How to Build a Floating Desk for the Kids

For those wanting to have a bit of fun like Jesse and Paige did in their ‘DIY Projects’  kids’ bedroom from week 4 of The Block, here is a little DIY Desk step-by-step guide - with a little help from Mitre 10!

Research & Planning

Research what type of desk you want to create – style, shape, colour palette. Measure the space and sketch an image with the dimensions of how you want your desk to look – width, height of desk. What are you are fixing your timber to on the wall - brick, timber, metal?

Materials

Safety first!  A dust mask, earmuffs, and safety glasses are imperative when using MDF and any Power Tool, we recommend these items whenever your tackle a DIY job. This desk top used 18mm MDF sheeting which is great because it is easy to sand and paint over. Have fun choosing the colour! At Mitre 10, there really is an endless supply of colour to choose from. 

Build

Jesse’s goal was to create a rectangle ladder shape as the support for the desktop, this adds strength as this desk does not have legs for support.

Measure and cut the timber lengths and mark where you will affix the timber pieces on the wall, use a spirit level.

Fix the rear timber piece to the wall with the appropriate screws, then the two side pieces fixed to the walls and nailed to the back piece, followed by the centre pieces and finally the front piece which is fixed to the two side pieces. 

Cut the desktop - measuring this correctly to ensure the correct width. Because Jesse wanted to create a waterfall edge, he cut a 45-degree angle on the front edge and joined the face piece also cut on a 45-degree angle.  This was then neatly glued together so that blends into one without seeing any cut edges. 

Glue the top of the framing components and sit your piece in and shoot a few pins in to hold it in place. 

For the front facing piece and creating that wavy look – you’ll need a Jigsaw and something circular to shape the wavy look. Jesse used a roll of duct tape! Take your time when using the jigsaw so you stay on track with those curves. 

After it’s all cut, it’s time to attach it to the top with PVA glue and pins  

Finishing touches – Filling, Sanding , Gapping and Painting!

Fill in all your holes from your pins and any other defects that may have shown up with Polyfilla.

For sanding, Jesse recommends using an orbital sander on all the flat areas and by hand with a medium-fine grit sandpaper for the curvy sections.

Seal all gaps with Selleys No More Gaps.

Once the sealer is dry, it’s time to get some of that paint on. For the first coat on the MDF use a primer or start with a Prime & Paint, but you may need 3 coats.

Second and third coat - rolled on and brushed in will do the job!

Happy days, you have now completed your kids’ desk for their amazing bedroom

Your project list

All information or tips provided are of a general nature only and are not intended to be a substitute for expert advice. It is advised you call in a qualified tradesperson where expert services are required. We disclaim all liability for any injury, damage or other liability whatsoever resulting from the use of this information or these tips.

Shall we send you a message when we have promotions available?

Remind me later

Thank you! Please check your email inbox to confirm.

Oops! Notifications are disabled.