DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Modern Wall Desk

New Desk Plan Based on a Design from West Elm

This desk design is based off of a desk from West Elm and it can be built for a fraction of the cost. The DIY furniture plans to build a Modern Wall Desk feature three shelves at the top and a drawer in the desk portion in the middle of the framing. The front of the framing is angled back adding stability to the modern detail. This plan is suitable for all skill levels, and can be completed in a weekend!

The framing to build the Modern Wall Desk uses off-the-shelf lumber and can be assembled using countersunk screws from the outside or pocket holes on the framing pieces on the inside.

Materials:

• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws OR
• 2-1/2″ screws
• 1-3/4″ screws
• 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws, optional
• 1-1/2″ brad nails
• One set of 18″ drawer slides (<–affiliate link!)
• Edge banding, optional (<–affiliate link!)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Finishing supplies (primer and paint, or stain and sealer)

Lumber:

• 1 – 1×2 at 4′
• 9 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 75″ – Back Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 75-3/16″ – Front Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 10-1/8″ – Side Framing
• 2 – 2×2 at 14-13/16″ – Side Framing
• 2 – 2×2 at 16-5/8″ – Side Framing
• 4 – 2×2 at 44-1/2″ – Back Stretchers
• 2 – 2×2 at 44-1/2″ – Front Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 23-3/4″ x 44-1/2″ – Desk Back
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 5-1/2″ x 18″ – Desk Sides
• 1 – 1×2 at 43″ – Desk Front Stretcher
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18-3/4″ x 44-1/2″ – Desk Top
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 3-1/2″ x 18″ – Drawer Box Sides
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 3-1/2″ x 40-1/2″ – Drawer Box Front & Back
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 18″ x 42″ – Drawer Box Bottom
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 6-1/4″ x 44-1/2″ – Drawer Front
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 6″ x 44-1/2″ – Lower Shelf
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 44-1/2″ – Middle Shelf
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 47-1/2″ – Upper Shelf

Notes About the Project:

• Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly.
• Sand the pieces before assembling the frame.
• Paint or stain the frame, shelves, and pieces for the desk before assembling.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the side framing. The side framing pieces will have a 5° angle cut in one end of each piece to allow the front legs to lean back. Secure the framing using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws from the outside of the legs or drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces and secure to the legs using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the back stretchers. Secure to the legs using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws from the outside of the legs or drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces and secure to the legs using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the front stretchers. Secure to the legs using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws from the outside of the legs or drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces and secure to the legs using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Finish the frame and the pieces for the desk as desired.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the desk back. Secure the piece to the legs on top of the lowest back stretcher using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws from the outside of the legs or drill pocket holes in each long edge of the back and secure to the legs using 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The back face of the plywood piece will be flush with the outside face of the legs.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the desk sides. Secure to the legs and the framing using 1-3/4″ screws. The top edge of the sides will be flush with the top edge of the back, and will extend past the front legs.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the desk front stretcher. Secure to the sides using glue and and countersunk 1-3/4″ screws from the outside of the desk sides or drill pocket holes in each end of the stretcher and secure to the sides using 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the desk top. Secure the top to the desk back and sides using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the drawer box. Assemble the drawer box using glue and countersunk 1-3/4″ screws from the outside of the drawer sides or drill pocket holes in each end of the drawer front and back, and secure to the sides using 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Nine

Cut the piece for the drawer bottom. Secure the bottom to the drawer frame using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails. Install the drawer slides on the drawer box according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Install the other half of the drawer slides on the inside of the desk sides according tot he manufacturer’s instructions and make any necessary adjustments. For an easy tutorial on installing drawer slides, click here.

Step Ten

Cut the piece for the drawer front. It will overlap the entire front of the desk including the top front edge and the stretcher. Secure the drawer front to the drawer box using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails. Open the drawer, then drive 1-1/2″ screws through the inside of the front of the drawer box into the drawer front to further secure it in place.

Step Eleven

Cut the pieces for the shelves. Starting with the lower shelf, secure it in place using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails (it will be attached to the back stretcher only).

Secure the middle shelf to the front and back stretchers directly above the lower shelf using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails. Then secure the upper shelf to the front and back stretchers, and side framing at the top.

Have questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Modern Wall Desk? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2019-11-06 08:00:17.