Build a Mobeley 16 Inch Desk

An Easy to Build Desk for Any Room

This desk is another super-simple build! The plans to build a Mobeley 16 inch desk feature two open cubbies and one drawer under a roomy top. It’s a great piece for an entryway or as a console table in a living room!

This plan is another great weekend project and the plan is suitable for all skill levels!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 2″ brad nails
• 1-1/4″ screws
• Edge banding, optional (<– affiliate link!)
• 14″ drawer slides (<– affiliate link!)
• Cabinet knob or pull
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

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

Cut List:

• 6 – 2×2 at 23″ – Legs
• 8 – 2×2 at 13″ – Leg Assemblies
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 16″ x 60″ – Bottom and Top
• 2 – 1×6 at 16″ – Sides
• 1 – 1×6 at 58-1/2″ – Back
• 2 – 1×6 at 15-1/4″ – Dividers
• 2 – 1×4 at 14″ – Drawer Box Sides
• 2 – 1×4 at 16-1/2″ – Drawer Box Front and Back
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 14″ x 18″ – Drawer Box Bottom
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 5-1/4″ x 18-3/4″ – Drawer Front

Notes About the Project:

• Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly
• Sand all of the pieces before putting everything together
• The drawer can be omitted, if desired
• Why not build a fabulous chair to go with this desk?

Step One

Cut the pieces for the leg assemblies. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Secure the shorter pieces to the longer leg pieces using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Orient the shorter pieces so that the pocket holes face up on the upper pieces and down on the lower pieces. This way, the pocket holes won’t have to be filled!

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the top and bottom. Set the top aside. Apply glue to the top of the leg assemblies and position the bottom piece on top clamping until the glue is dry. Secure the bottom to the legs using 2″ brad nails.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the sides. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes along one long edge of each piece. Secure the sides to the bottom, with the outer edges flush, using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in each end. Run a bead of glue along the edge of the bottom between the sides, and position the back piece. Secure the back to the sides using 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws and 2″ brad nails through the bottom into the lower edge of the back.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the dividers and drill pocket holes along one long edge. Secure the dividers to the bottom using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, and 2″ brad nails through the back into the dividers.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the drawer box, and drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble the drawer box using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the drawer box bottom. Secure the bottom to the drawer box using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Step Eight

Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them 3/4″ back from the front edge of the side and divider pieces. Take a look at this easy tutorial on installing drawer slides. Install the drawer and adjust as necessary.

Step Nine

Apply a bead of glue to the top edge of the sides, back and dividers. Position the top then secure in place using 2″ brad nails.

Step Ten

Cut the piece for the drawer front. Apply hot glue to the front of the drawer box and shim the piece in place with a 1/8″ gap around all sides. Open the drawer and secure the drawer front from the inside using 1-1/4″ screws.

Finish the desk as desired, then install the cabinet knob or pull.

Have questions about the plans to build a Mobeley 16 inch desk? Leave a comment below!