If you’re looking for new desk ideas to spiff up your home office, these free DIY desk plans can help you build your own successfully.
These free DIY desk plans range from simple to challenging, and most require woodworking power tools to cut the wood to size. Before getting started, it’s always good to review some woodworking safety tips first.
Here’s the list of 13 DIY desk plans we covered here:
01. Truss DIY Desk Plan
The Truss desk has an elegant design and a clean finish. With six clear steps and simple diagrams, it only requires six 2×4 and three 1×6 wooden boards to build, making it an economical project for beginners and experts.
There are many 10-degree cuts required at the base of this DIY desk made by a Miter saw and pocket holes using a Kreg Jig. The only materials needed for this desk are six 2x4s and three 1×6 boards. A Kreg Jig is also used for the entire build to drill pocket holes.
Find the full guide here: Shanty2Chic
02. Three Compartment DIY Desk Plan
This 4’ long DIY desk is excellent for those who want more storage in their workspace. The top opens in 3 parts, revealing a compartment with ample space inside. You can install mirrors on the inside of the lids to convert it into a vanity for multiuse.
You first begin by building the lower frame and desk bottom, then attach the desk sides before adding the 3-part lid with hinges. This project requires both a Miter saw and table saw for clean cuts.
Find the full guide here: Shades of Blue Interiors
03. Adjustable Height Office DIY Desk Plan
This office desk is terrific for those who want the choice to either sit or stand while working. It stands at an adjustable height using telescopic legs. You can easily turn this DIY desk to a standing desk whenever you want.
These DIY desk plans are challenging for even experienced woodworkers. Since the legs are designed for height adjustment, the riser-legs need to fit inside the channels you build from the 1×4 boards.
In addition to basic measuring and marking tools, the main tools used for this standing desk are a Miter saw and a table saw. A circular saw is also used to trim the feet and a router smooths the edges of the tabletop.
Find the full guide here: Extreme How-To
04. Corner Computer DIY Desk Plan
For those who like more space to work, this 30″ high DIY computer desk has a 48″ by 48″ top that wraps around you and features a large lap drawer and four more drawers that can sit on either side of the desk. It is easy to disassemble for moving and sits perfectly in the corners of any room.
The first step is cutting the top to size and creating an opening from the rear corner for computer cables. Then you cut the edge trim pieces using a table saw before creating the legs and drilling holes into the wood for assembly.
Find the full guide here: Bob’s Plans
05. Office Corner DIY Desk Plan
This DIY office desk from Ana White optimizes space in the corners of any room. It includes four deep drawers for storage or files and an elongated tabletop designed to wrap around you.
With thorough instructions and color-coded diagrams, this free DIY desk plan is made to be easily understood by woodworkers of various skill levels.
Using an MDF sheet or hardwood plywood, use a circular saw to cut out the separate tabletop pieces and fasten it together with trimmed wooden boards. The legs are built by fastening two or three of the 1×3 boards together with glue and screws.
Find the full guide here: Ana White
06. The Casual DIY Desk Plan
This highly affordable DIY desk is made by 2x4s, while the design is simple enough for a beginner to build themselves using only a standard saw, drill, an optional Kreg Jig, wood glue, and a wood filler.
After making the necessary cuts, the assembly is merely attaching the pieces to create a frame and lining up boards to make the tabletop. This DIY desk can be built for less than $25, making it an economical and manageable project.
Find the full guide here: More Like Home
07. X Build DIY Desk Plan
In another free plan from Shades of Blue Interiors, this small DIY Farmhouse X desk legs for a unique look. The desktop measures 3 feet across and has a wide drawer and a little bookshelf or platform for storage by the feet.
After using either a circular or Miter saw to make the cuts, you first build the side frames using the 17” 1x6s and 17” 1x3s, and then attach the top back support and bottom shelf. Attach the desktop and bottom back support, and then you have the option to attach a top shelf or a drawer frame and center glide.
Find the full guide here: Shades of Blue Interiors
Build your own bookshelf following these plans: DIY Bookshelf Plans
08. Butcher Block and Pipe DIY Desk Plan
With legs made from pipes and a butcher block as the desktop, this DIY desk plan comes with a unique industrial look with a smooth, sturdy top. Its assembly is simple, with most of the work focused on assembling the pipes and attaching them to the butcher block. The table legs can also have wheels attached to them to make it a mobile desk.
The only tools required for this build are a cordless drill, file, and a level.
Find the full guide here: House by Hoff
09. Farmhouse Style Desk
This rustic DIY farmhouse desk created by The Borrowed Abode is much cheaper to build than to buy from Pottery Barn, from where this design is inspired. It has two narrow drawers for some storage space and a dark stained finish. It costs approximately $150 to make and suggests 3-5 half days to build.
You first assemble the desktop by lining up the boards, using a Dowel Hole Jig to drill holes, and fit the boards together to create one seamless piece. Then you attach the desk legs and the aprons before starting on the drawers.
Find the full guide here: The Borrowed Abode
10. Parson Tower DIY Desk Plan
This is another DIY desk plan from Ana White with a sleek modern look. It has a large top surface and four shelves for storage between the desk legs.
Unlike the Sawhorse Desk, the shelves for the Parson Tower Desk are made larger for more space. The plan is designed specifically for beginner woodworkers. The measurements for the legs and the middle shelf can be modified to meet your needs.
The plan recommends drilling all pocket holes first and setting the Kreg Jig for 1½” stock for 2x2s and ¾” stock for the MDF. Then you create the shelf trim and the legs to make the base frame. Finish with the tabletop by fixing the trims onto its edges and assembling the whole thing.
Find the full guide here: Ana White
11. Mid-Century Modern DIY Desk Plan
This DIY mid-century modern desk is made from pine panel and gives options to customize it to meet your needs. The tabletop is 48” long and 16” wide, making it ideal for those who may not have a large room to work in. While the plan uses round taper table legs, it provides room for adjustments.
The most work for this DIY desk is creating a narrow box underneath the tabletop. You cut the 1”x3” boards into two or three 16” long pieces. Using wood glue and 1 ½” min brad nails, assemble the slim box and nail the panel into the two ½”x16” pieces from the top and bottom.
Find the full guide here: Remodelaholic
12. X DIY Desk Plan
This light and simple desk has attractive Xs between the table legs like the design by Shades of Blue. The instructions require cutting table aprons and legs, but the assembly itself is straightforward. The desktop was made using an edge-glued panel that makes the desk itself light enough to carry.
First, cut the aprons and legs and drill 1 ½” pocket holes into the ends of each apron. Build the sides by attaching one side apron to two of the legs. After building the frame, fasten the base to the desktop and attach each X with glue and nails.
Find the full guide here: In Between Chaos
13. Farmhouse DIY Desk Plan with Storage
Similar to the DIY Farmhouse Desk, this one also has a dark stained tabletop to give it a rustic look. There are two shelves between the legs of the right side of the desk, while the left side provides space for a chair. The tabletop is made by stacked plywood, giving it a smooth, layered look.
Begin first by building three legs by cutting six 30″ 2×2’s and fixing them together with screws. Then add the shelf supports, create shelf frames, and add a back crossbar and the aprons to finish the structure.
Find the full guide here: Build Something
Final Thought
Building your very own desk using these free DIY desk plans is a fulfilling project to work on, and you’ll save more money in the long run. This comprehensive list of DIY desk plans gives you tons of options to choose from. Happy building!
