Cheap LIVE EDGE DESK (ikea Hack)

Melrose Design Co.
by Melrose Design Co.
7 Materials
$20
2 Days
Easy
Learn to make a look a like live edge desk for under $20. Ikea cabinets around $79
Learn to make a quick and simple live edge desktop for cheap. This build is easy for even the beginner woodworkers!
I bought 4 pieces of select pine at my local hardware store. Applying a generous helping of wood glue pushed all 4 pieces together to dry. Note: if you want to add dowels or some other joinery that's completely fine, for what I'm using this desk for joinery isn't necessary
Take 3/4" pipe clamps and run them across the desk making sure the boards stay as flat as possible. If the boards aren't completely flat that's okay, you'll be sanding this later!
Next I sanded all the lips and imperfections out using 120 to 220 grit sandpaper on my orbital sander.
Half way through I decided I wanted a rough look and decided to take a nail and various other bunt objects to create minor imperfections in the wood. Turned out really nice when I applied the stain.
To get the live edge I took my grinder and added a sanding wheel that will be used to roughen all the edges for that "live" look
BE CAREFUL HERE. FAST SPINNING OBJECT DON'T FEEL GOOD AGAINST THE SKIN
I added a poly stain that will stain the wood as well as seal and protect from moisture and other outside factors
Brought the desk upstairs and placed it on these Ikea cabinets that are $79 each. You can find the link in the description.
Suggested materials:
  • Select pine 3/4"
  • Sander
  • Wood glue
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