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This desktop is designed to be one end of a larger desk system: one end of the panel rests on a separate storage base (a narrow open shelf base from the same modular office collection, or any cabinet of matching height), while this build's own leg unit carries the other end. That's why there's only one leg assembly here rather than two — if you're building this as a stand-alone desk with no base cabinet, you'll need to build a second leg unit yourself.
The leg unit is laminated up from three layers of 1x3 rather than built as a hollow frame, which gives it real mass and rigidity in a small footprint. Clamp firmly while gluing, but not so hard you squeeze out all the glue — a joint starved of glue by an overtightened clamp is a real failure mode, not just a theoretical one.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Glued-up 1x panel, 24" wide x 52" longThe desktop itself. A wide edge-glued panel, or laminate from narrower 1x stock. | 1 each |
| 1x2 board, 8 ft | 2 each |
| 1x3 board, 8 ftYou'll actually only need 2 boards plus a 17" scrap — the third board in some shopping lists is a buffer, not a requirement. | 2 each |
| 2x4 board, 17 in | 1 each |
| Finish nails, 1-1/4" and 2" | 40 each |
| Wood screws, 2" and 3" | 10 each |
| Wood glue | 3 oz |
| Wood filler | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Side trim, underside1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 16 1/2" |
| Front/back trim, underside1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 50" |
| DesktopGlued-up 1x panel | 1 | 3/4" × 24" × 52" |
| Outer legs1x3 | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 28 1/4" |
| Middle leg layers1x3 | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 25 3/4" |
| Top apron1x3 | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 16 1/2" |
| Top of leg unit2x4 | 1 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 16 1/2" |
Buy 7 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
1 board
3 boards
2 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Attach the underside trim boards to the desktop with glue and 1-1/4" nails, checking for square as you assemble. If you're staining rather than painting, finish the exposed panel edges with edge banding.
Clamp a middle leg layer to an outer leg piece, keeping the bottom and outside edges flush. Glue and 1-1/4" nail, clamping firmly but not so tight you squeeze out all the glue. Let dry. Then add the top apron piece the same way, checking for square as you attach it — and if staining, keep an eye out for glue squeeze-out, which will discolor the wood under a stain.
Assemble the remaining outer leg piece onto the other side the same way, this time using 2" nails and glue, keeping all outer edges flush. Let dry fully before moving on.
Attach the finished leg unit to the underside of the desktop, positioned at the end that won't rest on a base cabinet. Sand every surface and fill any nail holes before finishing.
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