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So as of when I wrote this post (aka last night) the results of the IG Builder’s Challenge have not been determined. The reason I wrote this post so late, was that I was hoping the results of the pro, novice, and finest finish categories would have been posted so I could share pics and links to those who won. But…it’ll have to wait until next time. In the meantime, the build plans for the challenge have been officially published and available to the public!

DIY Huntress created some amazing plans that just happen to be “my style.” It’s probably the reason I follow her, because I love her stuff so much! And this lady has some crazy motivation and hustle! She works as a psychologist by day and any spare time she has she is in her “shed-shop” working on projects OR is teaching shop to students! Who has time for all of that in a day!?!?!?

So…if you’d love to make her desk or put your own spin on it, you can find her plans here. If not, definitely be sure to check out some other cool projects she has worked on and shared with her readers.

Now for my plans. What did I really do differently? Honestly, not much. I did make the desk a little more narrow @20″ wide vs. 21 3/4″ wide, I placed the side panels horizontally instead of vertically, and I did not create “suspending” drawers. If you’d like to create a desk that is the same specs as mine, I’ll give you my purchase and cut list, but you should download Sam’s plans as you can still use the same directions for assembly. You’ll just want to skip the initial diagrams that show you how to make your cuts using her cut list.

Tools

Miter Saw

Drill

Sander

Sand Paper

Pocket Hole Jig

Jigsaw

Clamps

Measuring tape

Pen or Pencil

Materials

Desktop

1 – 1″x8″x8′ board

1- 1″x8″x6′ board

2 – 1″x6″x8′ board

5 – 2″x2″x8′ lumber

2 – 1/4″ 2×4′ Lauan Plywood (Cheap and looks good!)

1/2″ brad nails

1 1/4″ pocket hole screws

2 1/2″ pocket hole screws

wood stain (This is a lifesaver because there’s literally no wiping! I was super nervous at first to use it, but it provides an awesome finish! I used 2 coats)

polyurethane (This is my go-to poly. I used 3 coats and used cardboard to sand in between coats!)

black paint (Yes you only need a sample size! It’s super cost-effective and you don’t waste paint!)

3 sets of 16″ drawer slides

3 – drawer pulls (I had a few of these leftover from our previous house and figured we should use them up. You might be able to buy in smaller quantities at the hardware store!)

Cut List

2×2″ – 4 legs at 29 1/4″

1 leg at 27 3/4″

3 long frames at 45″

6  short frames at 17″

1 back cabinet frame at 21 3/4″

1 bottom front cabinet frame at 15 1/2″

1×8″ – 6 cabinet side pieces at 17″

3 drawer fronts at 15 1/2″

1×6″ – 3 drawer box fronts at 13″

3 drawer box backs at 13″

6 drawer box sides at 16″

1/4″ plywood – 3 drawer bottoms at 14 1/2″x 16″

1 cabinet back at 16″ x 22 3/4″

Now all you need is to download the plans and sub my cuts for the additional front leg and the bracing for the legs! And lay the side panels horizontally instead of vertically! It’s a little less work when the desktop comes assembled too!

As usual, please wear all safety gear necessary when working with dangerous tools. I am not responsible for any harm or injury that may result from you using these plans. Reading this blog you assume all risk and responsibility for the outcome of your build and any harm that may result from not using the appropriate tools or safety gear.

Some tips:

1. I cut, pocket-holed, and sanded all frame pieces before assembly.
2. Make sure your frame is square! Do NOT rush this part or your drawers will not fit correctly during install!
3. Even though the desktop was already sanded, I sanded again before applying stain.
4. For a great tutorial on how to make drawers using pocket holes see Fix This Build That’s Youtube tutorial. You are going to want to watch this a few times.
5. Sam’s instructions say to install the desktop onto the frame before you’ve installed the side panels or drawers. DO NOT DO THIS! Install the desktop last so you can actually see what you are doing and if you aren’t a drawer installer pro, in case you have to finagle the hardware.
6. I did not glue up the panels before installing them. They were a tight fit to begin with. However, the middle drawer does not glide as well as the top and bottom drawer do…so a glue-up might be a good idea.
7. The hardware/drawer install will definitely test your patience. Don’t rush it or get discouraged. We finally got them installed, I thought the drawer fronts fit after having sanded them a second time, then ended up sanding more. It will take some time to get them perfect. Or, you can use this nifty tool for the best fit…and a lot less time. Will definitely be doing this next time!
8. If you are using drawer pulls like the ones I linked, be precise with your measurements and use a drill bit that is bigger than the screw. You may need some wiggle room to get them to fit just right, but you won’t be able to see the larger hole.
9. Note: I did not install a bottom to the cabinet the drawers are set in. If you want to, you’ll need to account for more wood.

If you decide to make this desk, I’d love for you leave a comment or share your pictures! I’m actually working on another one for the hubs which will be slightly different as well!