How to create a one-of-a-kind desk: Part 1

July 13, 2012

I’ve been searching for a desk for about 4 months (I wrote about it in March). I found a lot I liked, but I either didn’t love the price tag or some odd design element.

Back to the vision

When I ran out of steam, I remembered that the only place to start is with a vision!

So here’s mine: I long for a desk that wraps around me, giving me ample space to work, spread out and doodle. Functionally, the ideal desk is 24″ tall (most desks are too high). It’s got to be sturdy, beautiful and simple. And under $200.

After watching a few YouTube videos and taking an encouraging trip to Lowe’s, I decided to make my desk from scratch. What follows it my progress toward making my vision a reality.

Materials

  • 1-2 pieces of high-quality plywood or solid wood (4′x8′)
  • Newspaper, tape, and scissors
  • 3-5 Vika Kaj height-adjustable legs from IKEA
  • Electric jigsaw
  • Sanding paper (50, 80, and 100 grit)

Step 1.

Lay out newspaper to the approximate dimensions you want and tape them together. Cat optional.

Step 2

Using a pencil, draw the outline of the desk shape you want. I did mine freehand, but you could use large bowls or tubs to make the curves more consistent. Play with it a bit and then cut it out with scissors. The great thing about this process is that if you don’t like how the shape looks, you can start over with more paper.

Step 3

Purchase wood and lay your paper template on the up-facing side of the wood. Trace the outline with a pencil on the wood itself. Redraw any lines that don’t look right to you. Yes, white erasers work like a charm.

Step 4

Put the board on saw horses if you have them. Then, using a jigsaw, cut along the outline. It’s pretty dusty, so wearing a mask is helpful.

Step 5

Starting with the 50 grit (coarse), sand the cut edges. I noticed some jagged cuts where I stopped and started the jigsaw. Get the edge completely smooth before moving to the finer grades of sandpaper. The little yellow “duck” below is a foam sander to which velcro sandpaper adheres. (I want to draw eyes and a beak on it!)

Lastly, lightly sand the top to remove any oils or pencil marks.

Step 6

Attach Vika Kaj legs. Since I had to join two pieces of wood, I connected them with two 8″ steel plates underneath.

I’m really tickled about how it’s turning out!

The projected will be complete in about 2 weeks! When it’s completed, I’ll post the rest of the steps and photos.

In the meantime, what’s your dream desk look like?

 

13 comments


  1. 340 days ago,
    Kath Hofmann said:

    I simply could not be more impressed! You just might be in the wrong business. :-D


  2. 340 days ago,
    Joan said:

    Wow! I am totally impressed. Can’t wait to see the finished product. GO, JEN!


  3. 340 days ago,
    Christine Weddle said:

    That is AWESOME! What an exciting project!!!
    Christine Weddle´s last [type] ..ADDA Webinar on Motivation Wed., July 11 at 8:00 pm Central


  4. 340 days ago,
    Darcy said:

    Way to go Jen. A custom desk rules. I love mine! :)


  5. 340 days ago,
    Sheila said:

    Fabulous! Now… paint, stain, fabric… the possibilities are endless. Can’t wait to see your choice.

    Thank you for posting the manifesto, which I am printing for prominent placement on my office wall.

    And under the Go For It! heading:
    a) the eyes and beak on the yellow sander
    b) the wallpaper. Would love to be there to help, ripping off wallpaper is so cathartic! Have fun with your space.
    Sheila´s last [type] ..Hello world!


  6. 340 days ago,
    Sharon Roemmel said:

    Fantastic Jen. I’m so impressed. It looks great.
    Sharon Roemmel´s last [type] ..Business Stress Cool Tool #25: Ground & Connect with Planetary Acupuncture


  7. 340 days ago,
    Sherrill Leverich-Fries said:

    What a great idea!! I’ve used newspaper to place/size furniture before, but never thought about it to design my desk! *springs up to ransack the recycle bin*


  8. 339 days ago,
    Waverly Fitzgerald said:

    It’s beautiful, Jen!


  9. 339 days ago,
    Barbs said:

    Awesome desk! We don’t have to settle for something, we CAN get what we want – you are an inspiration as well as a great DIY-er!


  10. 337 days ago,
    Tami Stackelhouse said:

    Dad has a desk like that in his art studio. It’s amazingly beautiful with just some varnish on it. =)

    And if your house has a cat(s), it is NOT optional… Cats & paper are just drawn together like magnets. BTW – did you plan a spot for the cat bed on your desk? ;-)
    Tami Stackelhouse´s last [type] ..Hope & Healing: June 2012


  11. 335 days ago,
    jennifer said:

    Yay! Thanks for the cheers, everyone! And thanks for persisting in finding this article — I accidentally included the wrong one in the newsletter.

    The new desk is awaiting paint in the garage as I type. But first, I’ll paint the walls. The wallpaper is gone! Yay!

    More photos and an update soon!

    Tami – Of course! :)


  12. 319 days ago,
    Vivian said:

    Brilliant I bet you can’t wait to sit in front of those curves. Fantastic and it’s al your creation! On another tangent of tables check out these beauties by my talented friend Robyn http://www.flickr.com/photos/65749227@N00/4431412138 and this Taken by robynejay http://www.flickr.com/photos/65749227@N00/4750675554


  13. 293 days ago,
    Kevin said:

    Wow, we’ve never seen anyone build their own before. Would be very interested to see if you’d have liked any of our desking, we also think the pricing might have been more favourable to! :-)

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