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DIY for Homeowners

How to Build a Floating Desk

7/7/2016

12 Comments

 
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It's finished! We start with this statement because this was the build that almost did us in!

We love this quote because it clearly was written to describe this project:
"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

This project really tested our motto: Try, Learn, Share—we learned so much by trying something that was totally new to us and sticking with it so that we could share our experiences and trials.

Let’s back up. When Steph decided to turn her guest room into a office/studio, it was apparent she needed a new desk. There is a great nook in the room that just cried out for a built in, floating desk. Research on the web showed it was a completely do-able project, so we thought, why not? We can do this. Steph came up with a plan and even built a little scale model. In hindsight, we apparently needed just a little more design and engineering work on the plan.​

We don't necessarily encourage you to use our step by step tutorial but encourage you to study our procedure as a way to education yourself on how to and how not to do things if you decide to build your own floating desk. We are so happy we tried this, we learned so much from it, and are excited to share!
Check out the end of this post for a detailed list of materials we used.

How-to Steps:

Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We made a little version of the desk out of craft sticks to get an idea on how the build would come together.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
To make the desk support:
  • We bought:
  • (6) 2x4 studs
  • (3) Metal brackets to connect joints
  • 1x4 pine board
  • We already had:
  • Keyboard tray + sliders
  • (4) corner braces
  • Marker board panel
  • (2) small wood ledges
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
First we measured the space where the desk needed to fit. Then we marked and cut the 2x4 boards. 

We used the magnetic stud finder (see this post for a demonstration of the stud finder) to mark the screw holes placement and dry fit the (3) 2x4 boards that connected directly to the walls. We made sure everything was level and at the right height for Steph. We even brought in the computer chair to test out the height.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Next we screwed the 2x4’s into the wall. We made sure to screw into as many studs as we could and added a few wall dog screws (screw and anchor in one) where studs were not available. 

We added a metal bracket in each corner to secure all three boards to each other. 
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We marked the area that needed to be notched out.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We cut the wood with a hacksaw blade, not the fastest method, but it worked.
The middle 2x4 needed to be notched out a bit so it and the 1x4 board that would be flush with the other boards.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
The middle support is not centered. We based the middle 2x4 placement on the width of the keyboard. We used another metal bracket to attach the middle board. ​
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
If you're going to do much woodworking, the Kreg is a worth while investment. Start with a basic kit and upgrade as your woodworking needs change.
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The Kreg system makes it easy to determine the depth of the holes needed and the size screws. Kreg has screws that are designed to be used with their system.
Next we dry fit the 1x4 pine board that attaches to the top. We were not sure how to attach the wood. We ended up making pocket holes using the kreg jig system. This was our first time using this tool and are really happy with the results ​(learn more about kreg here).
  • We got the board secured in place with special screws which are included in the kreg jig system.
  • Then we screwed the middle section together. ​
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
After getting this all attached we realized this was not enough support as there was a little movement in the middle of the desk. I had some corner braces from an old bed frame I took apart and we added 4 of those for more support.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We attached the keyboard tray and still needed more support so we added more 2x4s and used the kreg jig system again.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
On the left side we decided to add a little drawer to keep cables and such in. We used some scrap backing board from an old dresser and wood ledges as drawer guides.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
The desk would have probably been fine, but there was still a little give in the middle section. We added a large metal bracket which we attached to the bottom of the desk just to make sure everything was nice and strong.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Now onto the top of the desk. We used 23 wood slats, distressing tools, a staple remover, grey stain and sealer.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Each slat had 4 staples that needed to be removed and then Mom sanded the boards.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Mom used some distressing tools to beat up the wood. We wanted it to look a little aged so this helped achieve the perfect look.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Then Mom moved on to stain and seal all the slats. The seal she chose was actually recommend by the contractor that did a major remodel at her house.

Note from Vicki: 
  • ​I like to wipe on the stain and wipe it off very quickly to avoid streaking. It's easier to add additional stain, than to remove stain that is blotchy. I dipped a small artist type paintbrush into the stain to get it into the "wormholes" made by the distressing tool. 
  • Using a small paintbrush, I brushed on three coats of finish, sanding lightly between coats. 
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Once everything was dry, we put the slats in place and used quarters as spacers.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
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Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We used a compressor and nail gun to attach the slats to the frame. This was our first time using both these tools but after reading through the manuals and safety tips we felt confident and look forward to using these tools again.
  • The nail gun made easy work out of attaching the slats to the desk frame. Unless you're going to do a lot of woodworking, it might not be worth the investment. 

We made sure all the nails were flat and added a little putty over the back nail holes. 
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Now onto the front of the desk. This is made of two sliding wood panels and a spacer.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
The front of the desk uses (2) aluminum angle bars, (2) 1x2 pine boards, the doors are (2) 1/4x4 red oak boards, and all is attached with construction adhesive. The door spacer uses a keyhole embellishment, 1/4” offset clips and Sugru adhesive.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Ready, set, rout!
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Steph held the router in place while Vicki pushed the wood through.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
...and, it worked! Success.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We routed two parallel grooves in each of the 1x2 boards. We made our own make-shift jig to make sure the lines were nice and straight. This was the first time we used a router. Please see our additional post on "what we learned" about using a router. 
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We cut the angle bars to size and glued the bar to the back of the 1x2 routed boards. We used scrap 1x2 wood to make the side pieces. We clamped all this for 24 hours. Then we added the doors and glued the frame together. ​
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
After this was dry, we added construction adhesive to the top lip of the aluminum, put the front in place, clamped it and let it sit for 24 hours. ​
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
We realized since the keyboard tray was wider than the left side drawer, there had to be a gap between the doors in order for the keyboard tray to come out. We decided to make a little wood spacer that would make the doors look finished. We attached metal clips and Sugru adhesive to achieve this look. We added a keyhole embellishment to make it look intentional. 
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Sugru, keyhole embellishment, and off-set clips. A creative fix for an unexpected problem!
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
This is the backside of the keyhole fix. The piece fits into off-set clips mounted on the back of the sliding door.
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Look for information on the hanging light, light box, bulletin board and more in future posts!

Materials/Tools

  • For this project we bought, reused, owned, and borrowed materials and tools.
  • ​Overall, we spend $95 on the new items and the whole project took us 1.5 weeks to complete.
Home Depot
  • (2) 2x4 prime whitewood stud $3 each
  • (2) 1x2-6ft select pine board $4 each
  • (2) 1/4x4-3ft red oak $5 each
  • 1x4-6ft select pine board $7
  • Simpson Strong-Tie screw 100 pk $9 
  • Spax screws 10x2-1/2” $8
  • Long screws and anchors $3
  • (2) 3-1/4" gusset angle .85 each
  • Fence bracket for 2x4 .67
  • (2) 1 in. x 96 in. Aluminum Angle Bar   $13 each
  • Construction adhesive $5
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Simpson Strong Brackets
Amazon
  • "L" Bracket Titanium 22" $16

Hobby Lobby
  • Keyhole embellishment $4
  • Pull and hold for sliding door $2

Cable Management under desk
  • ​Blue lounge cablebox 
  • JOTO cable sleeve
  • APC Power Supply
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Cable management under desk
Owned
  • Kreg R3 Wood Joinery System 
  • Air Compressor
  • DeWalt Drill
  • Bosch Drill
  • DeWalt Miter Saw
  • DeWalt SawZall
  • Clamps
  • Minwax Classic Gray Stain
  • ​Deft Clear Wood Finish
  • Router bit 1/4” 
  • Wall dog screws
  • Rust-Oleum Distressing tools 
  • Staple remover- double rock
Reused
  • Wood slats (from old bed frame)
  • (4) 90 degree angle corners (from old bed frame)
  • Keyboard Tray with door sliders (from broken desk)
  • White backing board (from old cabinet)
  • Small wood shelves (from old cabinet)

Borrowed
  • DeWalt Router
  • Bostitch Nail Gun​
Floating Desk Build. MotherDaughterProjects.com
What do you think? Have any ideas to make this better? Please leave any questions you might have in the comments below!

Please note: We are not sponsored by any of the companies/products that we used. These products were picked and bought by us.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don’t claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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12 Comments
JEAN MYLES link
7/12/2016 08:12:34 am

Love this idea, working on my own built in counter/desk. Thanks for the great step by step instructions. Sad that the contest to win distressing tools is only open to residents of the USA,

Reply
Steph
7/12/2016 04:58:11 pm

Thanks Jean- glad you enjoyed it! Sorry you can't enter this one but we might open up to more countries in future giveaways.

Reply
Richella Parham link
7/12/2016 08:31:21 am

Saw this project on Hometalk and clicked over to see more. What a good job you did! I think your blog idea is a great one. I think I'm right in the middle of the ages of the two of you, so reading your posts feels like talking to two friends. How nice!

Reply
Steph
7/12/2016 04:59:35 pm

Wow- thanks so much! This comment made us both smile :)

Reply
cheryl hammond
7/12/2016 08:54:51 am

I am in love with this project. Great tutorial!!!

Reply
Steph
7/12/2016 05:00:16 pm

Thanks Cheryl!

Reply
dawn
7/12/2016 10:49:53 pm

Love this.working on my 10x18 little house mostly by myself but waiting to see if I'd have space for this.but you have giving me some ideas about some of the tools.great job

Reply
Steph
7/13/2016 10:06:36 am

Hey Dawn, how fun- I want to make a little house one day- love them!

Reply
Ginger Lambert
7/13/2016 09:19:15 am

I love this! Found your "build" on Hometalk. I love your detailed directions and pics. Also love your lists. You know how to make someone feel like they would be able to tackle with all the attention to detail.
The desk is beautiful too btw!

Reply
Steph
7/13/2016 10:14:49 am

Thank you so much Ginger! We spend a lot of time trying to break down what we did in a manageable way- so happy it shows!

Reply
Barbara F.
10/2/2016 09:50:48 am

I think it's beautiful and I love the choice of colors! The only suggestions I could possibly make would be to use a white or almond color cable wrap to make the cables disappear into the wall. Otherwise I'd love to have this in my home!

Reply
Bios Chip Asrock link
3/2/2017 05:35:48 am

Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.

Reply



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