There’s nothing quite like a good desk for putting you into work mode. Whether you want to outfit a home office, give the kids a homework space, or just want a surface for a computer or crafting, desks are essential. However, a good desk that fits your space and suits your needs might not fit into your budget. To save money and get exactly the look and size you want, a DIY desk is the perfect answer.
1. DIY Pallet Desk
Pallets are very trendy in home décor right now. They can be polished and painted or left with a rustic finish. DIY desks made from pallets are no exception. This one is great for you to work on your laptop or for kids to do their homework. Pallets may be a little difficult to work with, but the results are stunning.
Level of difficulty: Hard
Duration: 1 day
Materials You Need:
2. DIY Easy Modern Desk
This simple modern desk is very stylish. It’s perfect for a small space, as it doesn’t take up much room. Most hardware stores can cut your wood when you purchase it, so there’s no need to invest in a whole wood shop! It looks like a lot of work, but the building plans walk you through each step.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Duration: 1 day
Materials You Need:
- 2 pieces of wood
- Hairpin legs
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Nails
- Paintbrush
- White paint
3. DIY Wall-Mounted Desk
This is by far one of the simplest and cheapest DIY desks to make. It is attached to the wall, so you’ll have to be sure of exactly where you want it placed. However, it’s also very customizable. This desk may be scaled up or down depending on your space and can be painted however you like.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 3 hours
Materials You Need:
- Wooden board
- Saw
- Measuring tape
- Pocket screws
- Protective finish
- Clamps
- Kreg Jig & Accessories
- Drill
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
- Speedbor bit
- Random orbit sander
- Sandpaper
- Speed square
- Foam brush
- Rachet set
4. DIY Vanity Desk
This gorgeous desk has a secret – it also doubles as a vanity table. The three inner compartments are great for storing personal items or work supplies, while the desktop has ample room for study or work. Because you can lift each compartment lid separately, there’s no need to completely clear the desk to access the belongings within. With a natural wood stain and minimalist hairpin legs, this desk is very sophisticated and looks a lot more expensive than it is!
Level of difficulty: Medium
Duration: 6 hours
Materials You Need:
- Wood
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
- Cup hinges
- Hairpin legs
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Wood finish
5. DIY Filing Cabinet Desk
For an easier DIY desk than building one from scratch, you can recycle new or used filing cabinets. They not only provide very sturdy support for your desk but make for some fantastic built-in storage. With minimal tools and some paint, this gorgeous DIY desk can be made to match any room and serve as a stylish, functional work area.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Duration: 1 day
Materials You Need:
- 2 filing cabinets
- Big wood board
- Wood glue
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Wood stain
6. DIY Piping Desk
This sturdy DIY desk looks very modern, thanks to the use of metal piping for its legs and frame. The butcher block top is heavy and feels very sturdy, making it perfect for a utilitarian work or craft area. Because you can have the pipes cut to size at your hardware store, the technique used for building this desk is fairly simple. There are no dangerous power tools required, just a strong arm and accurate measurements.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Materials You Need:
- Level
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Workbench top
- ¾” Piping
- Flanges
- Tees
- Casters
7. DIY Barstool Desk
Perfect for a kid’s homework area, this cute little desk is not only easy to build but very cheap if you source old bar stools from thrift stores or yard sales. The little shelves are perfect for storing books or school supplies, while the work area can be made larger or smaller depending on how large your space is. This very customizable DIY desk design is perfect for a beginner.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 day
Materials You Need:
- 2 barstools
- Furring strips
- Woodboard
- Nails
- Wood screws
- Spray paint
- Measuring tape
- Saw
8. DIY Murphy Desk
Just like the old beds, this adorable DIY desk folds up into itself. No matter how small your space, building a murphy desk means you can have ample workspace without permanently taking over floor area. The built-in shelves give you room to store work or school supplies for easy access when the desk is extended, and the chalkboard is a really fun feature. The best part is, it’s a very simple build!
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 Day
Materials You Need:
- Wood boards
- Wood screws
- Nails
- Measuring tape
- Pocket hole screws
- Folding leg brackets
- Drill
- Saw
- Wood glue
- Wood stain
- Swivel latch
- Hinges
Conclusion
Everyone, from children to adults, needs a space where they can work or perform tasks. Instead of spending a lot of money on a desk that may not be perfectly suitable, try your hand at a DIY desk. There are plans to fit any skill level, budget, and space! You can also try these easy DIY shelves. Have you made your own DIY desk? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
