An Easy to Build Industrial Style Writing Desk

DIY Plans to Build a Wyatt Writing Desk

I love the industrial vibe that wood paired with metal creates… The DIY plans to build a Wyatt Writing Desk are super-easy and are suitable for beginners. As an easy to build industrial style writing desk, the plan features a large top on angled legs with wood stretchers that can be painted with metallic paint to mimic metal (black iron pipe and fittings can also be used!). There is no drawer (though one can be added if you are so inclined) and this is the type of project where the framing can also be constructed out of plywood with bare edges (i.e. no edge banding!).

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×4 at 6′
• 2 – 1×6 at 6′
• 1 – 2×2 at 4′
• 1 – 2×2 at 6′
• 2 – 2×4 at 6′
• 1 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×4 at 31-3/16″ – Legs
• 4 – 1×6 at 12″ – Side Framing
• 2 – 1×4 at 33-1/4″ – Center Side Framing
• 2 – 1×6 at 32″ – End Framing
• 2 – 2×2 at 29″ – Lower Bracing
• 1 – 2×2 at 47″ – Lower Bracing
• 2 – 1×4 at 29″ – Top Supports
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 32″ x 64″ – Top

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs. Cut the angles in each end of the legs at 15° using a jigsaw, miter saw or band saw.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the side framing. Cut the angles in the ends as shown at 15°. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown. Check out this quick how-to on  drilling pocket holes in mitered edges. When drilling the pocket holes in the 1×6 pieces, note that there will be two right pieces and two left pieces.

Secure the 1×6 pieces to the outside of the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside face of the pieces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs, and the top edges will be flush with the top edges of the legs.

Secure the center pieces to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside face of the pieces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs, and the top edges will be flush with the top edges of the legs.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the framing ends. Secure to the 1×6 side framing pieces using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the lower bracing. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the side bracing pieces to the lower edge of the legs (locating the piece 4″ up from the bottom of the piece) securing them using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Secure the center bracing piece to the side bracing pieces using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Orient the pocket hole screws so they face down and will not have to the filled.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the top supports. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the supports to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the top. The top will be flush with the frame on all sides. Secure the top to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

The desk would be a great piece in a home office, a kid’s room, or even in an entryway! The DIY plans to build a Wyatt Writing Desk can be completed in a weekend. Any questions about the plans? Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-10-13 08:00:14.