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About Project
Build a X desk with these free easy do it yourself plans! Features step by step instructions, detailed diagrams, cut list and shopping list.
Sometimes the simplest plans are the most difficult to explain - sorry bout the 18 diagrams! But I'm giving my best effort to simplify the every popular X Desk with drawer for you - so you can build it with ease and confidence.
Dimensions
Materials and Tools
6 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long - Shop around for 1x3s with very sharp, square edges
1 - 1x4 @ 12 feet long
1 - 3/4" plywood or other project panel 24" x 48" suitable for desktop use
1 - 1/4 sheet 1/4" plywood or hardboard
2 - 16" Euro style drawer slides (the cheap white ones that attach to the bottom corners of the drawers)
Cut List
2 - 1x3 @ 35 3/4" - Both ends cut at 35 degrees off square, ends are parallel to each other
2 - 1x3 @ 31 3/8" - Both ends cut at 35 degrees off square, ends are parallel to each other
4 - 1x3 @ 17 1/2" - One end cut at 20 degrees off square, other end cut at 35 degrees off square, measurement is longest points - SEE IN STEP 1 AND 2
2 - 1x3 @ 14" - One end cut at 20 degrees off square, other end cut at 35 degrees off square, measurement is longest points - SEE IN STEP 4
2 - 1x3 @ 18 1/4" - One end cut at 20 degrees off square, other end cut at 35 degrees off square, measurement is longest points - SEE IN STEP 5
2 - 1x4 @ 24" - Both ends cut at 35 degrees off square
2 - 1x4 @ 45"
1 - 1x3 @ 45"
1 - 1/4 sheet plywood or other project panel 48" x 24"
Drawer
4 - 1x3 @ 15 1/4"
2 - 1x3 @ 12"
1 - 1x3 @ 44"
1 - 1/4" plywood or hardboard @ 44" x 16"
General Instructions
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Step 1
It would be a good idea to lay out your legs first. A dry run will minimizes mistakes later.
Start with the two longest leg pieces. Notice you will need to build two leg sets that are mirrored. Attach the 17 1/2" long leg pieces to the bottoms with 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue. Take great care to line edges up - you want to create the illusion of a solid wood leg here. This will save you sanding work later!
Step 2
Do the same for the shorter full legs. Note that the middle angles are all 20 degrees off square, but top and bottom angles are 35 degrees off square.
Step 3
Position a leg set including one short and one long leg, crossing in the middle. Check to make sure the bottom overall spread is 23 1/8" exactly. Glue and nail down when satisfied. Build remaining leg in mirror.
Step 4
Fit the long top leg with the remaining short filler piece. Nail down.
Step 5
Then fit the short top leg with the remaining long filler pieces. You should have a notch on the inside of each leg.
Step 6
Position the side aprons in this notch and glue and nail down.
Step 7
Notice the side aprons both sit to the inside. Attach back apron as directed in diagram.
For a drawerless desk, simply add the front apron too.
Step 8
Bottom stretcher is a 1x3. Attach same as back apron.
Step 9
Followed by the tabletop. If you have a pocket hole jig, you will want to attach through aprons with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws (drill pocket holes PRIOR to step 7). Otherwise, nails and glue down with 2" finish nails.
Step 10
For the drawer, build as shown above. Attach plywood to the bottom with 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue. Check to make sure your drawer is square and overall 1" less in width than the opening in the desk.
Step 11
Attach drawer members to drawer bottom side corners. Attach cabinet members to insides of desk. Follow the instructions in this plan for installing drawers.
Step 12
When the drawer is closed, it sits inset on the desk as shown above.
Finishing Instructions
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YAY! I've LOVED this!
But was never really motivated to figure it out because it looked too tough! THANK YOU!
My dream desk!
I am thrilled. I am delighted. I love this Crate and Barrel desk but couldn't stand the idea of paying over $600 for it. It's the reason I decided to take up woodworking again and then I couldn't find any patterns. Thank you!
Glass Top?
I've been looking for a table with "X" legs and a glass top and am so excited about this plan. Do you think this would support a glass top? If not, any way to reinforce it so it does? Thanks!
Glass top
I bet it would be fine if you used at least 1/4" glass and did both the front and back aprons. Maybe even one more support across the middle, parallel to the aprons? You could probably show the plan to your local glass store and get a good answer.
Couldn't say it better than
Couldn't say it better than Hillary did!
Good idea, thanks! I checked
Good idea, thanks! I checked and a 1/2" thick piece would weigh about 70 lbs. Will definitely look into it.
PDF file
Rut Roh, I think something went wrong. The link to the PDF file is throwing this error.
TCPDF ERROR: [Image] Unable to get image: file:///home/anawhite/public_html/dev/acquia-drupal-1.2.33/sites/default...
BTW, I love this desk. I can finally gift this cheap Walmart one I've been using and make a REALLY good and sturdy one.
Thank You.
hey id like to modify the
hey id like to modify the design a bit because i already have the panel for a desktop but im a first timer and quite terrible at design. the size of my board is 29 1/2 x 61 (inches)and i dont know how this affects the angles of the legs which is mymain problem
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