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Simple Small Trestle Desk

October 16, 2012 |

13 Comments

posted by Ana White

PDF version

Free plans to DIY a simple desk inspired by Pottery Barn Teen desk. It's just 2x4s and we got the step by step!

Additional Photos

Handmade from this plan >>

Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, it's appreciated by all!

Handmade by: Jeff
Handmade by: romanweel
Handmade by: hawaiitara

About Project

Author Notes:

Hi everyone!

Do you need a simple, small desk for your kids, but don't want to pay a fortune for it?

Well, do we ever got you covered!

I partnered up with my super amazing friend Brook from Being Brook (yes, she is really super amazing, I exaggerate not) to bring you a simple desk that you can make from 2x4s and 2x6s.

Pretty cute, eh? I think so too!

ROOM FULL OF DIY!

And the rest of Brook's son's room is no disappointment either! You can also build this bed with free plans and the X bench!

So here's what to do. Go head on over to Being Brook to load up on tons of inspiration, come back here and print out the plans, and let's get building!

And if you love the finish, we've got you covered there too! I'll be posting the step by step tutorial so you can build and finish your furniture beautifully and easily!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions shown above.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 – 2x4 a 104 5/8” (9 foot wall stud) or 1 – 2x4 @ 10 feet long
2 – 2x6 @ 8 feet long
2 ½” PH screws

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

Kreg Jig™

drill

compound miter saw

sander

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

4 – 2x4 @ 25 7/8” (both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, long point to short point, ends ARE parallel)
2 – 2x6 @ 19”
4 – 2x6 @ 38”
2 - 2x4 @ 17 1/2" (long point to long point, both ends cut at 10 degrees off square)

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 legs to top apron.

Step 2

You can also use a premade top or top the desk in a piece of acrylic or mat to make a smooth writing surface.

Step 3

For the most support, attach bottom shelf brace as shown here.

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.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Minwax Oil Based Stain on Birch

Espresso Stain

Staining and Finishing Tabletops

Desk, Kids and Toys, Teens, Beginner, Children's

13 Comments

Thanks for sharing the

Thanks for sharing the interesting piece of information, your post is simple yet smart. I have gone through all your posts and got a lot of experience.

thanks
MDF |Veneered MDF

posted by MDF (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-10-17 04:18

Reply to comment | Ana White

Fantastic site you have here but I was wanting to know if you
knew of any community forums that cover the same topics
talked about in this article? I'd really love to be a part of online community where I can get advice from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Appreciate it!

posted by free riot points (not verified) | on Thu, 2013-01-10 00:20

Thanks

Thanks for all of the great plans!

posted by Jessica Warfield (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-10-18 12:23

simple small trestle desk

I would like to make this for my son's room for his laptop, but I have a question: How far apart or how far from the edge of the apron are you attaching the legs?

posted by Dena Stewart (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-10-19 09:40

clips

I just finished drawing these

I just finished drawing these plans in Sketch up, because I also didn't see the measurement for how far in from the apron to mount the legs. Using all of the other dimensions from the plans, I came up with 3 inches in. By 3 inches in, I mean from the outside of the leg to the end of the apron. That should give you 10 inches between the two legs. And the bottom of the legs (measuring outside to outside) is really close to 22 inches, the same as the table top. Hope all of that makes sense.

posted by MikeB | on Sun, 2012-10-21 12:41

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