One of my most asked about builds is this DIY modern wood desk. This desk is a real beaut and a real conversation starter. But the best part… it’s another easy build for less than $200 vs. the $2000 you’ll pay in the store! So, let’s get started….
This free desk plan provides clear, step-by-step directions, ensuring your project turns out just right.
How to Build the Restoration Hardware Heston Desk Dupe
For simplicity sake, I’m going to use the following measurements (of course, you can customize this to fit your space, simply adjust your measurements and supply list as needed):
- Height: 29″
- Length: 75″
- Width: 33″
Materials Needed:
Here are all of the materials needed for this free DIY desk plan…
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- 2x4x8 pine boards (11)
- 2x6x8 pine boards (6)
- Pocket Hole Screws (2.5″)
- 2.5″ GRK Wood Screws (my favorite)
- Wood Glue
- Sanding Sheets
- Wood Filler
- Paint or Stain
Power Tools Needed:
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- Table Saw (or have Home Depot rip your boards for you) or Circular Saw
- Miter Saw
- Kreg Jig (If you don’t own one, you want one! My number one tool, hands down!!)
- Drill
- Sander
Step by Step Directions…
First things first, rip your boards:
Tip: Rip both sides of your board to get the width to 3″ and 5″, so that you don’t have one side with a manufactured curved edge and the other side a straight edge—Here’s a tutorial on how to do this)
Cut List:
2×4’s (these will be used for the base) Rip to 3″ wide
2×6’s (these will be used for the top of the desk) Rip to 5″ wide
NEXT: Make cuts, pocket holes and glue together for base:
Legs (6):
- Cut twelve 2×4’s at 21.5″ each.
- Drill 1.5″ pocket holes on both ends of 6 of the 12 boards.
- Glue and clamp two boards together (one with pocket holes, one without), making sure pocket holes are on the outside, and allow to dry.
You should have 6 legs and your boards should look like the picture below, with pocket holes on both ends of one side of your boards glued together….
Feet (bottom 4) & Supports (top 4):
- Cut sixteen 2×4’s at 12″ each.
- Drill 1.5″ pocket holes on one end of 8 of the 16 boards.
- Glue and clamp two boards together (one with pocket holes, one without), making sure pocket holes are on the outside, and allow to dry.
NOTE: The picture below is a reference as to what the desk frame will look like as you move through the steps. Your new desk will not look like this yet, at this point.
You should have 4 feet and 4 supports and your boards should look like the picture below, with pocket holes on one end and one side and none on the other end and other side….
Expander (top 2) (bottom 2):
- Cut four 2×4’s at 60″ each.
- Double up boards once again.
- Glue and clamp together–allow to dry.
NOTE: Once again, the picture below is a reference as to what it will look like as you move through the steps. Your desk will not look like this yet, at this point.
Build the desk base:
Now that all of our cuts are made, we’re ready to start building the desk…
STEP 1: Attach feet to expander
Measure in 13″ from each end of the expander and attach feet to each side of the expander using wood glue and 2.5″ pocket hole screws….
When feet for both sides have been attached, it will look like this…
STEP 2: Attach supports to feet and expander
Attach a support to each end of the expander and each end of the feet, using wood glue and 2.5″ pocket hole screws. Make sure all of your pocket holes are facing inward, towards the center of the table. (As shown in the picture below)….
STEP 3: Attach top expander
Attach top expander to the legs of the bottom expander, using wood glue and 2.5″ pocket hole screws.
Note: You may notice there’s an extra board for the expander (3 glued together instead of 2), just ignore that. I accidentally miscalculated my measurements and had to add height to my table, therefore, I added another expander board.
I did however, correct the measurements for this post, so you do not need to add a 3rd expander board.
STEP 4: Attach supports
Attach supports into the 4 side legs and top expander, using 2.5″ pocket hole screws. I found the easiest way to do this is to turn the base on its side and work with gravity, rather than against it, when attaching the support to the leg…
I then stood the base back up to attach the support into the top expander, using 2.5″ pocket hole screws. As shown below.
Note: As I mentioned above, I had to add a 3rd expander to add height–these plans only call for 2 expanders stacked together, so the top of your supports will meet the top of the expander….
Build the desk top:
STEP 1: Cuts
Cut each 2×6 to 72″.
STEP 2: Pocket holes
Drill 1.5″ pocket holes along one long edge of five of your 6 boards. As shown below…
STEP 3: Jig boards together
Attach all 6 boards together with 2.5″ pocket hole screws. The width of your table top will now be 30″ (Picture below still needs one more board added)….
STEP 4: Attach table top to base
Flip table top over, center on base and attach using 2.5″ finishing screws….
STEP 5: Add apron
Cut 2×4’s (ripped to 3″ wide) to fit around tabletop perimeter and attach with 2.5″ finishing screws. I usually cut and attach my end pieces first and then cut my long side pieces to fit (as shown below)….
Finish Work:
And that’s it! Now you’re ready for the last step:
- wood filler
- sanding
- stain or paint
Doesn’t she make a statement??!!
Such a beautiful desk!
And here she is all finished and in her new home office :) ….
I hope you found these detailed instructions helpful.
This DIY tutorial, for a simple modern desk with clean modern lines, is perfect for a large or small space. Enjoy your new modern office desk!
Designer Tip: When It Might Be Time to Bring in Help
If you’re working on your home and things still don’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Many of our clients start exactly where you are now. They’ve gathered ideas, saved inspiration photos, and maybe even purchased a few pieces, but the space still doesn’t feel cohesive. That’s often the moment when having a designer can make all the difference. We help homeowners create a clear plan so every decision works together. From layout and furniture placement to finishes and lighting, the goal is a space that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and complete.
If you’d like a little guidance with your space, you can learn more about our interior design services below.
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Until next time,
Happy Building, Friend!!
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