Large Henry Desk
build a pottery barn hendrix inspired desk.
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
What you need
- 3 - 1x4 pine or whitewood boards 8 feet long
- 3 - 1x2 pine or whitewood boards 8 feet long
- 1- 1x6 @ 3 feet long
- 2- 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 2x6 pine or whitewood boards 8 feet long
- 24"x96" pine project panel
- 1-1/4” and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4” staples
- Wood glue
- Handle or knob
- Optional decorative vise
- 2 - 2x4 @ 63-1/4” - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (top aprons, front and back)
- 1 - 1x4 @ 70-1/4” - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (back base support)
- 2 - 1x6 @ 16-1/4” - (back vertical supports)
- 4 - 2x6 @ 29-3/4” - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel, long point to short point measurement (legs)
- 4 - 1x4 @ 21” (side aprons and base supports)
- 2 - 1x4 @ 28-7/8” - both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends ARE parallel, long point to short point measurement (side cross supports)
- 1 - 2x6 @ 30-3/4” - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel, long point to short point measurement (decorative front leg)
- 3/4" thick tabletop or pine project panel @ 24" x 83-1/2"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 24” (side top trim)
Cut front top trim to fit - angle will be 10 degrees
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- compound miter saw
- nailer
Step by step
Step 1
Attach front / back aprons to legs, flush on top and legs, with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws. The two should match perfectly. Make sure you also drill 3/4" pocket holes facing upward for attaching the tabletop in later steps on the apron insides.
Step 2
On the back, attach the back supports, this time use 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws since these boards are 1x stock.
Step 3
Attach the front and back panels together with the 1x4 boards using 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Step 4
Trim top off the cross supports and glue and nail to the side supports with 1-1/4" fastners (I used staples).
Step 5
Step 6
Attach false front leg with glue (I just clampled and glued but you could also throw a few 2-1/2" screws in from the back side).
Step 7
Trim out ends with 1x2s, flush to top.
Step 8
Trim front and back out with 1x2s.
Step 9
For the vise, I used pipe fittings and screwed a wood dowel in. Those are all 3/4" pipe fittings.
Step 10
I did not do the drawer so instead just put a handle on to get the look.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
