DIY Rustic Desk: Plans to Build Your Own

DIY Rustic Office Desk

Buying a desk at a big-box-store is expensive, unoriginal, and often times, not built from the best of materials. Going DIY can usually result in a much higher quality end product that is more unique, and typically, less expensive. That's what Gregg had in mind when he built this fantastic, rustic desk for his home office.

The desk was built using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe to form the desk frame which was then paired with a table top built from reclaimed wood. In this article, we'll cover how Gregg built the desk (including the table top), how to build the frame, and any other important details about Gregg's project. Follow along:

DIY Rustic Office Desk

Building the Table Top

DIY Rustic Office Desk

Finding the Wood

DIY Rustic Office Desk

To build the table top, Gregg first had to find the right wood. He knew the look he was going for (after drawing some inspiration from a similar desk on our blog) and decided to check out a nearby salvage company, called Deconstruction, Inc. In there, he found eight reclaimed boards that would create the table top and one for the front of the desk. Gregg specifically chose different varieties of wood (mostly hardwood) to give the desk, as Gregg describes it, "that rustic, mis-matched, feel".

Cutting to the Boards to Length and Sanding

DIY Rustic Office Desk

Next, he cut the boards to length and gave them a light sanding. The boards were not planed down, but rather, Gregg used a very fine sandpaper to remove the rough surface. Gregg wanted to keep the aged patina the boards had accumulated over their lifespan and planing them down would have removed it.

The finished table top was cut to 72" L x 36" W (it would later be added to a 60"x30" table frame kit).

Staining

DIY Rustic Office Desk

From there, Gregg moved onto staining the boards.

"I used stain, because I wanted the variety of woods and colors to be brought together, but to still show what lies underneath."

Gregg used one coat of Early American 230 Minwax Wood Finish


Simple Table™ Kits

  • Modern, minimalistic look
  • Easy to assemble
  • Customize the height and width
  • Heavy-duty construction
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Joining the Boards Together

DIY Rustic Office Desk

Now it was time to join the boards together. To keep it simple, and to add to the rustic look, Gregg used two pieces of angle iron (one on each side) to join the boards. He then drilled holed through the angle iron, into the wood boards, and secured them to the angle iron with steel bolts.

Prepping and Painting the Desk Frame

DIY Rustic Office Desk

From there, Gregg moved onto painting the pipe and fittings used to create the desk frame. He applied one coat of Rustoleum Paint & Primer in One in a Dark Bronze finish.

Applying the Clear Coat Finish

DIY Rustic Office Desk

With the boards connected together, via the angle iron, Gregg moved onto applying the final finish for the table top. He applied four coats of Minwax Indoor/Outdoor Helmsman Spar Urethane (Clear Gloss).

Painting the Angle Iron

DIY Rustic Office Desk

Finally, he painted the angle iron and steel bolts to match the color of the desk frame he painted earlier.

Now, let's take a look at how the desk frame comes together and the steps needed to assemble it:

Fittings & Pipe Used in the Desk Frame

Greggs's desk frame is a variation on our Simple Table Basic Kit. The kit is configurable in height, length, and width based on the dimensions you enter. Everything needed for the desk frame is included in the kit, except for the two Rail Support fittings used to attach the board vertically, at the front of the frame.

Below, is a list of all the fittings and pipe used for the desk frame:

Simple Table™ Kits

  • Modern, minimalistic look
  • Easy to assemble
  • Customize the height and width
  • Heavy-duty construction
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Assembling the Desk Frame

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 1

As with many other projects that use Kee Klamp fittings, the exact order in which you assemble the project can vary and depend on how you would like to approach the assembly process. However, below we have provided a recommended step by step guide (with diagrams) for instructions to assembling the desk frame.

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 2

First, start by assembling the horizontal support to the desk frame. The support will utilize six Single Socket Tee fittings. Follow the diagram above (Figure 2) to assemble the horizontal support. Be sure to tighten down the set screw to each fitting to secure it to the pipe.

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 3

From there, slide each of the lengths of pipe, used for the desk frame legs, into the open sockets on the horizontal support (Figure 3). Tighten down the set screw to each fitting to secure it to the pipe.

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 4

Now, before you add the Flange fittings that connect the table top, be sure to slide the Rail Support fittings onto each leg at the front of the frame (Figure 4). These are used to attach the wood board, at the front of the frame, just like on Gregg's desk.

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 5

Then, slide each of the Flange fittings onto the exposed ends of pipe at the top of the desk frame (Figure 5). Tighten down the set screw on each Flange to secure it to the pipe.

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 6

Once the frame is completely assembled, you can attach the table top. Place the table top over the Flange fittings (Figure 6). From there, use the appropriate hardware to attach your desired table top. Note, the Flange fittings have four holes in them for attaching to the table top.

You can also attach the wood board at the front of the frame. Place the board against the Rail Support fittings and use the appropriate hardware to secure the board. Each Rail Support fitting has two holes in it for attaching the board.

DIY Rustic Desk Plans

Figure 7

That's it! The frame (and desk itself) is now complete.

DIY Rustic Office Desk

If you have any questions about this project, or need some help with a project of your own, please don't hesitate to reach out to our projects team. Our team is experienced in building similar projects and offers free design assistance.

Remember, if you order the table kit, the height, length, and width of the frame are all configurable based on your desired dimensions. Finally, be sure to sign up to our email newsletter below, to receive updates on futures projects like this one.

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