Making a desk from your old kitchen cabinets is a great way to save space and create an inexpensive workstation. Some people like to make all of their furniture themselves and others just need something for working on the computer. Either way, recycling and reusing old items is always good for the environment, so this is worth a try!
This post will show you how to make a desk from your old kitchen cabinets with two simple cuts. Using these instructions, you can build the deck of your dreams without breaking the bank. Let’s get started!
How to Make an L-Shape Desk
What you’ll need:
One set of kitchen cabinets (either the base, upper, or both)
One sheet of 3/4″ plywood
Tape measure
Pencil or pen
Circular saw
Clamps for assembly
How to Make a Corner Desk
1. Cut the top off of your first cabinet – This will be used as the desk’s desktop.
2. Carefully measure the height and width of the desktop and make a mark on the cabinet at each spot.
3. Cut along those lines with a saw or a jigsaw to create a flat surface that is even with the tabletop
4. Measure and cut two additional pieces of wood to fit inside the newly created “box” on either side
5. Place these smaller pieces of wood on either side of your newly created “box” and then nail them in place
6. Use screws, nails, or glue to secure both sides in place – You should now have an even surface to work on!
Optional: Measure and cut two additional pieces of wood to fit inside the newly create “box”, one one-piece will be flush against the edge of your first cabinet (bottom) and another piece will be flush against the bottom edge of your second cabinet (top). Nail these boards in place for added support.*
What You’ll Need for a Corner Desk
Every kitchen has a set of cabinets that are usually tucked into a corner. These cabinets can be used to build a desk-all you need is two simple cuts!
- Plywood that’s the same size as the top of your cabinets
- A saw or table saw
- Table to cut on
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint for the wood
- 2 hinges
- 2 handles
- 4 door pulls
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
To make a desk from old kitchen cabinets, you will need:
- 4 (or more) large kitchen cabinet doors
- A power saw to cut the doors down
- Wood screws and a drill
- A pack of wood boards to fit the desk (if you don’t have enough of your own)
Remove your old Kitchen Cabinets
The most difficult part of this project is removing the old cabinets. You can hire someone to do it or you can do it yourself. If you want to remove the cabinet yourself, (carefully) use a crowbar to pry them off the wall. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles as the doors may break when you’re pulling them off.
If your cabinets are still in good shape, you can reuse them for something else in your house (I’ve seen people use their old kitchen cabinets as a desk before). If not, dispose of them responsibly by recycling or donating them.
Create the Deck Supports
The first step is to create the desk supports and attach them to the side of your cabinets. You will need two 2×4’s that are 8 ft long. One at the top and one at the bottom, on each side. Cut these pieces down so they fit inside your cabinet’s shelves. Then drill a hole through both boards and attach them to the inside of your cabinet with screws or bolts.
Mount a Board to the Back of your Desk
The first thing you will want to do is mount a board on the back of your desk. This board will serve as the desktop. If you want to make your desk taller, you can simply stack additional boards on top of this one.
To mount the board, first, use a saw to cut off the excess from each side so that it’s even with the top of the cabinets. Attach a couple of brackets to hold the board in place at its desired height while screwing them into your cabinets. The last step is attaching screws or nails and then pressing that board onto the brackets until they are flush with it. You can now add a second board if needed!
Mount your Desktop Onto the Board and add Caster Wheels
Mount your desktop onto the board you made earlier and attach caster wheels to the bottom of it. The caster wheels will provide mobility and make it easier for you to move your desk around if needed. Add screws or nails to secure the desktop onto the board and you’re all set!
Assemble the Desk
1. Cut the two front cabinets in half, on the line where they meet the underside of the cabinet legs. 2. Attach the two front cabinets together so that one faces forward and one faces back.
Conclusion
If you have an L-shaped or a corner space in your home, you can create a desk from kitchen cabinets. There are two different ways to build a corner desk and the type of desk you make will depend on the space you have.
The plans for a corner desk are more involved than those for an L-shape desk. However, a corner desk provides the most flexibility for arranging your furniture. To build one, you will need a board, caster wheels, and four boards to create the supports for the corner desk. You can also add shelves or compartments to create an additional work surface.
An L-shape desk is best if you have a small open space in your home. To make one, you will need four boards that are the same length and two boards that are the width of your kitchen cabinets. Attach these boards together to make a rectangle and attach this frame to the side of your cabinets. You’ll also need caster wheels and a desktop.
Regardless of which style of desk you decide to make, be sure to measure your space before ordering materials so they fit and allow enough room for your legs when sitting at the desk.