How to : DIY Build L shaped office desk using 2x4s

Hi all ! This is my first blog on DIY (more to follow soon!). We've lived in this house for around 2 years now but my office desk was the tiny stock desk made from mdf - sad :( I did try to hunt online for a nice wooden desk (not mdf!) but either it was too bulky or it measured too big, or it was too pricey, and that is when I decided to build my own custom office desk. I had some left over 2x4s from last job so I decided to give it a shot and try to upgrade my office desk using the 2x4s. I used the following items for this job:

• 10 x 2x4
• Circular or miter saw
• Kreg pocket hole jig (see link below)
• Drill + screw driver
• Large clamps
• Minwax stain + Polyurethane
• Wood screws 2 1/2"

Before you begin make sure your working surface is flat, otherwise use a table to build the desk top, if the surface isnt flat, you will end up with unaligned desk top. Lay down 2x4s in L shape so that they create a platform for the desk, I have cut some of my 2x4s in different sizes to keep the desk interesting (see pictures below). This is the back side of the desk and not the top so be careful while choosing the placement of the designs and knots to make sure they are flipped as the side facing the floor will eventually become the desk top.

Time to use the circular saw or the miter to do the straight cuts. Make sure to measure twice before you cut ! If you notice the different size cuts have been screwed together , here is an example.

The desk is divided into 2 seperate sections (left and right to build the L) for ease of use and for me to be able to easily carry it outside and back in, once staining is complete. Secure each side by clamping and brace it with a 2x4 and screws into each of the wood as shows below, follow this on the other side as well.

Both of my sides are now secured, seperately :

4 braces to secure the desk top, make sure to use clamps before screwing, to remove any unnecessary gaps.

Time to flip the 2 sections and see how the desk top looks.

Both the sections still remain separate as I explained before this is to easily carry the tops out for sanding and staining.

Before starting to stain outside make sure to look out for rain, staining requires the wood to be outside for at least 24 hours.

For staining you will need gloves, eye-wear, staining brush, any wood stain color that you like, and drop cloths.

Everything has been stained below and is waiting to dry

In order for the table to be sturdy, I also created a mini frame at the bottom by using 2x4s and some L brackets screwed on for further reinforcement :

After staining you want to cover the table top with a nice gloss finish, which also protects it from scratches. For the gloss you will need the following :

• Chemical resistant gloves
• Super Glaze 
• 3 containers with measuring markings
• Stain brush
• Squeegee
• Hairdryer 
• Stirring stick
• Plastic drop cloth

For super glazing, you need to be careful to cover the area with a plastic drop cloth and also make sure to wear gloves.

In order to see how to apply super glaze please read the instructions and make sure to follow the measuring rules, you can even look at this YT video which I found helpful : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn9EiAbVW_w

At the end make sure to apply some warm air to remove bubbles using the hair dryer.

Finished and dried super glaze !

Now its time to screw on the legs and the table is good to go, for the legs on 2 corners I have used 2x4s and built a quick boxed frame and for decoration purpose I have also mitered 2 pieces of wood to make it look like a farmhouse desk. The legs have been screwed and also if you notice at the corners I have used the corner brackets.

For the center legs I have used 2 pieces of wood cut to the same height and using L brackets the have been screwed together. Here is the final product !

Disclaimer : This was a personal project and I take no responsibility if things do not work out properly while following the tutorial.

For more amazing things you can visit my ETSY store https://www.etsy.com/shop/shopandstack