A Simple Modern Desk

Build all four leg cores by nailing two A boards together flat-face to flat-face with 1-1/4" nails and glue, then a third A board on with 2" nails, keeping all outside edges flush. This makes the solid post the trim wraps around.

Add trim board B to each core, flush at the outside and bottom, then board C over it fastening into all the sandwiched 1x3s. Build all four legs the same way: the 1x3 trim (B) faces front and back, the 1x4 trim (C) faces the sides. Consistency here is what keeps the desk looking square.

Attach the side aprons (D) into the leg cores, keeping them flush with the outside edge of the leg centers so the desk is 24" wide. Then nail the front aprons (F) in, fastening into both the side aprons and the leg cores.

Set the project-panel or MDF top on the base, outside edges flush, and nail into all the side aprons, the back apron, and the leg pieces so it's fully anchored.

Add the drawer housing boards H and I, driving a screw down through the tabletop into the top edge of the middle I board, and cross-nailing with plenty of glue — these carry the drawers. Get the housing exactly square; an out-of-square housing means drawers that bind forever.

Nail the drawer sides (J) into the fronts/backs (K), checking each box for square, and add the squarely-cut 1/4" plywood bottoms (L) — a racked box won't slide. Mount the drawers on the slides and into the housing, then position the faces (M) with the intended uneven overhang (7/8" inside, 1/2" outside) before fixing them and adding pulls.