DIY Kids Desk
I know school for many probably looks a lot different this year. For us, school has moved to our playroom so I had to transform the space with this easy DIY kids desk.
Here’s what the space looked like before the transformation.
The glass TV stand had to go! This was essentially the kids space and I did not want any glass around.
The Plan-DIY Kids Desk
The desks would be built to attach to the side of two IKEA cabinets. If you want to build the desk to stand alone this plan will still work and be affordable. Instead of purchasing two dowels (legs of the desk) you’ll need four.
Once the space was cleared and the TV was removed from the wall, I began assembling the cabinets and shelves. Initially, I wanted the tall Billy bookshelves from IKEA but they were sold out and wouldn’t be restocked until well after school started. I settled for two cabinets and two small Billy bookshelves that I secured on top of the cabinets. I laid the Kallax unit horizontal between the two cabinets.
DIY Kids Desk- Assembly
This is most likely the easiest desk you’ll ever make. This is my cut list. You can alter your cuts to fit the dimensions of your desired desk. For one desk, here’s what you will need:
- (1) 1×2
- (2) 4×4 Sheet of plywood 1/2 inch thick
- (2) Dowel at least 1 inch thick
- Caulk
- (2) Screws
- Nail Gun with 2 inch & 3/4 inch brad nails or Nails and a Hammer
- Wood Filler
- Sanding Block or Sand Paper
- Paint (optional)
Start by measuring how high and long you want the desk. If you already have your desk chair you can have your child sit in the chair and measure a comfortable height for the desk.
Locate the studs in the wall and mark them with a pencil. Cut your 1×2 down to the length you chose minus 1 inch. Secure the 1×2 to the wall using a nail gun and 2 inch brad nails or nails and a hammer. Be sure the nails go into the studs, this is what will support the weight of the desk.
Cut the plywood to the original length you measured and your desired width. Secure the plywood to the bottom of the 1×2 with brad nails.
Next, measure underneath the plywood to the floor and cut your dowel to size.
Screw the dowel into the plywood from the top at the front of the desk. Repeat this process for the other side.
Place 1×2 at the beginning, middle and end of the open desk. This will add as additional support and keep the desk from sinking in.
Cut your top piece of the desk to match the bottom and attach it at the back using brad nails. Attach the top, middle and end of the plywood to the 1×2’s you added in the last step.
The desk is just about complete but needs a front face. Measure the length and width of the front of the desk and cut your plywood to size.
