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.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
Danny Mittleamn (not verified)
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 07:48
Exactly what I have been
Exactly what I have been looking to build for my wife!
One comment: I need to put an under desk keyboard drawer into the table. So in step three it is important for me to have onsite my drawer assembly and confirm how it is going to attach underneath. If it doesn't fit the diagonal framing beam, this is the time to adjust design so it will fit.
Kenneth (not verified)
Sun, 03/28/2010 - 11:32
I built one very similar desk
I built one very similar desk many years ago, the only difference was that I added a very inexpensive pull out keyboard drawer for it...would be a nice addition to yours.
Adam | Toronto… (not verified)
Sun, 03/28/2010 - 11:35
Very nice build. I love
Very nice build. I love finding projects that give you very nice results that cost much lower than the originals. I've been looking to create a desk that'll fit into my office without having to spend an arm and a leg to do it.
I'm going to follow these plans and then report back on my finished creation.
Bob (not verified)
Sun, 03/28/2010 - 11:41
For some curves, try this
For some curves, try this Wraparound Desk
paul (not verified)
Sun, 03/28/2010 - 13:03
I built something like this a
I built something like this a while back for my sister. Instead of painting or varnishing the top I used self adhesive vinyl floor tiles. They come in one foot squares and are stocked, in all sorts of patterns, at most Home centers Lowe, Home depot etc. Most of the time they sell for about 1.00 to 1.50 each. They go on fast, look great, are impervious to spills, and will, I think, last indefinitely on a desk top.
Kemi (not verified)
Sun, 03/28/2010 - 14:32
I found your blog via
I found your blog via Lifehacker, this desk is they perfect project I've been looking for!
JuiceyBananas (not verified)
Mon, 03/29/2010 - 02:38
The space between the
The space between the cabinets that hold up the desk doesn't look like much. Can the dimensions be expanded to increase more room and still allow someone to lean on the middle safely I wonder?
Richard (not verified)
Tue, 03/30/2010 - 06:21
Wow, This is a trash design.
Wow, This is a trash design. Please anyone one reading this don't build this desk. It lacks stability and the MDF will not hold up very long. Real carpenters all around the world are upset at you for posting this on the internet, please remove it. Some people might take you seriously. Thank you for your time.
Anonymous (not verified)
Tue, 03/30/2010 - 06:55
All you need is an old door
All you need is an old door (fill the knob hole or use for computer cords, etc.) and two metal filing cabinets. So simple, even a caveman could do it. Have a nice day!! KISS
Caitlin (not verified)
Wed, 07/21/2010 - 06:05
Working on this right now,
Working on this right now, sorry if this might upset "real" carpenters, Richard. I'll make sure not to jump on it, and pray that the paperwork sitting on it does not manage to break the fragile MDF.