Free DIY plans to make a schoolhouse style desk!
I know you don't want too .... but you are, aren't you?
Summer's winding down, and I'm already thinking about our big girl going off to 1st grade. It's almost back to school time.
Sad, I know. These summers are just too darn short.
My friend Jaime from That's My Letter just moved into a new home, and one of her first projects to tackle is a craft/study space for her three children. Going back to school is alot easier when you are organized, isn't it?
I'm so excited that Jaime asked me to draw up plans for her!!!
Didn't these desks turn out amazing?
Jaime built three desks, one for each of her kids.
We've got you covered with the plans following, but first, please take a second to check out lots more photos and step by step building details from Jaime at That's My Letter.
Thank you Jaime!
Plans folllow!
XO Ana
Preparation
16” wide project panel 48” long for single desk (desktop)
1 set 14” white bottom corner mount euro drawer slides
2 knobs or handles
1 set inset hinges for frameless (euro style) cabinets)
For each pedestal, approximately 1/2 sheet 13” plywood, ripped into strips 15 1/2” wide (you may need to purchase a whole sheet to get the cuts)
1 - 1x2 @ 14 1/2” long
1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x6 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x8 @ 14 1/2” long (1x8 is expected to be 7 1/4" wide)
1/4 sheet of 1/4” plywood
For end leg, you’ll need an extra 2x2
2 - 3/4” plywood 15 1/2” x 25 1/2”
2 - 3/4” plywood 15 1/2” x 14 1/2”
1 - 1x2 @ 14 1/2”
4 - 2x2 @ 3 3/4”
2 - 2x2 @ 12 1/2”
2 - 2x2 @ 13”
DRAWER - CUT TO FIT!!!
2 - 1x6 @ 12”
2 - 1x6 @ 14 1/2”
1 - 1/4” plywood @ 13 1/2” x 14 1/2”
1 - 1x8 @ 14 1/4”
DOOR
1 - 3/4” plywood @ 15 1/2” x 14 1/4”
For Shelves, use plywood pieces 14 1/2” x 14 1/2”
BACK
1/4” plywood 16” x 25 1/2”
END LEG
2 - 2x2 @ 12 1/2”
2 - 2x2 @ 29 1/4”
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
Build the basic box out of the 3/4" plywood pieces.
Step 2
Attach the trim for between the door area and drawer area -
Step 3
Build the base sepertely, then attach to bottom of the pedestal.
Step 4
Measure the drawer area and read instructions included with your drawer slides. Build drawer to fit your cabinet and drawer slide clearances (as shown for 1/2" drawer slide clearances).
Step 5
Step 6
Attach drawer face, with an even 1/8" gap around all sides of drawer face.
Step 7
Attach door to base with inset hinges.
Step 8
Attach back to back, use glue and 1 1/4" finish nails.
Step 9
Build the support leg as shown in diagram.
Step 10
Attach tabletops - for wider tabletops, the back can extend past the pedestals.
Step 11
Jaime also added a strip of wood to the inside of the door to act as a door stop.
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
Tue, 07/23/2013 - 17:13
I like the simplicity of
I like the simplicity of this! My daughter, who is moving back to the US after spending the past year living in London, England, was just saying that she needs a new desk. This might be just the thing she is looking for.
rosiejane
Tue, 07/23/2013 - 20:08
This is just like what I am
This is just like what I am in the middle of designing for our kids to use. The space I'm working with is about 3.4m (~11 feet) and I was going to make the desk about 600mm deep (~23.5in) and 750mm high (29.5in). I'm thinking of making the support cabinets a bit wider and maybe incorporating some cubbies. I'll definitely be able to grab some ideas from this plan. Thanks!
Ana White
Thu, 07/25/2013 - 12:06
Just added the matching hutch
Just added the matching hutch plans here.
MariaWriter
Thu, 07/02/2015 - 00:16
cool!
Great idea! again and again many thanks)