Replies

1. 
   lat_axe | Oct 06, 2020 04:15am | #1

   Commonly used joints on desks are ..... well, it depends on the design of the desk really. Mortise & tenon of many configurations, various kinds of dovetails and....

   Your best approach is to look at some articles here in FWW and elsewhere for desk designs and construction methods. Many articles on making desks (or anything else) will have exploded drawings showing the construction methods including the joints.

   The pictures of that desk you show give no clue as to how the desk is constructed or the joints used. They're hidden, see? Also, the pics are not too clear. (Sorry). :-)

   The wood to use for a desk will depend on what you or your wife like, what's available and affordable and how much difficulty you're prepared to put up with in working the wood. (Some woods are easy to work and some are beastly rascals).

   In short - you need to be much more specific in your questions about a desk, centering on some less vague notion of what kind of desk your wife wants in terms of, primarily, function; and secondarily, "look" or style.

   Lataxe

2. 
   john_c2 | Oct 06, 2020 04:54am | #2

   Can I ask what sort of projects you've built in the past, to get an idea of your skill level?

3. 
   moser1990 | Oct 06, 2020 07:21pm | #3

   Hey there, I have built Adirondack chairs, various stools, closet organizers. However outside of a dado joint, I don’t have much experience with other kinds. Something I very much am looking forward to improving upon.

4. 
   mark_0h | Oct 06, 2020 08:43pm | #4

   A desk is a big, complicated project. Have at it but it’s one of the more complex things you can build. He desk you have posted lookS like it might be made of veneered plywood and is probably commercially produced...just a guess. If commercial, it’s likely screws/hardware or dowels Or dados. There are a few articles in fww on making desks.

5. 
   pmriherd | Oct 06, 2020 09:56pm | #5

   Veneered plywood and edge banding is a great thing for desks. You can skip most of the planing. You can neglect a lot of accounting for wood movement.

   Desks are hard. Wood screws and plugs are also great, especially if you’re careful with their placement.

6. 
   mikefm101 | Oct 07, 2020 12:57am | #6

   Look up a book called “Building the Custom Home Office” by Niall Barrett.

   I’ve built variations of what’s in that and they've held up very well. I’m making another this winter.

   I’m pretty sure you have the tools to build his designs.

   Mike

7. 
   john_c2 | Oct 07, 2020 01:20am | #7

   Designing a desk also involves designing the joiner and construction details. Its hard. At this point in your evolution, I think you'd be best off finding an article and plans for a desk, and building it that way. You can easily tweak dimensions to suit your needs. It will still be a demanding project, but removes a few major hurdles.