How to Build a Computer Desk {Using 2x4s and Plywood!}
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- You can check out the step by step tutorial for this DIY computer desk build here:
www.woodshopdi...
And grab the printable plans here:
woodshop-diari...
If you’ve seen several of my latest posts, you’ll know that I’m building a series of matching projects for my Dad’s office space. It started last year with a modular filing cabinet console, then a few weeks ago, I built a table/desk combo, and then an open shelf with storage piece.
And now, he’s getting this new computer desk so that everything in his shop matches!
In the mean time, this was an interesting build that I’m really excited to get into. I ran into a couple challenges with the door as it was my first time using pivot hinges and I wasn’t using them the traditional way-so stay tuned for that in this video.
This video was sponsored by Kreg Tool who just launched several new cutting guides and pocket hole jigs here:
www.kregtool.c...
I'm showing off the new 720 features in this video and you can check out this jig in detail and decide which pocket hole jig is best for you in this post:
www.woodshopdi...
Some Notes About the Build:
The video, plans, and written tutorial do not go in any specific order of steps. Once you get both cabinets built, you can mix and match steps as you wish and go in what ever order makes sense to you.
Also, if you wanted both sides of the desk to have drawers, you can skip the steps to add the door...and if you want both sides to have doors, you can skips the steps to add the drawers.
Some additional resources that might be helpful:
How to Cut Down Plywood: www.woodshopdi...
How to Use Pocket Hole Jig: www.woodshopdi...
How to Build and Install Drawers and Drawer Slides: www.woodshopdi...
How to Use Plywood Edge Banding: www.woodshopdi...
In this video, you'll also see how to use pivot hinges for thick cabinet doors.
Tools and Materials used in this video (affiliate links):
Kreg 720 Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/3bmX63h
Birch 3/4" plywood: homedepot.sjv....
Cove Molding: homedepot.sjv....
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv....
Circular Saw: homedepot.sjv....
Shelf Pin Jig: amzn.to/3rPdxvN
Concealed Hinge Jig: amzn.to/3tRPNsw
Pivot Hinges: amzn.to/3rJdbGJ
Full Overlay Hinge for Keyboard Tray: amzn.to/2LIXksB
16" Drawer Slides: amzn.to/2MWZqFQ
Edge Banding: amzn.to/3b0ULui
2 1/2" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3aahtRK
1 1/4" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3d3CEGO
Minwax Polycrylic finish: amzn.to/3d47rmV
FYI helping people 2 years later, thank you. Been struggling with a design for a small cabinet and only have basic tools. You have been a Godsend!
That is so kind of you! I love to hear the videos and plans are helpful! Happy building!
After years of helping me my teenage daughter wants to begin her own career in making custom furniture. She is a little daunted by the predominantly male dominated industry but it's great to point her to channels like yours showing quality craftsmanship from other women. Keep up the good videos.
That’s awesome! Congratulations to her! I hope I can inspire her a little to keep at it even when it feels like she might not “fit in.” I worked in a factory as an engineer and special projects tech installing equipment for about ten years before this and I know very well what it’s like to be the only girl on the job. I’m sure with a good Dad cheering her on behind the scenes, she will do well.
Have her check out April Wilkerson who started out basic and grew into a several thousand sqft shop. Best.
I really like what you do with simple 2x4s and plywood. So many videos these days use hardwoods. It's good to know that quality furniture can be made with out needing to break the bank on walnut
Thank you and same! I think a lot of people get intimidated and don’t try because of expensive wood and complex techniques. My goal to to share how doable this is without those things. 2x4s work well if you take some time to sand and clean them up (and pick good ones from the store to start with haha). I appreciate your kind words!
I showed this video to my wife. We're looking for a desk for her to set up a home office for her new home-based business. We were going to "repurpose" an old desk but she liked yours so much I bought the plans and will be building this, and probably the other pieces as needed. Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome to hear! I’m so glad you liked the design! Happy building!
Hi. I just finished watching this video with my 10 year old granddaughter. She is just starting to take up sewing and I’m going to build her a sewing table, based on this video and your other video for the writing table. She is so excited after seeing you build your furniture and she’s asked me “if I can build it just like hers..?” I told her I’d do my best. We enjoyed your video so much, we shared it with my mom too, my granddaughter said “ooh, grandmama’ must see this…!” I’ve now binged watch a dozen of your builds, lol.
Really enjoying this build series. Also really liking the sock monkey hat. Makes me smile! Thanks for sharing your work with us.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Also, glad you noticed the hat...it’s my favorite! 😂
Loved that you actually showed the mistake you made with the door... Is definitely going to make me more diligent when making my own as apposed to if you had just left that part out. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Another great looking and easy to build design! I appreciate that you include the entire process of building your projects, even when things don't go as planned. It totally helps the rest of us deal with our own mistakes!
Thanks so much! This was definitely a learning experience, but I'm so glad I tried some new things. Pivot hinges are a lot more fun than I expected--but at least now I'm better prepared to compensate for the sizing next time haha.
Your dad is a lucky guy and now has some cool new office furniture. You definitely do awesome work and I LOVE THAT HAT!
Thank you! Haha I LOVE my sock monkey hat. It’s my all time favorite 😁
I really like how you make those fancy legs. So smart and simple, the look is just great too.
That’s about as fancy as a couple of 2x4s can get 😂 thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!
That pocket hole system is out of stock on the kreg website. Lucky craftsman you are.
They go on sale Monday! 👍 they’ll be available then
Love the simplicity of of how you build. You don't seem to get into the weeds like a lot of other builders do. Great series!
I appreciate that! I’m always trying to keep things simple and straightforward as much as I can 😄
Very nice build! Your mom & dad must be proud of you. The new Kreg jig is very nice. Thanks for introducing us to this new tool. We’ll have to get one soon. The computer desk is certainly a nice addition to this series. It looks great and your step by step illustrations and showing us the pitfalls are always very helpful. Thanks again and hope you all are all doing fine.
Thanks so much!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the project and are looking into the new Kreg Jig...in all honesty, it’s a pretty nice step up with the new clamping feature. Much easier on my arm haha. I’m always happy to share the ups and down and mistakes along the way. I truly hope it’s helpful. Have a great weekend and thanks again for watching!
Nice job. One of the things I like about your videos is that you aren’t afraid to show your mistakes. I make similar mistakes in my projects and it gives me a little bit of comfort knowing I’m not the only one. Keep up the good work. Cheers.
You’re definitely not the only one! I make plenty of mistakes 😅 learning and fixing the mistakes is just part of the process 😁
I love how versatile your pieces are. Just by watching the different pieces being built, the two ends could easily be end tables/night stands, filing cabinets and so on. Beautiful build! Tfs 👌😊
Thank you so much! That’s a great idea to use them as end tables. You could also mix and match and have two drawer cabinets or two door cabinets...once you get the basic building blocks down, there’s tons of ways to customize
Another great addition to your dads space. Great looking desk.
Thanks so much!!
Those legs are absolutely amazing and makes such a huge difference!!! Great job!!!!!!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
@@WoodshopDiaries it is my pleasure for sure! I am just getting into word working and it is so rewarding. Your videos are so awesome!
Nice desk. Basic constuction lumber (2 by material) can look great once they are milled up a bit. Great job!
Thank you! I totally agree. So many people avoid using them, but if cleaned up, they can look nice and save a ton of money 👍
I think it is amazing how you can make great looking furniture from 2X4s and plywood. Keep making great projects.
Thanks so much! They are definitely underestimated, but when used thoughtfully (and well sanded 😂), 2x4s and plywood make nice stuff without a huge budget 😉
All of your furniture is so well built and professional looking. You’re awesome.
I appreciate that so much!! Thank you!
Shara, you make this look easy. Nice work. I’m sure your dad is loving his new office furniture.😃
Thanks so much, friend! It IS definitely easy ;) Him and my mom both really like these designs...I'm happy to be able to make them for them.
Enjoyed this series very much, Shara! Well done as always!
Thanks so much! 💕💕
This turned out so good! I love how you did those legs. So simple to put that taper and makes all the difference. Never used pivot hinges before. Good to know that's an option
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!
I'm new to your channel, you've inspired me to tackle my pantry. Thank you so much!!
Love your channel and the practical application of woodworking techniques.
I started building furniture for family and this turned into my therapy. Would love to see your spin on a parcel box I created.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you following along!
Great video!, I love how in depth and step by step info not a lot of videos like yours thank you!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
I like the pockethole jig you used!
Thank you! I’ll have a whole blog post out on Monday on my website about the new jigs and they go on sale Monday as well 👍
@@WoodshopDiaries i will watch your vlog on monday ,wish i could buy one
The pieces are all looking great. Been looking to get the Kreg 720, nice to see it in action before I pulled the trigger.
Thank you! It’s a really great jig...they really thought out some much needed updates!
Hearing you say “I love drawers” is a little reassuring…I still find them incredibly daunting.
After a couple, they’re really pretty easy...and fun 😅 I’ve broken down my entire process of measuring, building and installing them in this tutorial if you’re interested:
www.woodshopdiaries.com/theres-no-wrong-way-to-make-a-drawer/
Nice computer desk Shara! Thank you for sharing the video with us!💖👌👍😎JP
Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!
Your very welcome Shara! Have a great week!😎
Dang, nice work! And cool new pocket hole jig too!
Thanks so much!
Very nice job on the desk. Take Care and be safe
Thank you! You as well 👍
Thanks for the wonderful content!! You’re a great inspiration for beginners.
Thanks so much!! My goal is to do exactly that...inspire beginners! I appreciate you watching!
I am from France and I love your videos, you work so well and you give good explanations. Can't wait to see your next creations :)
Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words and thanks for watching!!
Nice job Shara! Looks great!
Thank you!! 😄
Stunning as always, the desk too... I have stolen your great legs for a couple builds I'm currently designing. Looking forward to your next project
Ha! Thank you 😅 these legs are so easy and inexpensive...and great for all types of projects! Happy building!
@@WoodshopDiaries that they are, and they rezise well for bigger or smaller projects. One of those "wish I'd thought of that" things lol
Brilliant, I’m about to start a campervan build, your vids give masses of inspiration and excellent explanation. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍
A camper van build sounds like SO MUCH fun! I hope you enjoy the process and good luck with it! I’m glad my videos have given you inspiration. Happy building!
Good Job, I enjoyed watching you work. I'll be building a Studio desk using your method, Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks so much for watching and happy building!
First let me say, another great job! Well done. Second, Omg! I can't believe you have the Kreg 720 pocket hole jig. You are the first woodworking I've seen to actually have it and use it in their build. I'm so mad at myself. I wanted the K5 jig over a year and I finally bought it 2 months and now they've come out with this whole new series! Lol. It was great to see it in actually usage though. As always, keep up the good work!
Thank you so much!! You’ll definitely be seeing it more over the coming months! I really enjoyed using it this project. But I had the K5 for several years and LOVED it. So you still made a good choice 😉 plus, there will always be sales and opportunities to upgrade one day if you want 😄
What a great looking desk! This has been a wonderful series with a lot of good information. Thanks for sharing this tutorial.
Thank you! I’m so glad you followed along and enjoyed it!
@@WoodshopDiaries You have very nice looking furniture designs and you explain your methods clearly.
I like your design style, you are so talented and beautiful!
Really fantastic work, Shara! It looks beautiful! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks so much! You as well!
Another very nice project! You did a wonderful job on the desk. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
present
I like this channel.
because I always get knowledge from tutorials here.
and I can practice it at
So glad you enjoy the videos! I appreciate it!
I really like the style of this desk. Great job on this video :)
I loving using pocket holes! Great looking desk well done!
Thanks so much!!
Wow. Very impressive. Looked like a lot of work!
It was some work, but definitely not too bad. Would have been a little easier if it wasn't so cold haha
Beautiful work by a beautiful young lady ❤️💙🙏
Thank you 👍 💕
very neat improv on the hinges
There are concealed hinges you can get for thicker doors, they can usually accommodate up to Up to 1 1/2" thick doors, F type, before needing to modify the door with a router and reduce the thickness of the door at the hinges...
There's also drawer sliders with built in drop face hinges and drop face hinges you can mount to the side of the drawer to help keep it out of the way and not block part of the opening as the concealed hinges do...
I saw the concealed hinges for thicker doors but for the price, I opted for the pivot hinges. The ones I found were PRICEY. And they required a bigger hole than my concealed hinge jig was set up for. These did the job and were surprisingly easy to install.
I’ll check out the drawer slides. Thanks 👍
Hey Shara, Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much!! 😄
Iv been enjoying all the builds this series and checking out your other videos lol
Where I am in gosnell AR ; it ice storming and snowing staying in the lows , but where you are what the weather like for yall the same?? well yall stay safe
Glad you’ve been enjoying the series! It’s cold here too! Expecting snow next week. It’s been pretty mild until the last three weeks. Ready for summer!
Your welcome; and we supposed too get 8 -10 down here next week 2-3 inches a day not looking forward to it at all
I have no idea why this video was on my recommendations but I liked it.👍
subscribed
Hey, I appreciate you following along either way! 😄 thank you!
You’re doing a great job. It’s such a great feeling to just create something that wasn’t there before. Well done.
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
Awesome project, love the way you leave it natural with just polyurethane. I like those pivoting hinges im going to try it. Keep up the great work 😎🇵🇷👌
Thanks so much! It seems to be a fan favorite to leave the natural color...I may use that finish method more often in the future! I appreciate you watching!
Just wanted to say you are awesome.
I really appreciate that. Thank you for your kind words
Very talented young lady.
You’re so kind. Thank you!
@@WoodshopDiaries keep the videos coming you do great work and your videos are very informative.
Beautifully done!
Thank you 👍
You rocked it
Always good to watch your work
Thanks so much! I appreciate that!
You deserve to get 20 billion viewers
I appreciate that! Maybe someday haha
Beautiful desk
Thank you!
Great a Job Shara!
Thank you!
You should have used a different hinge on the keyboard tray (or reversed the one you did use) that allowed it to be recessed on the actual tray. Now the keyboard will have to sit behind the hinges, and that doesn't even include an allowance for a wrist rest. I hate to nit pick but carpal tunnel syndrome is pretty much impossible to reverse (outside of hydrodisection) so prevention is key. The styling on your 2x4 legs is pure genius! It looks so good and makes the concept of building great furniture with basic construction grade tools a reality.
Hi! Good observation but actually, the keyboard fits between the hinges so it’s right at the edge of the tray 👍 or back a little...whatever you’d feel more comfortable doing.
Another awesome project to follow along maybe we can get your opinion on the new kreg jig sometime
Thanks so much! So far, I'm loving the new features on the 720 jig. Honestly, the best part is the new clamp--not having to adjust between different board thicknesses is nice, but it's just all around easier on my arm to clamp. Truth be told, the repetitive motion on the old jig with the clamp was probably part of what caused my recent arm injury. This clamp is WAY easier. I'm actually putting a post out on my blog on Monday comparing all the Kreg Jig options, their features, and how to pick which is best for your shop. If you go to my blog and sign up for the newsletter, you'll be the first to know when that post comes out! (www.woodshopdiaries.com)
Wow, I just clicked your link to your Web site 👌 amazing, n ty so much for doing all this, I will be making some of your exact builds, so I will be ordering your cut lists to 💯
Fantastic resource 👌
Thanks so much! I appreciate that! I really pour my heart and soul into the website (it’s my main business) so I appreciate you taking a look!
@@WoodshopDiaries it looks fantastic to BTW, so your hard work paid off on the site 💯
I'm just starting out, so u doing these vids and your site will be so handy to me, only right I purchase your lists for all the effort u put in to make it easier for people like me 👌 ty so much, luv it
Excellent work!
Great Vid, Informative and reasonably easy to do thanks to your excellent instruction. Cheers.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I love this whole project! Fantastic job!
Thank you 👍
Awesome Shara🤙🏾❤️💯
Thank you 👍
Love the new 720!
It’s a really sweet upgrade! They really thought out these features!
Ps, I Luv that u kept the mistake in the video 👏👏
Helps us know, we all make mistakes n can always be rectified 👏👏👏 bravo
Thank you so much! I wanted to be sure to warn anyone who tried it that your sizing needs to be smaller so hopefully they don't have to remake a door in below freezing weather on a tight deadline haha 😂
@@WoodshopDiaries 💯
N I feel your pain, I'm in Northern England, n we'r in mud winter right now, so yeah, I'm 8n workshop tomorrow, I will be busting that log burner on 😂👌
Beautiful
Thank you!
Looks great... nice job...
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Encore du très joli travail,j'adore, à bientôt salut Jeannot 🛠😉
Thank you so much!!
Great job... Congratulations... Saludos desde México 🇲🇽
Thank you so much!!
Nice job!
Thank you 👍
Very well done
Thank you 👍
Looks great!
Thank you 👍
great video thx for the dimensions and posting
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome work! And that Kreg jig 🤤
Thank you! And yes! It’s really a nice upgrade with some well thought out features!
Love the simplicity and elevated look of this desk. Do you mind sharing what the total cost of materials and fasteners ended up being?
Thank you so much! Honestly, it’s really hard to price this out from scratch as I had a lot of the hardware (screws, drawer slides), finish, and plywood already on hand in my shop (I used a lot of scraps where possible). Rough estimate, $200-$250 maybe?
@@WoodshopDiaries Awesome! Even after adding an extra $150 in cost for me since I don't have much scrap lying around and I still haven't learned the value of measuring more than once, that's still very affordable.
It's a good basic build and technique. Hopefully the more you do, you will explore better and more complex joinery.
You’re welcome to use whatever method you like. But I’m running a business showing people how to get started. That’s my focus, not trying to over complicate things 👍
Wow I clicked as soon as I got the notification, seems I’m lagging by 1/2 minute. Sneaky 😂😂 This is a great project that you’ve done an awesome job on👌Thank you for sharing 🍺🍺
😂😂 I’m glad to hear you’re as excited about it as I am! Ha! I appreciate that and I also appreciate you watching! Thank you 👍
I stumbled on this video by chances and this exactly what I’m looking for my project 😂
Damn! you got the new Kreg jig double fast!
They sent it to me early to share for the product launch 👍
Wow so helpful DIY project, thanks a lot..
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
love this series! Can we see a picture of the finished office?
Thank you! Once it’s complete, I’ll get a picture and share it, but it’s probably not magazine worthy 😂 He’s got a huge stencil cutter stationed on the filing cabinet system I made him and all kinds of tools and books setting around 🤦🏼♀️🙈
Great video & explanations! 👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you!!
You were smart to wait till last to put the cabinet backs on so you could access the door pivots. I would have put the back in first and kicked myself later! LOL!
Haha I ALWAYS add the backs last for that very reason...adjustments 😂😂 I’ve learned the hard way
Hey hello!! Me encantas tu trabajo es increíble un saludo desde México 🇲🇽 y un fuerte abrazo
Your plans are so easy to follow. I would really like to make something, but, with these lumber prices going sky high 🥴👎🏼 I’m gonna have to wait a minute.
Thank you! Lumber is crazy BUT, for what it’s worth, in my local area, the cost for hardwood plywood (like birch I used in this video) has only gone up $4 a sheet since 2019. Those prices have stayed steady. Construction lumber is what’s gone up. So it’s not too big of an increase since this is mostly birch plywood 👍
You are freaking superwoman! May I ask, where did you get your training? Did you go to school or self taught? I am so envious of you and your skills.
Thank you! I’m FAR from superwoman, but I appreciate the compliment! I’m self taught. Mostly just trial and error and some basic googling :) haha
Good work 🎯💯
Thank you 👍
Ha! Amazing you solved 2 of my problems. Subscribed
Cool project..
Thanks so much!
I can’t believe how awesome it turned out and that edge molding that you use just made it pop, sweet idea with those pivot hinges by the way. Great job girlie I can’t wait till I am as good as you I just don’t think my brain‘s ever gonna work like yours and come up with such great ideas and styles. Thank you so much for sharing! Some things should just be mandatory to have to video and share lol JK!
Thank you so much!! A little molding goes a long way! 😂 I’m glad you enjoyed the video and trust me...anything I can do, you could do as well 😉😄
As usual brilliant work,great design, looks better than a factory product!
Awesome 👍 great always
Thanks so much!
Love your videos, thanks for teaching me and giving me great ideas and basis for building my own.
You make using pocket screw so easy and free handed. What I mean is when I attach the screws, my pieces move little so i always clamp them so they stay flush with the other pieces. You use your hands so i wonder if anything shifts for you little when you drill and if you try to fix it or are fine with just a bit of mis-allignment. thank you
Thank you! I guess with practice, I've just learned how to hold the pieces so they don't move. Occasionally they shift slightly, but it's usually because I overdrive the screws. Many times, just backing it off a little helps. And if not, a quick sanding usually fixes it. I have some helpful tips for pocket holes in this post:
www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/
Very creative , beautiful I like🐕👍
Thank you very much!!
Again great Content! Go On!
Thank you 👍
That cove molding really makes the design pop! On the pivot hinges...did the thickness of the flat part of the hinge make the overall door too wide? Could you have chiseled the corners to make the flat part flush or is it the basic design of the hinge that created the clearance issue?
The door was more than the thickness of the hinge too large so it would still have needed to be made slightly smaller. But, I could have chiseled out the door for the hinge to sit flush on the bottom and side but I would have still needed to trim a little, especially along the top/bottom.
@@WoodshopDiaries We live and learn I suppose. Great project. Looking forward to more!