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A 52" desktop panel with a trimmed underside and one free-standing leg unit — the other end rests on a matching base cabinet.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side trim, underside | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 16 1/2" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Front/back trim, underside | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 50" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Desktop | 1 | 3/4" × 24" × 52" | Glued-up 1x panel | ☐ |
| Outer legs | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 28 1/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Middle leg layers | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 25 3/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Top apron | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 16 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Top of leg unit | 1 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 16 1/2" | 2x4 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Glued-up 1x panel, 24" wide x 52" long The desktop itself. A wide edge-glued panel, or laminate from narrower 1x stock. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x2 board, 8 ft (Pine) | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x3 board, 8 ft (Pine) You'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 (Pine) | 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 varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Speed Square. Materials: Glued-up 1x panel, 24" wide x 52" long, 1x2 board, 8 ft, Wood glue
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.
Tools: Bar / Pipe Clamps, Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x3 board, 8 ft, Wood glue
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.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x3 board, 8 ft, Wood glue
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.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 2x4 board, 17 in, Wood screws, 2" and 3", Wood filler
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.