Project details
Panel-leg desks are the easiest desk to build from a single sheet: a top, two side panels, and a modesty panel at the back to keep it square. The side panels are 28.25" tall so the finished height with the top is 29", the standard for a writing desk.
The side panels are 23.5" deep rather than the full 30" so the top overhangs front and back, and so that both panels stack beside the top with a saw kerf between them and still clear the 48" sheet width. The modesty panel runs between the sides and sits back 1" from the rear edge.
Additional materials
| Part | Size (in) | Quantity | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edge banding | About 30 linear ft | 1 | Iron-on or solid wood | Covers the exposed plywood edges. |
Cutting sequence
- Cut the top
A 60 × 30 top comes off the sheet as one rip and one crosscut. Cut it first so the best face lands on top.
- Cut the side panels from the rest
The strip beside the top is just under 36 × 48. Both 28.25 × 23.5 sides stack in it with 1/8" to spare after the kerf.
- Cut the long strips
The modesty panel and cleat are 58.5" long. They fit in the 18" strip next to the top.
- Band before assembly
Edge-band the top and side panels before joining so you can trim flush on a flat surface.
Questions
Does everything fit on one sheet?
Yes, at a 1/8" kerf. The calculator shows the layout and reports about 87 percent yield.
Can I make the desk 72" wide?
The sides still fit, but a 72 × 30 top plus the panels pushes you to two sheets. Use the extra width of the second sheet for a drawer box or shelf.