Creating a dedicated learning area can greatly improve your child’s concentration and creativity.
Buying a high-quality and durable desk is expensive. If you choose to buy from a big box home improvement store, you may save money, but the quality will not be the same and the desk most likely will not last very long.
These DIY desk projects are so easy that they can be completed in just a weekend with basic power tools and materials, plus they can be customized to suit your child’s style and available space.
Here are seven beginner-friendly desks you can build even if you’ve never done a woodworking project before.
Simple children’s desk
This easy DIY desk is perfect for kids ages 2-8 and can be built in just a few hours. In fact, it was the very first project I built in 2011 and it has lasted almost 12 years with two kids using it and putting it to the test.
This involves using basic lumber found at hardware stores and simple power tools such as a saw and a drill. The joints are made using pocket hole joints, which can be made using an inexpensive jig.
Once assembled, the table can be sanded and then stained or painted. The matching chairs for the table are also very easy to build!
Children’s desk with storage space
This desk is a simple variation of the desk above with an extra shelf under the aprons and hinges on the top. This creates hidden storage under the top, a great place to store books, crayons, pencils, notebooks and more. I added Lego plates so they can build inside, close the top and use it as a desk.
The plywood top is attached with hinges and a toy box lid holder to prevent little fingers from getting trapped.
Transformable toddler desk
This simple project is suitable for toddlers, but can also be converted into a larger version for older children.
Each piece of this convertible toddler set can be used in multiple ways. The table can be converted from a simple desk to a bench and an enclosed desk. The stools can be converted into bench seats with two heights. In total, you can create 27 different configurations!
It is perfect for creating, reading, playing and even eating.
The construction requires gluing boards together to form panels. The connections are made with dowels, but can also be made with pocket hole connections.
DIY desk with shelves and drawers
This simple desk features three drawers and two shelves to keep everything neatly stored. It’s made from plywood and 2×2 boards, plus pocket hole joints to put it all together.
I built this desk in 2017 and still use it as my office desk. The large surface is great for studying, doing homework, or doing creative work.
A-frame desk
This desk is one of my favorite projects. I built it for my teenage daughter who had outgrown the kids’ desk with storage and needed her own work area in her room. She needed something that would grow with her as she moved from elementary to high school.
The A-frame design of this homemade desk gave her a modern desk with two drawers and a center section for additional storage.
Although it looks like a challenging project, it’s pretty straightforward and easy, using a sheet of plywood, some 2×2 boards, and other boards for the drawers. The total cost of the wood was about $100! The tools needed to build it are a power saw, drill press, pocket hole jig, and electric sander.
Easy DIY Desk for $40
This beginner-friendly desk can be built with four tools and just $40 worth of lumber. It features two shelves for storage and a large worktop for studying or crafting.
This desk is also great for families with multiple children. You can configure them as a group so they can study together, or set them up separately when they are not studying.
DIY foldable Desk
No room for a desk? Hang it on the wall! This simple folding desk is a great place to work. The integrated organizer and pin board provide space for all the essentials you need.
With these easy DIY desk projects, you can create a personalized and functional study space for your child in just a weekend. Not only will your child enjoy their new desk, they will also be proud that it was built with love and creativity.
Scientist/engineer turned DIYer and carpenter. Breaking gender and cultural stereotypes. Passionate about showing everyone that they can do it!
