Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 2012-01-11 06:41
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About Project
Build a desk inspired by Pottery Barn's Chatham Desk! Free step by step plans for beginners!
Author Notes:
Isn't this a beautiful desk? We have the lovely Ashley over at Shanty2Chic to thank for today's plan! Make sure you stop over and see tons more photos, and yes, of course, the hutch ... :)
Like many of us, Ashley is just a Mom on a quest to make the best possible life for her family, budget or no budget! Ashley made this desk for her eight year old son.
And yes, we'll do plans for the hutch too!
Dimensions
Dimensions:
Dimensions:
Dimensions are shown above. Materials and Tools
Shopping List:
1 - Sheet of 3/4" Plywood or MDF or particle board (please go the Formaldehyde Free route!) cut into 15 3/4" x 8 foot long strips, referred to as 1x16s in this plan
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 4 feet long
1 knob or handle
1 set of 16" euro style white drawer slides (the ones that mount on the bottom corner of the drawer - should be the cheapest ones)
Scrap piece of 1/4" plywood 23" x 16"
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws
2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
drill
circular saw
nailer
sander
Cut List
Cut List:
2 - 1x16 @ 28" (Sides)
4 - 1x2 @ 15 3/4" (Side Trim)
6 - 2x2 @ 30" (Legs)
2 - 1x16 @ 24" (Shelves - one is optional)
3 - 2x2 @ 24" (Front/Back Trim)
2 - 1x2 @ 24" (Drawer Trim)
1 - 1x16 @ 60" (Top)
1 - 1x3 @ 60" (Top)
1 - 1x2 @ 60" (Top)
2 - 1x3 @ 21 1/2" (Drawer Front/Back)
2 - 1x3 @ 16" (Drawer Sides)
1 - 1/4" Plywood @ 16" x 23" (Drawer Bottom)
1 - 1x4 @ 23 3/4" (Drawer Face)
1 - 1x4 @ 15 3/4" - Leg Apron
Cutting Instructions:
Rip plywood into strips 15 3/4" wide x 8 feet long. These strips will be referred to as "1x16" boards.
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
Attach trim to top and bottom of sides. Use 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue. NOTE: You may wish to predrill pocket holes prior to this step.
Step 2
Attach legs to sides as shown in diagram, edges flush to trim, back and top. NOTE: Legs can be tapered as shown.
Step 3
Place bottom shelf and attach with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. NOTE: You may wish to also drill 3/4" pocket holes along front and back edges for attaching shelf trim (next step).
Step 4
Attach shelf trim either through predrilled pocket holes or with 2" finish nails and glue.
Step 5
Back support is attached as shown in diagram.
Step 6
Next is the front trim. Super easy stuff here!
Step 7
The drawer is just a box with 1/4" plywood on the bottom. If you use pocket holes, place on outsides - the drawer face will cover them up :)
Step 8
This is up to you - you can attach the drawer face now or wait until after you install the drawer in the cabinet. I like to attach with glue and 1 1/4" finish nails, avoiding hardware locations.
Step 9
The drawer needs to be installed so there is an even 1/8" gap along top and side edges. If you install drawer box, install leaving room for face (3/4") and then just attach face with an even gap on all sides.
Step 10
ow simply add the bottom trim. Hard part is ovah!
Step 11
Shelf is optional - you can install fixed with pocket hole screws or make adjustable with shelf pins.
Step 12
Build the leg end as shown above.
Step 13
Now the top. Use clamps for a very flat top.
Step 14
And now just attach all the parts!
Step 15
Just in case you need a little extra support.
Step 16
Or your legs aren't staying in place.
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions:
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
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Nice!
I like the tapered legs, great look!
Thank you!
I've been hoping for this plan. Now to find the time to get it started...
By the way, I like your version better than PB's!
Questions
Thanks so much for posting! This looks awesome. How did you cover the exposed plywood on the ends of the top?
Also, what kind of wood did you use?
I'm excited to try making it. Thanks again
Shopping list update
Just finished staining mine, looks good. Thought I would add though you need 3- 2x2 @ 8'. Thanks for the plan my daughter loves it.
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