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This is two nearly identical bookshelf boxes built from the same cut list, with one key difference: the second box skips its top shelf during assembly so a desktop can span from it out to a pair of separate legs, turning that bookshelf into one side of a desk. Building both boxes side by side from a shared cut list is what keeps this manageable — you're really building one bookshelf twice, then finishing the second one differently.
Size the whole system to your actual under-bed clearance before cutting; loft bed heights vary, and this only works if the desktop height and the tallest point of both bookshelves clear the bed frame above.
| Item | Qty |
|---|
| 1x4 board, 6 ft | 1 each |
| 1x12 board, 8 ft | 3 each |
| 1x12 board, 6 ftThe large desktop. | 1 each |
| 1x3 board, 8 ft | 1 each |
| 1/4" plywood | 11 sq ft |
| Self-tapping wood screws, 2" | 40 each |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" | 40 each |
| Wood glue | 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bookshelf sides1x12Two per bookshelf, two bookshelves total. | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 29 1/4" |
| Bookshelf shelves1x12 | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 24 1/2" |
| Small bookshelf desktop1x12Top of the bookshelf that stays a plain bookshelf. | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 26" |
| Large desktop1x12Spans from the second bookshelf's top out to the two desktop legs. | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 67" |
| Footers1x3 | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 24 1/2" |
| Backs1/4" plywood | 2 | 1/4" × 26" × 30" |
| Desktop legs1x4 | 2 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 29 1/4" |
Buy 7 boards at 8 ft.
4 boards
1 board
1 board
1 board
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 →
Build both bookshelf boxes using 2" screws and glue. Build the first one complete, with its top shelf. Build the second one the same way but leave the top off for now — this is the one that becomes a desk.
Attach a footer to each bookshelf with 2" screws and glue, inset 1/2" and with the top edge flush — the bottom edge should sit just shy of touching the ground.
Attach the plywood backs to both bookshelves, making sure to fasten into the shelves as well as the sides. For the second bookshelf, do this after its top/desktop is on if that's easier to reach. Use glue and 1-1/4" nails.
Attach the small desktop to the top of the first bookshelf as its finished top shelf.
Attach the large desktop across the top of the second bookshelf and the two separate desktop legs, using 2" screws and glue. Sand, fill any holes, and finish both pieces.
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