cutting the Plywood

Now that you have your plan, it’s time to cut the plywood!

Double-check your measurements before making any cuts to avoid wasting materials.

Use a table saw or circular saw to cut larger pieces of the plywood. 

Then, use a miter saw to cut smaller pieces of wood to your plan. 

Step 3: Drilling Pocket Holes

Pocket holes are a great and easy way to create furniture. 

A Kreg Jig, or similar pocket hole jig, is used for this step. The jig ensures accurate placement of the pocket holes, which will be used for screwing the plywood pieces together during assembly.

Add pocket holes to the plywood pieces that need to be secured together, like the legs and shelves. 

Step 4: Drilling for Shelves (Optional)

If your design incorporates movable shelves, you must drill holes to accommodate the shelf pegs. 

A jig can be helpful here to ensure all the holes are drilled in the correct location and at the same level.

Step 5: Sanding

Take some time to sand all the plywood pieces before adding a finish.. 

An orbital sander with 220-grit sandpaper will smooth any rough edges and surfaces.

Be sure to pay extra attention to areas that will be visible on the finished desk. 

Sanding also helps the stain or paint adhere more evenly.

Step 6: Applying Veneer Edging 

Veneer edging is a thin layer of wood that can be applied to the edges of plywood to give it a more finished look. 

Iron-on veneer edging is a convenient option for this step. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the veneer edging with a hot iron. Or see my DIY tutorial on how to cover plywood edges with iron-on banding, believe me, it’s easy and makes your project look so much better. 

Step 7: Sanding the Edges

After applying the veneer edging, you will want to sand the edges with handheld 220-grit sandpaper lightly. This will ensure a smooth finish between the veneer and the plywood surface.

Step 8: Staining and Finishing

Now it’s time to add some color! 

Choose a stain or paint color that complements your style and existing décor.

TIP: Apply a wood conditioner or wipe the wood with a damp water cloth before staining to help prevent a blotchy finish. Don’t believe me? See my test to see if you really need wood conditioner.  

Apply the stain or paint according to the product’s instructions and allow it to dry completely. Depending on the product used, this typically takes a few days.

Step 9: Assembly

With the cured finish and all the components ready, it’s time for assembly! 

Use wood glue and clamps to join the plywood pieces according to your design securely. 

Refer back to your plans and double-check the placement of each piece before applying glue.

Step 10: Adding Stability (Optional)

Depending on the design of your desk, you might find that some areas require additional support for stability. 

In this project, metal corner brackets were added to reinforce one side. 

Evaluate your design and add any brackets or braces that you feel are necessary to ensure the sturdiness of the finished desk.

And Voila! Your DIY plywood desk is complete! This project is a great way to personalize your workspace and create a functional piece of furniture that perfectly suits your needs.

FULL PROJECT VIDEO:

Are you better with visuals? Check out the full project video below, and don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss out on future projects!

I hope this tutorial inspires you to create your own plywood desk. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions. Happy building!