Floating Desk Build

$95
1.5 Weeks
Advanced
When Steph decided to turn her guest room into an office, 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 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!
We bought some new materials for this but also reused a lot of materials we had.
Please check out our website for more details and a how-do video!
Watch the how-to video!
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
First we measured the space where the desk needed to fit. Then we marked and cut the 2x4 boards.


We used a magnetic 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.
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.
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.
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.
We added corner brackets and more 2x4s for support.
Now onto the top of the desk. We used 23 wood slats, distressing tools, a staple remover, grey stain and sealer.
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.
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.
We put the slats in place and used quarters as spacers.
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.
To see how we made the front, some of the challenges we faced, and a full materials list please visit our website.
Mother Daughter Projects
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  • Sonia Spangenberg Sonia Spangenberg on Jul 18, 2017

    Great job creating such a functional space. Love the aesthetics too. Did you do a sliding facefront to cover the keyboard tray? Nevermind, I found the link to the more detailed build out. Very thorough article. You gals are great at this!

  • Lanette Christopherson Lanette Christopherson on Jul 18, 2017

    Is that some kind of covering around the cords below the desk? I need something like that, could you tell me where I can purchase it, or what it's called? Thx!

  • Riv23680579 Riv23680579 on Jul 20, 2017

    I have a space would like a desk but only 2 sides to connect it to. Back and right side. How would this do there? Suggestions?


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