Kids Storage Leg Desk

diy storage play table kids desk
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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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

easy to build desk ideas

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.  

Dimensions
dimensions of desk diagram
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

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

Cut List
  • 8 – 1x6 @ 22 ½”
  • 4 – 1x6 @ 29 ¼”
  • 2 – 1x12 @ 22 ½”
  • 6 – 1x2 @ 22 ½”
  • 1 – ¾” project panel 48” x 24”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
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!

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!

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.

Comments

waltera

Fri, 01/05/2018 - 19:57

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

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!