Build a Super CHEAP and EASY DIY Desk!

In this video we'll build a very cheap and easy desk. This video is meant for anyone beginning woodworking and looking for an easy project, or a basic plan to expand upon for those with a bit more experience. Nothing fancy here, just a practical desk made with basic materials for an affordable price. Enjoy!

Materials needed:
2 - 2x6x8
3 - 2x4x8

That's it!

[glendacook]

Who else is here because they can't find an affordable desk for their kid anywhere for online school? This was a great tutorial. I'm still a little nervous, but I definitely want to try this!!! Great Job Irie Builder!

[aliciaross]

for anyone reading this because you’re looking for a cut list for home depot/lowe’s: you need (2) 2”x6”x8’ boards each cut to 48 inches, (3) 2”x4”x8” boards each cut to 28 1/2 inches, BUT ALSO 2 slightly shorter pieces for the leg supports underneath, in the video he says 17-something inches but if you’re not squaring the edges of the boards you need them to be about 18 3/4”. i have to cut those myself with a hand saw now because i didn’t double check the video 🤦🏻‍♀️ i also got a piece of 2’x4’ sanded plywood to make the top surface flat, since i don’t have the tools to make the edges square

[alviafosnight]

Nana Jean, I made this desk for my work bench and an elephant could tap dance on it. Great and informative video. I am 68 and this is my first successful build!

[ginag]

Just made this for my daughter to use at home with remote learning going on! Thank

[mattmckean]

For smoothing the tabletop and avoiding ridges, WITHOUT slicing a narrow edge off the end, you could also use clear wood filler or glue in the ridges and sand off the excess. Then when you treat it, it'll seal a smooth surface in.

[packetpirate]

Currently costs $45 for those same materials at Home Depot... this inflation needs to stop.

[sportsbro]

I am a beginner and This video was the first one that I actually understood. All the others I have seen use way too many complex tools and machines that would not be worth it for me to purchase. Your way seems more doable and realistic.Thank you bud!

[mistikbass]

Please continue doing woodwork videos. I came across this one last week and I said HEY, I can do that and I DID!! Thanks to you!! I have no skill when it comes to building stuff. I've always wanted to learn and YOU made it easy for me. Thanks so much. Please continue!! :)

[soffiegirl]

I don’t have any plans for you, so just follow me is the most dad directive I ever heard and I’m so here for it 🤣

[logansbored]

im 15 and im just starting wood work for fun. being 15 i cant get a good paying job and this is a easy and cheap build to do for starters! Thanks Irie Builder!

[MaalaAdrian]

This was super helpful. Currently building a computer desk and you’re saving me a lot of money using 2x4s to determine how wide I want it rather than just buying a precut board. Thank you! I’m dumb as shit when it comes to wood work but I love building stuff

[johnhubbard]

Talk about a blast from the past, I built this back when you put this video out to use as a reloading station, I did two small mods - added another 2x4 to the legs half lapped by stacking on the runner, and put my horizontal brace on the back between the legs to put my feet up. I put this table of yours through hell and back, and if I hadn't used it for a Tanarite Target holder for a few years and a few thousand rounds it would still be alive today.

[freddysea]

I love this dude's attitude lol. Keep it up man!!

[michaelpuderbaugh]

$20-$30 in materials. Building with your Thank you for posting the video.

[dougmuravez]

With Covid-19 creating huge demand for student desks as kids return to school online, I couldn't find a desk for my kid. This was a great video to help me since I haven't built anything since 8th grade shop class, and I'm 53 now. Completed this evening with a few small differences. I added two cross pieces under the desk since I didn't glue it. Final cross piece along the width of the desk was attached a bit differently. I haven't sanded or painted/stained it yet. But he starts school this week and has something he can use now. I'll build another one with this plan taking more time and care to make it really nice, then tonight's project will become my shop bench. I wish YouTube allowed me to post a picture. It's pretty for building it during my work breaks as I work from home due to Covid, then after dinner to complete it. Thank you for putting this up there. Who would have thought that it would be so necessary for so many people in 2020?

[docfuzzpersonalcollection]

I'm a 'super-senior-citizen' (80+) and I like your approach. I'm basically a hobbyist and my motto is 'get the most for the least' whether it be dollar-wise or energy-wise. Do it your way and let the so-called "experts" do it theirs, but above all BE SAFE!

[johncooper]

Use three pieces of plywood on ends and back to stiffen and eliminate wobble. Then you're golden! Glad to see others build on the fly!

[tedrowland]

Irie: The reason it is called a 2" x 4", is because originally, before kiln drying and planing, it was an actual 2 inches by 4 inches. However, it came straight from a sawmill, and there were actual rough edges that would put a lot of splinters in your hand. The wood was also green, and would dry in the sun as things were being built. When I first started as an apprentice, everything was planed to the 5/8", in other words, it was 1-5/8" x 3-5/8". The reduction to the 1/2" came because it is actually machined metric in Canada, where we import a lot of lumber. It also was reduced in order to produce more boards from each tree. It is also the reason we went to "Western Platform Framing", instead of "Balloon Framing" for houses. It is much easier to get 8-12 foot boards, than 20 ft. boards. When we say two by four, we are referring to the "Nominal Size", (the original size), as opposed to the "Actual Size". It is also easier to say. Imagine trying to holler at a laborer on a building site, to bring up some inch and five eighths by three and five eighths. The response every time will be: "What"?

[michellenolte]

Made this and modified to have a serger dropped spot. Spent $26 at Lowe's for wood. Thanks for the tutorial.

[joelongtin]

I did it. But I cut the table length at 39" instead of 48. My 4 planks cost me $30 at Menards, but that was no issue. I spent another $10 for 2" casters and then anchored them to the feet with small pieces of 5/8" plywood. I used 1x6 for the side supports and then added 2 1x6 boards across those for a little shelf under the tabletop. Right now I'm adding poly to the desktop and my son is going to use this for his home business. Couldn't be happier. It's a little beast of a table.