Trash to Treasure: Repurposed Nightstand into DIY Desk

Before you can get started, you need to decide the size and shape you want your desk to be. I was making my desk a corner, L-shaped desk. I placed the two nightstands where I wanted them and measured how big I needed the top to be. Which brings us to step two of this DIY desk…

Step #2: Cut & Assemble the Desk’s Top

Using the measurements from step one, cut your plywood to the correct size. I am making an L-shaped desk, and I already had two pieces of wood that I was going to use. I cut the ends at a 45-degree angle so I could connect them into the L-shape.

Using my digital angle finder, I found and marked the 45-degree line on the wood. Then, I put some painters’ tape on the line so that when I cut it, it would not splinter.

The best trick I have found to get a straight line using a circular saw is to clamp a long, straight piece of wood on and run the edge of the saw along it as you cut. I cut both pieces and connected them using pocket holes on the bottom.

Once the top is assembled, use wood filler to fill all seams. When that is dry, prime the wood.

After the primer is dry, use 220-grit sandpaper and give it a quick sanding to smooth out the bumps. Paint the top with your favorite paint and let it dry as we move onto the drawers.

Step #4: DIY Desk Drawer Fronts

I wanted to make new drawer fronts because I did not like the curved edges on the existing drawers. To remove the existing drawer fronts, you simply unscrew them from the inside. I used the original drawer fronts as a template for the dimensions on the new ones.

Then, I primed, sanded, and painted the drawer fronts before reattaching them.

Step #5: Paint Everything Else

Now it’s time to pull the desk together by painting the nightstands the same color as the drawer fronts.