Trestle Desk Plans

This step by step diy project is about trestle desk plans. If you are into elegant furniture, but you don’t have the right budget to go to shopping, these plans should help you attain your goal while saving money. Make sure you use quality lumber, so that there are no gaps between the joints. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Trestle Desk Plans

Building-a-trestle-desk

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 27 3/4″ long LEGS
• B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 14″ long, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 3 1/2″ long BASE
• C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 19 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 13 1/2″ long BRACES
• D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
• E – 3 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 57″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 2 pieces – 24 3/4″ long TOP

• 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 5 piece of of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 3 piece of 1×6 lumber – 6′
• 1 1/4″ brad nails
• 1 1/4″ pocket screws
• 2 1/2″ pocket screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• wood filler

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Farmhouse dining table plans
• Coffee table plans

How to build a rustic desk

Building-the-base-legs

The first step of the project is to build the base for the desk. Cut one of the base plate at 45 degrees and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the base

Cut one piece of 1×4 lumber  and place it to the base plates using glue and 1 1/4″ nails. Align the edges with attention for a professional result.

Fitting the base plates to the leg

Drill pocket holes at one end of the plates and secure them to the vertical legs with 2 1/2″ pocket screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Building the legs

Fit the other plate to the base of the leg, as shown in the diagram. Make sure the corners are square and add waterproof glue to the joints.

Building-the-braces

Next, you need to build the 2×4 braces for the desk. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the diagonal braces

Fit the braces to the legs, as shown in the plans. Align everything making sure there are no gaps between the components. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Building the tabletop

Build the tabletop from 1×8 lumber. Drill pocket holes along the joint edges and insert 1 1/4″ pocket screws to lock everything together tightly. Add glue to the joints and make sure the edges are flush.

Attaching-the-table-trims

In order to enhance the look of the deck, you should attach 2×4 trims. Cut both ends of the trims at 45 degrees and secure them to the tabletop with glue and 2″ brad nails. Leave no gaps between the components for a professional result.

Fitting the tabletop supports

Fit 2×4 supports to the tabletop, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2″ screws into the tabletop. Leave no gaps for a professional result.

Attaching the tabletop

Fit the legs to the tabletop, as shown in the plans. Align the components with attention and use a spirit level to make sure the legs are plumb. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports of the tabletop. Drill pilot holes through the 4×4 legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports, as well.

Wooden desk plans

After assembling the desk, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, I recommend you to fill the holes and the dents with wood putty and to smooth the area with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint and seal everything with a few poly. Sand with 150 grit sandpaper between coats for a professional result.

Trestle Desk Plans

This is a super simple project anyone should be able to build in a few days without much effort. Remember that you need to adjust the size of the components so they suit your particular own needs. The best step of the project is that this design will match any style of furniture. You can also use this desk in any room, as it will quickly become an attraction point.

This woodworking project was about trestle desk plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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