How to Build an Easy DIY Desk for Kids

Total Time:A few hours

Complexity:Beginner

Cost:$20-50

By Erica Young

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Sep. 29, 2022

You can build this simple, wall-mounted DIY desk for kids in less than an hour!

Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-50

Introduction

To get started with this DIY kids desk, all you need is an empty wall. Follow these simple steps to build a wall-mounted desk in your child's room, the home office or even an empty corner in the living room. It's so easy, you'll have it done before you can say "time to do your homework!" The end result is a clean, modern work space your child will love.

Setting up a place to study is one of the biggest parts of preparing for back to school. A designated homework spot will help you corral school supplies and keep school technology clean and charged.

Note: All do-it-yourself activities involve a degree of risk. Skills, materials, tools, and site conditions vary widely. Although we have made reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials, and methods. Always obey local codes and laws, follow manufacturers’ operating instructions, and observe safety precautions.

Tools Required

Carpenter’s pencil
Clean cloths
Electric sander
Level
Paint brush
Power drill
Protective gloves
Stud finder
Tape measure

Materials Required

180-grit sandpaper
19-1/2-in. metal shelf brackets (2)
2 ft. x 3 ft. x 3/4-in precut board (1)
2-in. wood screws (6)
5/8-in. wood screws (6)
80-grit sandpaper
Wood conditioner
Wood stain

Project step-by-step (8)

Step 1

Locate the Studs

Use stud finder to locate the two wall studs where the desk brackets will be attached;
Mark the stud locations with a pencil.

Erica Young

Step 2

Mark the Desk Height

Measure the height of the desk at the two marked stud locations and mark with a pencil;
- Pro tip: For a young child, the desk height should be between 22 and 26 inches.
  - Two school-age children will be using this particular desk, and we wanted room for them to grow, so we set it at 30 inches high.
Aim for about eight to 12 inches between the seat of their chair and the bottom of the desktop.

Erica Young

Step 3

Attach Brackets

Hold the bracket in place at the marked height location;
- Use a level to ensure the bracket is straight.
Attach bracket to wall at the three screw locations using a power drill and 2-in. wood screws;
Repeat for the second bracket.

Erica Young

Step 4

Sand the Wood Board

Prepare your 2×3-ft. board prepared to become the desk top;
Sand wood smooth with 80-grit sandpaper;
Go over wood again with 180-grit sandpaper;
- Pro tip: Remember to sand in the direction of the wood grain
Wipe away dust with a clean cloth or cheesecloth.

Erica Young

Step 5

Condition the Wood Board

Apply wood conditioner to the board using clean cloth and protective gloves;
- Wood conditioner ensures your stain will go on evenly and avoids blotchiness.
Let wood conditioner dry for about five minutes.

Erica Young

Step 6

Stain the Wood Board

Apply your choice of wood stain using a clean cloth;
- Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain, and then wipe away.
Let stain dry for at least two hours;
Repeat for the other side of the board.

Erica Young

Step 7

Attach the Desktop to the Brackets

Place board on the wall brackets;
Use 5/8-in. wood screws to attach the board to the brackets from underneath the desk at the three screw locations;
- Pro tip: Hold the board against the brackets firmly as you drill to ensure it does not move out of place. You want the desk to be solid and sturdy enough to hold the kids’ backpacks.
Repeat for the second wall bracket.

Erica Young

Step 8

Enjoy Your New Desk

Just add a chair and your child’s belongings! Decorating their space will help kids get excited for school.

Next, learn how to build a DIY workbench for kids.