DIY: Trestle Desk

What to do:
Step 1: To make the shelves: measure and mark two pine planks into six equal pieces 400mm long. Measure and mark a third pine plank into 2 pieces 400mm long and 2 pieces 800mm long. Using a saw, cut the pine planks as marked and sand corners and edges. When sanding the corners fold the sandpaper into three and place on a flat surface. Lightly rub the corners of the plank over the sandpaper. This makes it easier to handle.

Step 2: Stain individual planks with wood stain as per the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry.

Step 3: To assemble the shelves: place seven planks on a flat working surface with 50mm gaps; the overall length of the planks should measure 800mm. Centre the 800mm (single) plank on top and lightly pencil mark its position on the lower planks. Using a 2mm wood bit, drill two holes 30mm deep at the location of each bottom plank position.

Step 4: Remove the 800mm plank and, using the 4mm wood bit, make all the 2mm holes larger and place the plank back into its original position using the pencil marks as a guide. Screw the top plank to the lower planks. Turn over assembly – the shelf is now complete. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to make the second shelf.

Step 5: Stain testle legs and allow to dry. Adjust the rope on the trestle so that the 400mm-wide shelf is adequately supported. Wear rubber or disposable gloves when using wood stain.

Step 6: To form the desktop apron, mark and cut the remaining plank to the length of the door. Sand the edges of the plank.

Step 7: Measure and mark five equally spaced holes 20mm down from the top edge of the apron plank. Using the 4mm bit, drill countersunk holes through the apron plank. Position the apron on the front edge of door and, use a 2mm bit to drill pilot holes through the pre-drilled holes into the door – ensuring that the top of the apron is flush with the desktop. Screw into position. Fill any holes with wood filler and sand smooth when dry. Use water-based varnish; it is easy to apply and you can clean the paintbrush under the tap and reuse it for your next DIY project.

Step 8: Sand and stain the completed desktop and allow to dry. Varnish the completed trestle legs, shelves and desktop as per the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry.

Step 9: Assemble your trestle desk.

What you need:
1. 1 solid pine slat door – 32mm thick (new or recycled)
2. 2 pine trestles – 800mm wide (or make your own)
3. 4 PAR pine planks 20 x 69mm, 2400mm length
4. 40 wood screws 5 x 30mm
5. Wood stain (we used antique oak)
6. Wood filler (to match colour of stain)
7. Clear varnish
TOOLS:
1. Wood saw, jigsaw or circular saw
2. Drill / Driver plus assorted bits
3. Countersink bit
4. 2, 4 and 6mm drill bits
5. 120- and 240-grit sandpaper
6. Tape measure and pencil
7. Paintbrush

Estimated time needed: 1 hour 30 minutes plus drying

ref: easydiy.co.za