How To Make A Simple Homeschool Desk + Free Plans

The last few weeks (months) of summer break were a blur. We had way too many projects on our list and so much to do before starting virtual learning. Our DIY homeschool desk was finished in time, but somehow morphed into a full tween room makeover and we didn’t quite finish the whole project by the first day of school. Who am I kidding? We’re still not finished!

But, as promised, I wanted to share our desk plans. Maybe school hasn’t started for you yet, or maybe you’re behind just like us. Either way, no judgement. You’re doing great!

Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Hubby and I brainstormed this desk — then we “Sketched-up,” “masked up” and ran to home improvement store for supplies.

Here’s the sketch:

The desk has an open front– we plan to add a drawer later, but if you want to keep it simple, this absolutely works with an open front. Kids can quickly grab their notebooks and supplies while keeping their work surface clear. It also has a book shelf along the bottom for additional storage.

Here’s what you need:

• (4) Side Braces – 1×6 – 16 ½ inches
• (2) Back Braces – 1×6 – 29 inches
• (4) Legs – 1×4 – 29 ¼ inches
• (1) Bookshelf Tray – 1×6 – 31 ¾ inches
• (4) 1×6 – 40 inches (for desktop; overall dimensions are 40×22)
• (4) 1×6 – 31 3/4 inches (for desk tray; overall dimensions are 31 3/4 x 16 1/2)
• Wood Glue
• Kreg Jig
• 1 ¼ inch Kreg Jig Pocket Joint Screws
• Primer/Paint & Brush
• Polyurethane, Clear Satin or Matte
• Rock Hard Putty
• Countersink Bit– used to attach desktop to frame

Ready? Let’s get started!

1. Measure and cut all your pieces. As my dad used to say, “Measure twice and cut once!”

2. Assemble the legs. Place support braces in the middle of each leg and attach with pocket hole screws and glue. Attach the top brace to the top of the leg; attach the middle brace 8 ¾ inches below the top brace.

3. Attach back braces to both legs with pocket hole screws and glue. Attach the top brace to the top of the legs and attach the second brace 7 ¼ inches below the top brace.

4. Use pocket hole screws and glue to attach the desktop tray to the leg frames and the middle back brace. Position at the bottom of the lower back brace.

5. Assemble the desk tray together by joining the the (4) 1x6s cut at 31 3/4 inches wide with pocket holes and glue. 

6. Attach the desk tray to the leg frames and bottom of the top back brace with pocket hole screws and glue.

7. Attach the book shelf tray (1) 1×6 cut 31 3/4 inches to leg frames and bottom back brace. The tray is positioned at the bottom of the lower back brace (see diagram above).

8. Assemble the desktop by attaching the (4) 1x6s cut at 40 inches wide together with pocket holes and glue.

9. Before attaching the desktop to the desk, fill all pocket holes using Rock Hard Putty. 

10. Sand the desk and desktop.

11. Desk Body: prime, paint, and polyurethane (3 times).

12. Desktop Bottom Surface: prime, paint and polyurethane (3 times).

13. Attach the desktop to the top of the desk. Countersink holes using 1 ¼ inch pocket hole screws.

14. Fill countersink holes with Rock Hard Putty, let dry.

15. Desktop Upper Surface: Sand, prime, paint, and polyurethane (4-5 coats).

We’ve been shopping desk accessories, check our finds:

Rose Gold Desk Organizer | Rose Gold Vertical File | Marble Desk Pad | Student Day Planner | Clip on Cup holder for Desk | Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Kids | Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone | Colorful Stainless Steel Water Bottle

If you make our homeschool desk, we’d love to see how your project turns out! Tag #backporchbliss on Instagram.

Happy learning!