Easy to build kids desk or play table features side storage perfect for books, coloring tools and more. This is a free project plan with step by step diagrams, photographs, shopping and cut lists from Ana-White.com
This is quite possibly the easiest desk or kids play table you could ever make! It's just two little bookshelves, with a premade (and precut) project panel on top! Yep,just whip out those bookshelves and screw the top on.
Preparation
- 2 – 1x6 @ 8 feet long
- 1 – 1x6 @ 10 feet long (cut bookshelf sides from this board)
- 1 – 1x12 @ 4 feet long
- 1 – 1x2 @ 12 feet long (or 1 1/2 @ 8 feet long)
- 1 – ¾” thick project panel 48” x 24” or a ¼ sheet of hardwood plywood
- 1 ¼” brad nails
- 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
- 8 – 1x6 @ 22 ½”
- 4 – 1x6 @ 29 ¼”
- 2 – 1x12 @ 22 ½”
- 6 – 1x2 @ 22 ½”
- 1 – ¾” project panel 48” x 24”
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!
Instructions
Step 1
First, build two bookshelves as shown here. If you have a pocket hole jig, just attach as shown.
An alternative is 2" countersunk screws or 2" finish nails and glue.
Step 2
Next, add the back pieces. These you can just nail and glue in place or you could attach with pocket holes - up to you.
NOTE: If using pocket holes, it may be easier to attach step 3 rungs first so you can get your drill inside, and then add the backs.
Step 3
Then attach rails - again, nails will work just fine.
Step 4
Once you have your two bookshelves done, lay the tabletop face down and attach the two bookshelves to the underside and you've got a desk!
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.
Comments
Pam the Goatherd
Wed, 03/27/2013 - 11:54
I recently built a similar
I recently built a similar desk for my 28 year old "kid", only his is 8 ft. long to hold his dual computer monitors and mixer (He does radio production work from home). I had to build a support framework to go in the center, between the bookshelves, so it didn't sag from all the weight on it. He loves it!
http://ana-white.com/2013/02/big-huge-desk-my-son
waltera
Fri, 01/05/2018 - 19:57
How to choose the right wood
I am a complete beginner that will attempt this desk and I was wondering how one goes about deciding how to get the right wood. Pine seems to be what other people seem to like to use (based on other sites) but I was wondering that it would depened on the project itself on the wood one uses. So a bed or a storage that would hold reat weight use a different wood than one that is for a desk or a coffee table.
Thanks.
SeeDawson
Fri, 01/05/2018 - 21:10
Pine is plenty strong!
This is a great question. You're right that pine is a softer wood, but it is plenty strong for a project like this. My husband and I have built many bookshelves out of pine that hold very heavy books with no problems. Pine is great for a beginner since it is low-cost and readily available at places like Home Depot, so if something doesn't go right the first time, you can easily replace it. Good luck, and welcome to furniture building!