Corners in offices can be great ways to expand your space - whether you use the corner for a computer or a workspace.
With this easy plan, you can build your own corner desktop. Build bases to suit your storage needs to create the perfect corner desk system!
Shown with open shelf base and open bases with drawers. See all plans in the Modular Office Collection to customize your corner desk top with the perfect bases.
Preparation
- 1 – Sheet of 3/4″ MDF or hardwood plywood
- Edge Banding if you are using hardwood plywood
- 4 – 1×2 Boards
- 1 – 1×3 Board
- 3″ screws for attaching the back leg OR corner brackets and screws to attach the back leg with hardware
Cut List for Tabletop Pieces
- 1 – 3/4″ MDF or Hardwood Plywood cut in a 38″ x 38″ square (you will cut off one corner in step 1)
- 2 – 1×24 boards @ 24 1/4″ (you can cut the pieces out of your scraps from the corner, dimensions 23 1/2″ x 24 1/4″)
Cut List for Trim Under Tabletop
- 1 – 1×2 @ 58 1/4″ (trim in red)
- 2 – 1×2 @ 56 3/4″ (trim in green)
- 4 – 1×2 @ 16 1/2″ (trim in blue)
- 1 – 1×2 @ 38 3/4″ (trim in yellow)
- 1 – 1×2 @ 22″ (trim in pink, cut to measurement, mitering ends 45 degrees)
Cut List for Leg
- 3 – 1×3 @ 29 3/4″ (leg pieces)
Work on a clean level surface and use proper safety precautions and equipment. Review the plans before beginning, having a clear understanding of how the plan will be put together. Predrill and countersink your screws, using glue. Check for square after each board is fastened.
Instructions
Step 1
Measuring the tops. Measure the tops of your bases and make sure they will fit in a 15 1/2″ x 21″ opening. If they will not, adjust the trim lengths to fit in step 3.
Step 2
Tabletop Pieces. Cut out your tabletop pieces as shown above. For the corner, blue, cut a 38″ x 38″ square. Then mark on 2 sides 23 1/2″ from the back. Draw a 45 degree angle between the two points and cut off the corner.
Step 3
Trim Pieces. On the underside of the tabletop, fasten the trim pieces using the 1 1/4″ screws and glue.
Start with the red board, fastening it 3″ from the back edge and 1″ from the front side edge as shown above.
Then fasten the green boards, leaving a 16 1/2″ gap between the two green boards. Next, fasten the white boards. Where the white boards span the tabletop joint, make sure you fasten to both the corner and side tabletop pieces.
Then fasten the yellow trim piece in place. Finally, measure and cut the pink piece, mitering ends in 45 degrees. Use glue and let the glue dry with the piece laying flat.
Step 4
Leg. Build the leg by fastening 2 of the 1×3 boards together with glue, 1 1/4″ screws, and clamps. Let dry and fasten the remaining 1×3, again with glue and clamps and screws. Let dry. You can attach the leg to the tabletop by screwing through the top, screwing through the trim, or using corner brackets.
Comments
Kast
Fri, 10/04/2013 - 06:09
New to this...
Just read over your plans. I love your work by the way. Just curious, I see a Kreg jib is on the supply list. I don't see in the plan instructions when I would use this. I'm thinking when I attach the leg to the table if I insert the 3" screws through the trim? I also want to be clear that I need to make bases first to make sure they fit underneath within the trim areas.
Thank you
kasselt001
Wed, 02/05/2014 - 05:45
drawers
Hi Ana,
I only see the directions for the table top. I love the pottery barn inspired drawers. Do you have instructions to build these as well?
kennethrh2
Sat, 02/15/2014 - 21:36
Awesome!
You rock and your website is awesome!!! I enjoy woodworking projects and your website has some awesome projects on it!
Thanks Anna!!!
mombuilder
Wed, 04/29/2015 - 01:31
Attaching desk top pieces
I am just wondering how you secure your table top pieces together--can you use a kreg jig and screw them together? Or do you just glue them and rely on the trim pieces to hold them together? I can't wait to build this system for my husbands new office!
Sixchaulks@hot…
Mon, 12/18/2017 - 05:07
Bigger
How could I make the depth of this top wider. Going from 231/2 to 30 in. My question is what size does the centre need to be if the sides are now 30 x 30.
Thanks Rod