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A six-foot U-shaped desk with two return wings — built for homeschool corners and shared workspaces, from 1x10 tops on a 2x4 frame with built-up legs.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long frame rails | 5 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 38 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Short frame rails | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 13 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Back apron | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 68 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Legs, 2x4 half | 6 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 24" | — | ☐ |
| Legs, 2x2 half | 6 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 24" | — | ☐ |
| Blocking | 3 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 13 1/2" | — | ☐ |
| Main desktop | 2 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 72" | 1x10 | ☐ |
| Return desktops | 4 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 23 7/8" | 1x10 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 1x3, 8 ft Aprons and frames. | 4 each | ☐ |
| 2x2, 8 ft The leg build-ups. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 2x4, 10 ft Legs. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 2x4, 8 ft Legs and blocking. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x10, 6 ft Return desktop pieces. | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x10, 8 ft Main desktop pieces. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive | 50 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4", 18 ga | 60 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 8 oz | ☐ |
| Wood filler | 4 oz | ☐ |
| Primer and paint, or stain | 1 quart | ☐ |
| Polyurethane The desk top's armor. Recommended by the plan, seconded by every parent. | 1 quart | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set, Speed Square. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive, Wood glue
Assemble the two side frames from 1x3s per the diagram — predrill and use the 2" screws; 1x3 stock splits near its ends without pilot holes.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive, Wood glue
Screw the 68-1/2" back apron across the two return frames. The U now exists in outline.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive
Attach the inner front rail per the diagram — it stiffens the main span and gives the desktop its front landing.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 2x2, 8 ft, 2x4, 10 ft, 2x4, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", 18 ga, Wood glue
Glue and brad each 2x2 to a 2x4, edges flush, making six L-section legs. The L is stiffer than either board alone and reads as a deliberate furniture leg instead of framing.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Level. Materials: Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive, Wood glue
Screw each leg to its frame corner with multiple 2" screws and glue, checking the leg plumb with a level AS you drive. Six legs on three frames: the level-as-you-go method is the only one that ends with all six touching the floor.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive
Screw the 2x4 blocking pieces in per the diagram — they back up the desktop seams where the returns meet the main run.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x10, 8 ft, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive
Position the two 72" 1x10s and screw down into the frame.
The better-top option, straight from the plan: pocket-hole ALL the top boards into one flat panel first, then attach the finished panel. Extra hour, visibly nicer desk — take the option if the desk lives anywhere guests see.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x10, 6 ft, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 2", star drive, Wood filler, Primer and paint, or stain, Polyurethane
Add the four return desktop pieces and screw down. Fill every hole and seam, sand to 120, prime and paint (or stain), and topcoat the entire work surface with polyurethane — two coats minimum. School desks are finished for war, not for looks.