• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Widget area for main menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

  • BUILD
    • BEDS
    • BENCHES
    • DESKS
    • DRESSERS
    • GAMES & TOYS
    • SCRAP WOOD
    • SHELVES
    • STORAGE
    • TABLES
  • TOOLS
  • PAINT
    • CRAFTS
    • FURNITURE
    • HOME DECOR
  • SEW
    • GIFTS
    • HOME DECOR
    • POUCHES
  • HANDBUILT HOLIDAY
    • 2021
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
  • GIFTS
    • BABIES
    • KIDS
    • FOR HER
    • FOR HIM
    • TEACHERS
    • WEDDINGS
  • SEASONAL
    • 4TH OF JULY
    • FALL
    • HALLOWEEN
    • CHRISTMAS
    • SUMMER
    • SPRING
    • ST. PATRICK’S DAY
    • THANKSGIVING
    • VALENTINE’S DAY
    • WINTER
  • SALTBOX PROJECT
    • BATHROOMS
    • DINING ROOM
    • EXTERIOR
    • FAMILY ROOM
    • FOYER / MUDROOM
    • KIDS BEDROOMS
    • KITCHEN
    • LIVING ROOM
    • MASTER BEDROOM
    • PLAYROOM
  • SCROLL SAW

DIY Workbench Inspired Desk

June 2, 2015

Hello readers!  I’m over at Simpon Strong Tie’s blog today sharing my industrial workbench inspired desk.  I built this desk using their Workbench or Shelving Hardware Kit and basic off the shelf lumber.  It’s got plenty of workspace, open shelves for storage and it’s solid as a rock.
 
workbench inspired desk

A DIY tutorial to build a workbench inspired desk. Use Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners to build a solid wood desk with shelving.

Simpson Strong-Tie makes an awesome hardware kit that has everything you need to build a basic workbench or shelving, I used one kit plus additional connectors and fasteners to complete this desk.  If you’re looking for more DIY project ideas using Simpson Strong-Tie hardware visit their blog here, they’ve got lots of building projects:

  • planter
  • chicken coop
  • tables
  • outdoor structures
  • shelving
  • desks and more!
Simpson Strong-Tie workbench kit
Click here for a free printable version of the plans complete with step by step instructions, materials and cut lists.  You’ll have a grand workspace that you’ll never want to leave!
workbench style desk open shelving
I love the contrast of the metal hardware against the warm wood, wouldn’t this be fun in a office setting with lots of different configurations?!  You can easily modify this to fit your space and make it custom.
diy workbench inspired desk free plans
And if you’re curious about the stool click here for plans.
Disclaimer:  I have partnered with Simpson Strong Tie to bring you this desk.  I was provided materials and/or compensation to create and construct this desk.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

You may also like...

  • DIY Vanity Desk with Deep DrawersDIY Vanity Desk with Deep Drawers
  • DIY Recycling Tower and GiveawayDIY Recycling Tower and Giveaway
  • Build an Indoor Log HolderBuild an Indoor Log Holder
  • DIY Outdoor Toy Storage BinDIY Outdoor Toy Storage Bin
Share this post:

Filed Under: BUILD, DESKS, DIY, FURNITURE, LIVING ROOM, SALTBOX PROJECT, SHELVES, STORAGE, TABLES27 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Our Pinteresting Family says

    June 2, 2015 at 11:53 AM

    Looks fantastic. So functional too.

    Reply
  2. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    June 2, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    love this! the industrial look is so great, and it looks so stylish and useful!

    Reply
  3. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    June 3, 2015 at 2:06 AM

    Oh my gosh, I love this so much. What a great desk!

    Reply
  4. Jen Woodhouse says

    June 3, 2015 at 4:18 AM

    So beautiful! LOVE that massive workspace!

    Reply
  5. Mike D'Aquilante says

    December 30, 2015 at 5:47 PM

    looks great! is there a single document download available?

    Reply
  6. shawn stone says

    January 8, 2017 at 11:32 PM

    IN the instructions it says you used RTR connectors to attach the plywood on top. Did you mean to write A21 connectors. If so what size screws did you use to attach the top of the desk.

    Reply
    • Mag says

      January 19, 2019 at 4:29 PM

      Did you ever get an answer for this? I was just looking at the plans and noticed the same thing. Help please!

      Reply
      • Jaime says

        January 20, 2019 at 1:01 PM

        Thanks for flagging this, yes Shawn is correct it should be A21 connectors to attach the top.

        Reply
    • Jaime says

      January 20, 2019 at 12:59 PM

      Thank you Shawn yes the plywood top is attached using A21 connectors and I used #8 – 1/2″ screws.

      Reply
      • Geoff says

        April 8, 2020 at 1:37 PM

        Thank you for these plans! I’m gathering materials for a slight modification for a desk for my wife’s workspace.

        The A21 angle brackets – because you list 14 needed for the project, i’m guessing that’s 2 for each of 4 shelves, plus 6 for the desktop surface. Is that enough? Seems like if the lumber was not perfect it might gap in the corners or warp over time.

        Thank you

        Reply
        • Jaime says

          April 9, 2020 at 12:02 PM

          Hi Geoff, yes I only used 14 A21 brackets. No gapping or warping here and I’ve been using this desk for 5 years now.

          Reply
  7. Austin says

    October 13, 2019 at 9:14 AM

    Need 10 RTC2Z connectors, not 2 as the PDF shows

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      October 13, 2019 at 9:43 AM

      Thanks Austin, the materials list on the PDF includes (1) DIY Project Kit which contains (8) RTC2Z. So the 2 is the extra to make a total of 10. Yes you could purchase them all separately as well.

      Reply
      • Austin says

        October 13, 2019 at 7:30 PM

        Ahhh, thank you! I apologize for the confusion.

        Reply
  8. Tori says

    December 23, 2019 at 12:04 AM

    Hey there, love this desk!! How much would you say the materials cost you total?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 23, 2019 at 1:51 PM

      Thanks Tori. I’d estimate the lumber under $100.

      Reply
  9. Joel says

    April 4, 2020 at 5:46 PM

    Hi – great desk! I’m planning on building this with and for my daughter and have a question on the interior top shelf supports.

    In the plans, it shows using the RTA2Z connectors on both the outer and inner supports as well as for the back end of the interior top support. But the pictures don’t show you used those brackets in the interior top shelf supports. Is a 3″ wood screw strong enough at that interior back corner for each support?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      April 5, 2020 at 11:05 AM

      Hi Joel, You are correct in that those top shelf cross supports are attached using 3″ screws. You could use the connector (it’s not necessary and adds more hardware to the look of the piece) if you wanted to. Good luck!

      Reply
  10. Geoff says

    April 8, 2020 at 5:12 PM

    Only suggestion I would make is, if possible, is regarding attaching the 2×2 support that supports the upper shelves at the front of the desk.
    In your plans you use an end-screw; aesthetically and/or structurally it might be better to use a pocket hole screw on the underside of that 2×2 to fasten to the 2×4 (outer) and 2×2 (interior) legs.

    Reply
  11. Ali says

    May 2, 2020 at 11:23 AM

    Hi Jaime!

    Thank you for your post! What type of finish/stain did you use? Thanks so much!

    Ali

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      May 5, 2020 at 7:26 AM

      Hi Ali, The finish on this desk is clear satin poly, two coats and the top has three coats.

      Reply
  12. Lindsey says

    July 30, 2020 at 6:50 PM

    Hello, Thanks for this tutorial. My husband made it for my sons room and now I’m trying to find baskets. I see you have a couple natural woven bins. Can you tell me where you got them from? I’m having trouble finding anything the right dimensions. Are they 18×18? Thank you

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      July 31, 2020 at 12:40 PM

      Hi Lindsey, I believe I found the baskets at Homegoods (a few years back). They measure 18″ x 20″ x 6″. You could also make wood pull out bins (for the meanwhile since I know baskets can be elusive!). Good luck!

      Reply
  13. Annie MacMurray says

    October 11, 2020 at 11:30 AM

    Hi Jamie I just found this tutorial on Pinterest so I hope you are still hard at work and reading these comments. I love the rustic and metal combination. I want to use your plans with a couple modifications for a kitchen island. I have a 24″x60″ butcher block piece that I finished with Tung oil for the top. I want to use a stool on each side of the island so can I eliminate the bottom cross piece between the towers? I am going to paint the bottom instead of staining or poly. If you have any further ideas/modifications I’d really appreciate the input. TYIA

    Annie

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Jaime

Jaime Costiglio

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by.
Join me for lots of DIY.

Read more

Get new posts via email

Handbuilt Holiday: Gift Project Plans

handbuilt holiday gift project plans

Collection of DIY gift project plans to build.

The Home Depot Tool Prospective

THD Prospective

Tools to consider for the DIYer.

Archives

The Home Depot Logo
Copyright © 2023 Jaime Costiglio · Custom site by Moonsteam Design

Privacy Policy