How to make a modern studio desk // Woodworking & Metalworking | I Like To Make Stuff

I needed a new minimal desk for my office/studio! See how some basic woodworking and metalworking came together!

Since we moved and I turned my storage room into an office, it was time to make a new desk! Also, I've been saving several 1" thick boards of teak for a few years, waiting for just the right project.  I intentionally painted my office white and grey to have a good plain base to work on, so this furniture needed some warmth, and teak is one of the most beautiful woods!Like my old desk, I wanted it to sit in a corner but this time be more minimal. I wanted dedicated risers for my monitor and audio monitors.  Technically, it's an extremely simple build that includes some woodworking and metalworking but I LOVE the final result.

Check it out!!

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

Learn 3d modeling, get digital plans, and cool merch at

Want to support ILTMS? Get exclusive content and more...

FOLLOW:

#ILikeToMakeStuff

About I Like To Make Stuff:

We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!

These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!

How to make a modern studio desk // Woodworking & Metalworking | I Like To Make Stuff

I Like To Make Stuff

[Iliketomakestuff]

Great suggestions on cable management so far.

Definitely going to use velcro instead of zip ties! Thanks!

[likethedrinkbutspelleddiff]

The trick for the curve and the nails alone was worth this whole video. It's one of those things that is so simple I can't believe I never thought of it. That is a beautiful desk.

[sadmemeboi]

Note to anyone who wants to DIY a studio desk: If you're gonna build something from scratch, and if you care about good monitoring, do *not* build a corner desk. It looks good, but it's terrible for acoustics.

[masterofnone]

New shop new music. Feels like new style. Great video Bob. Really excited for all of us .

[bnn]

When it comes to cable management, your 3d printer is your best friend- there's a seemingly endless number of anchors, corners, clips, etc. etc. you can model and print easily and quickly that will simplify the whole process an unbelievable amount

[BruceAUlrich]

Cool looking desk! That teak is really nice once you put the finish on it. And I agree with you...there is no reason to have the desk go all the way to the back corner. Great video, Bob!

[erikloeffen]

How good is this video?
Answer: very.
Enthusiastic, energetic, informative and upbeat. I see a lot of makers more or less assuming a certain level of pre-existing knowledge in their videos, but Bob keeps explaining what he does and why he does it, even if it's for the gazillionth time he's doing it. Even remaking the clamp gag doesn't feel old, considered that the purpose of the video is to educate. Being a teacher myself, I'm very impressed with the didactics is his videos in general, and this one in particular.

[adamglendye]

I like it!!! I know someone who used a PVC pipe for cable management. They cut out a channel for the cables to sit in and they also were able to zip tie or screw in any “box” components to cables to the PVC.

[Lomky]

Cable Management: don't use standard plastic zip ties! Use velcro ones instead. Way easier for when you inevitably need to work with them again.

[PatFlanigan]

Holy crap Bob I was wondering where you'd gone, turns out YouTube unsubbed me from your channel! I used to watch you all the time a long time ago. Great to see how far you've gone since then, plus I have a ton of content of yours to watch now! Keep it up!!

[Pryorfab]

Awesome build Bob! Looks like a great start to your command center! Really like the curve on the front.

I've used zipties for years for cable management, but I finally bought some Velcro ties on Amazon and highly recommend them. They allow your setup to change without having to add or replace zipties and they make rolling up cables easy as well. Large Teacup hooks also work extremely well on the bottom of a desk or wall to get cable support and tension exactly where you need it, leaving minimal holes on the bottom for changes later if need be. Best of luck with it!

[dslrvideoshooter]

You should build a sick frosted top ceiling/wall corner LED light for behind the desk. Some kind of sexy RGB/White triangle.
Love seeing these new shop videos! I'm sure you're stoked to get everything setup in the new space!!!

[princearchie]

Love your new desk. It's awesome. Great job.

[Cadwallion]

I was sad when a video didn't come out on Thursday, but understood that you're still getting everything in place from the move. Pleasantly surprised to see a Friday video. :)

For cable management, I've got a power strip mounted to the underside of my desk, and an L-bracket with velcro strips to bundle them together from the strip to the devices. I've got a single USB extension cord running to my desk for things like thumb drives or arduinos without having to disturb the cord management. My desk is a rolling mechanical sit/stand desk, so moving my desk only requires the power strip cord be considered for placement.

[tocov]

Man it is so awesome of you to make a whole new desk/other item just for the video after you made one for yourself which you show in the beginning.

[stephencaldwell]

I had a friend tell me that by adding a light behind a TV, or in your case the cut out behind the monitor, it will help reduce the strain on your eyes while staring into the light of a monitor. Some fancy LED work behind the monitor and the underside of the monitor stand would be great. I have plans to add it to my desk if i can ever get around to making it! Great Video!!

[HickLif]

gorgeous desk Bob! I would use the small bungee cords to tie up the cords, they even have some that are rubber with holes in it that has a ball on the other end that goes in them. they stretch and pop apart fairly easy

[Vintauri]

Love the simple but beautiful design! I like the cable management tray but I would try to use some velcro straps instead of zipties. It's easier on the cables then the sharp edges of zipties and you can easily undo it if you need to fish out a cable for maintenance.

[dsquires]

Looks great! I have used the split wire loom tubing to consolidate wires and Velcro hoots and loop to hold it all in place. You can melt a hole in center of a length(s) of two sides Velcro and use a screw to attach the loop to the underside of the desk.

[HarkiratVerma]

How many more Home renovating videos do you think there will be?? I'm asking because I think those ones are very good videos.

P.S. The glasses look good on you!! And, the music is freaking awesome in the welding section!!!