Large desk built on a budget

[Nham]

A large and sturdy desk that's easy to put together for under $150.

• The project
• How to build a desk
• More desk projects

The project

I built an affordable computer desk while working from home. I needed an extended desk to fit into the study but couldn't find anything within my budget. My budget was under $150 for a two-metre long desk. It's a straightforward build, and anyone can do it. It was the first desk that I've made. 

Measurements 

• Length 2000mm
• Depth 500mm
• Height 790mm

Materials from Bunnings:

• Untreated Pine 30 x 70mm for the frame
• Wood screws
• 2200 x 610 x 26mm oiled Karri laminated panel
• Linseed oil
• Dulux White on White paint
• 8 x Carinya 50 x 50 x 20mm Zinc Angle Brackets

I made another desk with my son and we changed the brackets to Carinya 75 x 75 x 25 x 2.5mm Zinc Plated Angle Brackets, which we have found to be even stronger.

For the frame, I got the Bunnings staff to cut everything to length – the staff are awesome and happy to help out. If I had to modify any lengths on the frame, I used a jigsaw. For the table top, I used a AEG circular saw with a 40T circular saw blade. To cut it in a straight line, I used a wooden guide.

I used a regular paintbrush to apply 2-3 coats using Dulux White on White. It was leftover trim paint from when we painted the house.

To attach the benchtop, I used silicone and reinforced underneath the frame with small L-shaped brackets. The brackets keep the top from moving and the silicone acts as the adhesive.

How to build a desk

Create your own dedicated workspace with Experienced Workshop member Rob's step-by-step guide to building your own desk.

More desk projects

Following this build, Nham built two desks with his sons – one with a rubber wood worktop and Dulux Domino painted frame, and another desk with a Dulux White on White frame and lovely Spotted Gum top.

Workshop member jeevanfranciz built this desk using Pine, coating the top with walnut stain and the legs with vintage white matte paint for a brilliant finish.

Workshop member butters picked up a benchtop from Bunnings to build this floating study desk with a cable tray to keep everything tidy underneath.