An Easy to Build Desk with Lots of Storage
This chunky-style desk is perfect… not overly large but with plenty of storage! The plans to build a Joss & Main inspired Carole desk is another quick and easy build. Finished with a dark stain (or whatever color you’d like), it should fit anywhere!
Materials:
- 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
- 2″ pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4″ screws
- 2-1/2″ screws
- 1-1/4″ brad nails
- Edge banding for plywood
- 2 – sets of 20″ drawer slides
- 4 drawer pulls
- Finishing supplies
Lumber:
- 2 – 2×2 at 6′
- 4 – 1×2 at 8′
- 1 – 2×6 at 6′
- One sheet of 3/4″ plywood
Cut List:
- 4 – 2×2 at 29-1/4″ – Legs
- 6 – 1×2 at 21″ – Side Frames
- 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-3/4″ x 21″ – Side Panels
- 5 – 1×2 at 39″ – Back Frame, Front & Back Stretchers
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-3/4″ x 39″ – Back Panel
- 2 – 1×2 at 21″ – Drawer Supports
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-3/4″ x 21″ – Center Divider
- 1 – 3/4″plywood at 24″ x 42″ – Top
- 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 17-3/8″ x 19-1/4″ – Drawer Bottoms
- 4 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-1/2″ x 19-1/4″ – Drawer Sides
- 4 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-1/2″ x 18-7/8″ – Drawer Front & Back
- 2 – 2×6 at 7-1/4″ – Hutch Sides
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 7-1/4″ x 38″ – Hutch Back
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 4-3/4″ x 38″ – Hutch Shelf
- 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 3-1/4″ x 4-3/4″ – Hutch Dividers
- 1- 2×6 at 41″ – Hutch Top
- 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 3-1/4″ x 8-1/4″ – Hutch Drawer Bottoms
- 4 – 3/4″ plywood at 3″ x 3-1/4″ – Hutch Drawer Sides
- 4 – 3/4″ plywood at 3″ x 9-3/4″ – Hutch Drawer Front & Back
Notes About the Project:
Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before assembly!
Step One
Cut the pieces for the side frames. Drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown. Attach the frame pieces to the panels using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws with the lower frame piece on its side (orient the pocket holes at each end so they face down). The front face of the panel will be flush with the front edges of the frame pieces. Attach to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The stretcher will be centered on the legs.
Step Two
Cut the pieces for the back panel and stretcher, and drill pocket holes as shown. Attach to the legs in the same manner as the side panels using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The stretcher will be centered on the legs.
Step Three
Cut the pieces for the front stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Position as shown and attach using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Step Four
Cut the pieces for the drawer supports and the divider. Drill pocket holes in the divider and secure as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Attach the drawer supports using glue and countersunk 1-1/4″ screws.
Step Five
Cut the piece for the top. Secure to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails through the top into the side frames, back frame, front stretcher, and divider.
Step Six
Cut the pieces for the desk drawers. Drill pocket holes in each end of the side pieces as well as all four edges of the bottom. Assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The fronts will overlap the drawer box by 3/8″ on each side. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This easy tutorial on installing drawer slides will be a huge help! Make any necessary adjustments.
Step Seven
Cut the pieces for the hutch sides. Drill pocket holes in one of the shorter edges of each piece. The pieces will be positioned so they are flush with the back but 1/2″ in from the side edges. Attach to the desk top using glue and 2″ pocket hole screws.
Step Eight
Cut the piece for the hutch back and drill pocket holes as shown. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Step Nine
Cut the piece for the shelf and drill pocket holes in each end as well as one long edge. Position as shown, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Step Ten
Cut the pieces for the dividers and drill pocket holes in one edge only as shown. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Step Eleven
Cut the piece for the top. Secure using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws through the top into the back, sides, and dividers.
Step Twelve
Cut the pieces for the drawers. Assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.
Finish as desired!
Have questions about the free plans to build a Joss & Main inspired Carole Desk? Leave a comment below!
