How to Build a Custom Desk for Your Child's Bedroom

Supplies Needed:
4 - 4x4's cut to 24"
1- 10' length of 1x3 lumber of your choice OR 2 - 36" lengths and 2 - 24" lengths
1/2 sheet of 1/2" finish grade plywood cut to 36"x24" size
1" wood screws
nails
16 small lag bolts
drill
circular saw (optional)
screw driver or electric screw driver (optional)
tape measure

Measuring:
The easiest way to go would be to write down all wood and lengths needed and take with you to the lumber yard and pay them to make the cuts. If you are handy with a power saw you can make the cuts yourself. You will be making a desk that will measure 36"Wx24"Dx24"H.

Assembly:
To create your desk top frame lay out the 36" pieces of lumber and the 24" pieces of lumber on their sides in the shape of a rectangle. Form the rectangle by placing the 24" pieces overlapping the 36" pieces. Drill pilot holes the size of nails or screws you will be using. Secure all 4 corners loosely with screws or nails being careful not to split the wood.

Once you have your frame built attach the legs using screws or preferably lag bolts. Square off each frame corner to the 4x4 leg then firmly secure into place for best fit on each side of leg. Secure second leg on opposite diagonal corner to help square the frame. Once all 4 legs are in place tighten screws in frame or add nails if needed to reinforce frame.

After all 4 legs are secured turn desk right side up and place plywood for desk top in place. (You may need to make a final cut to get table base and top aligned with plywood.) Secure top by countersinking the wood screws. Fill over the screws with wood putty. Once wood putty is dry lightly sand over it.

Finishing:
Prime the entire table with a good wood primer. Paint your child's favorite color with a good acrylic paint for easy desk cleanup. You may even choose to paint the desk with chalkboard paint to allow the child to decorate the desk with chalk at his or her whim. Chalkboard paint can be purchased in black or green and some stores can even tint the paint to a color of your choice. A good place to shop for chalkboard paint is www.dickblick.com, Hobby Lobby or your favorite local paint or hardware store. If you chose to purchase a high grade wood such as cherry, oak or walnut you may choose to stain and varnish the desk. By choosing this finish later as your child grows the desk may become a stereo or tv stand.