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Introduction
I wanted to build my own desk using the simple college standard of a hollow door. But I didn't want to have just a door on milk crates, I wanted it to look like a desk, like it was meant to be there. While planning furniture I came across Wade Tarzia's essay on nomad furniture and was instantly attracted to the mortise and tenon bookshelves he had built. I also came across Uberwald's desk and thus the idea was born.
Materials
Because people look at the oddest things in photos on the internet I feel compelled to make a few notes.
Thanks to my dad (who had experience building tenon and wedge shelves) and brother who helped me build the desk. Also thanks to the aforementioned Instructables members for the ideas.
Update (April 2011): Added a few new photos to replace old ones.
I wanted to build my own desk using the simple college standard of a hollow door. But I didn't want to have just a door on milk crates, I wanted it to look like a desk, like it was meant to be there. While planning furniture I came across Wade Tarzia's essay on nomad furniture and was instantly attracted to the mortise and tenon bookshelves he had built. I also came across Uberwald's desk and thus the idea was born.
Materials
- 1x12 pine boards
- 2x2 pine boards
- 28" hollow door
- Minwax Golden Pecan 245 Stain
- 4' power strip (from Fry's)
- Inside corner molding
- Some screws (none on shelves)
Because people look at the oddest things in photos on the internet I feel compelled to make a few notes.
- There are some visible wires. I am going to use white gaffer's tape to tape them to the white walls, if it ever arrives.
- Yes, I have a box of speakers as a temporary bedside table.
- Please feel free to guess as many books as you can.
- If you wonder about that green thing on the shelf it is one of these.
- The second monitor and digital photo frame were free, so no questions on those.
Thanks to my dad (who had experience building tenon and wedge shelves) and brother who helped me build the desk. Also thanks to the aforementioned Instructables members for the ideas.
Update (April 2011): Added a few new photos to replace old ones.
Well, I still need to stain it, but that may wait until Spring.
Some Notes:
* Material costs were under $100.
* I set my desktop height to 28" for typing/writing
* 13" between top and 2nd from top shelf
* 13" between mid-bottom and middle shelf
* Bottom shelf is < 13" due to wanting desktop height at 28"
I'm not sure if OP locked desktop supporting shelves in with moulding on both sides. I did this on mine.
This really is a nice sturdy and portable desk unit. It should survive much better than knock down furniture.
This desk was my first ever carpentry project. It was a great dive-in to learn some basic skills. I got lots of practice using a jigsaw. I also learned which lumber yard to avoid--the wood used for this warped a lot, which caused trouble in fitting the desk together. So, it's not perfect, but still beautiful and functional.
Wanting a natural non-toxic finish, I coated it with a few coats of raw tung oil, then lightly sanded it.
I plan to make a step-by-step soon for it.
Now I'll have one thanks to you Sir!!
TY for sharing! :)
I have sent a few people this file with some more dimensions. I can't guarantee it will be at this location forever, but for now: differentlightsolutions.com/randomtxt/printable_desk_dimensions.pdf .
The first few pages use "idealized dimensions" so they won't fit real lumber. The last page uses the actual dimensions (like I said, plus or minus a hair) used for the ends of the shelf. I made a prototype end piece with those dimensions to make sure they would be sufficient.
I look forward to making this real soon, as I need to make sense of thechaos that is my home office. Thanks for the directions!
Also, a cubbyhole/keyboard drawer slot could easily be added by adding another shelf a few inches below the desktop.
thanks