Floating Desk

Cristy Gies

Cristy Gies

Designer and Founder - DIYGirlfriend

Make the most out of you space with a floating desk.

In this DIYG tutorial we will be building a floating desk. This desk is perfect for small spaces and is the perfect solution for your computer, simple work area or even a makeup vanity for your bathroom. Complete with three drawers this sturdy desk provides functional storage while freeing up valuable floor space.  

Along with the pride you will have from building your own floating desk, you can also paint or stain this wall mounted desk any color to match your home décor. You can even customize the height of the desk ensuring it is the perfect height for you.

This floating desk how-to will take you through all the steps needed, from planning to completion of your new workspace.

Let’s get started!

Here is What you will need:

Materials:

Tools:

You can find these items in any local home improvement store. At the bottom of this article we have provided some links to make locating these items easier.

Watch the video below to get started on your Floating Desk.

Or you can follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1: Plan out the size of the floating desk

DIYG Tip:

Make a supply and tool list of items needed to ensure you have everything before beginning the project to make it less confusing and time consuming

Step 2: Measure and cut floating desktop

Step 3: Measure and cut floating desk base support

  1. Measure and mark length needed and cut with miter saw.  My cuts were 22 ¼ ” since my desk is 24” deep.
  2. Sand down any rough edges

DIYG Tip: Place tape around the edges of the wall and the trim before painting to avoid getting any paint outside of the lines

DIYG Tip:

After this step make sure the base support will fit by temporarily placing it in the designated space.  Do this throughout the project since each step factors into the final overall size.

DIYG Tip:

You may need to install the base support without the 1”x2” bottom base supports attached to allow for more flexibility of the 2”x6” base frame.  If so, just attach the 1”x2” bottom base supports after installing the 2”x6” base frame.

Step 4: Attach base support to walls at the studs

Step 5: Measure and cut desk trim

Step 6: Measure and cut drawer pieces

  1. 12” total space
  2. Minus 1” for drawer slides
  3. Minus 1.5” for the width of the wood
  4. Total inside width of drawer is 9.5” This is the width you need to cut for the front and back of the drawer

Step 7: Dado grooves for drawer bottoms

Step 7: Assemble drawers

Step 9: Finish, Paint/stain all pieces and let dry overnight

Step 10: Attach dawer slides according to manufacturer's directions

DIYG Tip: Usually the drawer slides that attach to the supports need to be about ¼” from the bottom of the support.  Use a ¼” thick paint stick to support the slide while installing.  Also use a level to make sure the slide is level.

Step 11: Measure and cut drawer facings

DIYG Tip: I went with a flush look so I stained a 1”x6” , six foot pine board and then cut it down to size based on the total width of the desk (52”).  I then made 2 cuts based on the width needed for the left drawer and the width needed for the right drawer.  The middle drawer was then the remaining piece.  When you put this up, it then looks like a continuous drawer front and has a nice, flush finish.

Step 12: Attach desk trim and drawer facings

NOTE: Set the desk top in place to ensure trim and drawer facings are flush with edge of desk top.  Do not attach the desk top to base support yet as this will be done in the next step.

DIYG Tip:

You may need to temporarily place the drawer facings in place with clamps to determine the exact position of the trim pieces.  If so, cut the drawer facings needed in step 12.  I only needed trim on the bottom of the desk support because the top was flush with the drawers.  You may need to use desk trim on top and bottom for a finished look.  If so, just cut 2 pieces of 1”x2” trim for the top and bottom.

DIYG Tip:

If the front of the drawer and/or the back of the drawer facing has been painted or stained, you will need to sand them so the glue can bond with the wood.

 

Step 13: Attach Drawer Handles

  1. Make sure the screws you are using are long enough to go through the ¾” drawer front + ¾” drawer facing + into the handle.
  2. Measure the distance between the holes in the handle and determine where the holes need to be made in the drawer front. Mark this on the drawer front
  3. Drill a hole through the drawer using a bit the size of the handle screw
  4. Insert the handle screw from the backside of the drawer until it reaches the front of the drawer
  5. Attach the handle and finish screwing in the screw until handle is tight against the drawer and the screw is flush in the back of the drawer facing.

Step 14: Attach desktop and backstop

Step 15: Fill any nail holes or imperfections with wood filler and allow to dry.

Step 16: Enjoy

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