To build a simple desk with drawers, you don’t need to be a professional woodworker. With a few basic tools and some inexpensive materials, you can create a functional and stylish workspace that fits your needs and budget. In this article, I will walk you through the steps to build a simple desk with drawers that will provide ample storage and workspace. 
The first step in building a desk with drawers is to gather your materials and tools. You will need wood boards, screws, wood glue, drawer slides, and drawer pulls. You will also need a circular saw, a drill, a jigsaw, and a sander. Once you have all the materials and tools, you can start building your desk. In the following sections, I will provide a detailed guide on how to build a simple desk with drawers. We will start with cutting the wood boards to size, then move on to building the desk frame, attaching the legs, and building the drawers. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to build a functional and stylish desk with drawers.
Materials Needed
To build a simple desk with drawers, you will need the following materials:
- 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber, 24 1/4″ long for the legs
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber, 13″ long for the supports
- 1 piece of 2×2 lumber, 13 3/4″ long for the support
- 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood, 16″x60″ long for the top
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood, 16″x22″ long for the drawer box
- 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood, 16″x13″ long for the drawer sides
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood, 22″x13″ long for the drawer back
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood, 16″x22″ long for the drawer bottom
- Drawer slides
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
I recommend using high-quality materials to ensure that your desk is sturdy and durable. You can choose to paint or stain the wood to match your decor or leave it natural for a rustic look. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools, including a saw, drill, screwdriver, and measuring tape. With these materials and tools, you’ll be able to build a simple desk with drawers that will meet your needs and last for years to come.
Designing Your Desk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lih8UdNzWF8&embed=true When it comes to designing your own desk, there are a few things to consider before you start building. In this section, I will cover the two main aspects of designing your desk: determining dimensions and drawer design.
Determining Dimensions
The first thing you need to decide on is the size of your desk. Consider the space where you will be placing it and how much room you will need to work comfortably. You should also take into account any equipment or tools you will be using, such as a computer or printer. To determine the dimensions of your desk, you can use a tape measure to measure the space where you plan to place it. You should also take into account the height of your chair and any other equipment you will be using. Once you have these measurements, you can use them to create a rough sketch of your desk design.
Drawer Design
If you plan on adding drawers to your desk, you will need to decide on the design. There are many different types of drawers, including standard drawers, file drawers, and keyboard trays. Standard drawers are the most common type of drawer and can be used to store office supplies or personal items. File drawers are designed to hold hanging files and are ideal for those who need to keep their paperwork organized. Keyboard trays are designed to hold a computer keyboard and can be a great addition to a desk for those who use a computer frequently. When designing your drawers, you should also consider the materials you will be using. You can use wood or metal for the drawer fronts and handles, and you can also use different types of drawer slides to ensure smooth operation. Overall, designing your own desk can be a fun and rewarding project. By taking the time to consider your needs and preferences, you can create a desk that is both functional and stylish.
Building the Desk Frame
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UubYD94uNS8&embed=true
Assembling the Frame
To start building the desk frame, I gathered all the necessary materials and tools. I used 2x4s for the legs and frame, and 1x4s for the drawer supports. I cut the wood to the required lengths using a circular saw and then sanded the rough edges. Next, I assembled the frame by attaching the legs to the horizontal pieces using wood screws. I made sure to pre-drill the holes to prevent the wood from splitting. I also added a diagonal brace for extra stability.
Installing the Top
Once the frame was assembled, I installed the top. I used a pre-cut piece of plywood for the top, but you can use any material you prefer. I placed the top upside down on the frame and screwed it in place from underneath. To install the drawers, I added drawer supports to the frame using wood screws. I made sure to measure and cut the supports to fit the size of the drawers. Then, I attached the drawer slides to the supports and the drawers, making sure they were level and aligned. Overall, building the desk frame was a straightforward process that required basic woodworking skills and tools. With some patience and attention to detail, anyone can build a simple desk with drawers that is both functional and stylish.
Building and Installing Drawers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVUJ_1OyiY8&embed=true
Drawer Construction
To build drawers for the desk, I first measured the depth, width, and height of the space under the desk where I wanted to install them. Based on these measurements, I purchased the necessary supplies such as wood, drawer slides, and screws. I then cut the wood pieces to the required size using a saw and assembled them using wood glue and screws. I made sure to sand the edges and corners of the drawer pieces to avoid any splinters or sharp edges. Next, I installed the drawer slides on both sides of the drawers and attached them to the desk using screws. I made sure to test the drawers to ensure they were sliding in and out smoothly.
Drawer Installation
To install the drawers, I placed them upside down on the desk and marked the positions where I wanted to attach them. Using a power drill, I created four pilot holes in the back of the drawer box, evenly spaced. These holes were used to screw the drawer box to the desk. I then flipped the drawers over and slid them into the drawer slides, making sure they were aligned properly. I tested the drawers again to ensure they were sliding in and out smoothly and adjusted them if necessary. Overall, building and installing drawers for the desk was a straightforward process that required attention to detail and accurate measurements. With the right tools and supplies, anyone can easily add drawers to a desk.
