Stair Post Kid's Desk

Learn how wooden posts, plywood and a little patience can create a custom, kid-size desk.

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Stair-Post Desk

04:45

Brian Patrick Flynn creates a one of a kind kid-friendly desk made from repurposed railing posts.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Materials Needed:

stain-grade plywood
stair posts
table saw
chop saw
tape measure
pencil and notepad
caulk and caulk gun
wood filler and putty knife
orbital sander
medium-grit sanding pads
primer

semi-gloss paint
paint sprayer
extension cord
plastic sheeting
drill
wood screws
spirit level
1x3 MDF trim
nail gun
damp cloth
high-gloss floor sealer

Determine Dimensions

Using tape measure, determine proper height, width and depth for desk in relation to wall, child's size and the room's traffic flow. Mark desk's desired height on wall with pencil. Jot dimensions down on notepad with pencil. Tip: Keep in mind needed clearance for doors and windows.

Cut Plywood and Trim

Referring to dimensions on notepad, measure, then mark plywood and trim pieces with pencil and spirit level. Use table saw to cut plywood to size. Cut trim to size using chop saw and miter corners.

With a chop saw, trim the wood to the appropriate size for the desk.

Measure and Trim Wood for Kid's Desk

Referring to dimensions on notepad, measure, then mark plywood and trim pieces with pencil and spirit level. Use table saw to cut plywood to size.

Trim the Wood for Kid's Desk

With a chop saw, trim the wood to the appropriate size for the desk.

Cut Posts

Referring to dimensions on notepad, measure post, then mark with pencil. Cut posts to size using chop saw.

Cut the Posts for Kid's Desk

Referring to dimensions on notepad, measure post, then mark with pencil. Cut posts to size using chop saw.

Attach Plywood to Posts

With help from a friend, firmly hold plywood still and in place perpendicular to post. Using drill, attach posts to plywood with wood screws directly through plywood and into top of post.

Drilling Wood Into the Posts With Screws

Attach Plywood to Posts for Kid's Desk

With help from a friend, firmly hold plywood still and in place perpendicular to post. Using drill, attach posts to plywood with wood screws directly through plywood and into top of post.

Add Trim

Using nail gun, attach mitered pieces of 1x3 MDF to front of plywood.

Nail Trim to Side of Desk

Using nail gun, attach mitered pieces of 1x3 MDF to front of plywood.

Prep for Paint

Fill gaps, nail holes and screw holes with wood filler using putty knife. Caulk spaces between trim and plywood with caulk gun. Once wood filler and caulk have fully dried, sand all surfaces using orbital sander and medium-grit sanding pads. Wipe dust from surfaces with damp cloth.

Prime, Paint and Seal

Load primer into paint sprayer, then spray in a steady, controlled manner keeping sprayer eight inches from surface of desk. Once primer is dry to the touch, clean out sprayer, load finish color, then spray two even coats in a steady, controlled manner, keeping sprayer eight inches from surface of desk. Once finish coat is dry, repeat painting steps using floor sealer. Tip: Allow at least 24 hours' drying time before placing objects on sealed surface.

Prime, Paint and Seal the Kid's Desk

Load primer into paint sprayer, then spray in a steady, controlled manner keeping sprayer eight inches from surface of desk. Once primer is dry to the touch, clean out sprayer, load finish color, then spray two even coats in a steady, controlled manner, keeping sprayer eight inches from surface of desk. Once finish coat is dry, repeat painting steps using floor sealer. Tip: Allow at least 24 hours drying time before placing objects on sealed surface.

Create and Install Cleat

Create cleat by cutting one piece of 1x3 MDF approximately two inches shorter than width of plywood top. Place cleat below marked line on wall, attaching it to the wall with drill and wood screws.

Installing Wood Cleat to Wall With Drill and Screws

Attach a Wood Cleat for Kid's Desk

Create a cleat by cutting one piece of 1x3 MDF approximately two inches shorter than width of plywood top. Place cleat below marked line on wall, attaching it to the wall with drill and wood screws.