I recommended trying to build a desk for your first piece of furniture. The standard rectangle with four legs is simple enough for beginners to get stuck in, and will teach you valuable skills that you can use on more difficult projects.
I love using single sheets of ply to create a whole piece of furniture with little to no waste and there are many plans available online that can guide you through the process from initial measurements to putting the finishing touches on your new desk.
Here’s a basic (and free) step by step guide that can take you from sheet to desk with some basic power tools. The basic outline is as follows:
1. Gather supplies. Get your plywood, power tools, pocket hole jig, sandpaper and finish, clamps, wood glue, and fasteners.
2. Layout your pieces on the ply. This will help ensure you get the best use out of your material.
3. Cut out your pieces using your circular saw or track saw.
4. Trim them to size with the miter saw.
5. Dry fit your pieces, and drill your pocket holes for assembling the desk frame.
6. Now it’s time to do everyone’s favorite thing – sanding the surface and edges.
7. Once everything is sanded, you can do the final assembly.
8. When you have glued and screwed everything together, It’s time to put the finish on.
9. All that is left to do now is enjoy your new one sheet plywood desk.
I recommend using a track saw to cut the pieces, but you can achieve the same result with a circular saw, a straight edge, and a couple of clamps. You will also want a miter saw to cut the small angles on the legs.
That’s All Folks
I hope I’ve convinced you that plywood is worth your time – whether you’re a seasoned journeyman carpenter, or a beginner who wants to build something that lasts for years and looks beautiful in your home. Please join us over at Sheet Good to get some inspiration for your plywood furniture creations. You can also find many more posts that delve into all the different aspects of this fascinating material.
See Joel’s first post about building with plywood.
A professional cabinet maker and furniture designer – Joel was raised on a cattle farm in Mississippi and has spent the majority of his professional life in Atlanta, Georgia. After obtaining a degree in Industrial Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, he pursued further qualifications in cabinet making. For over ten years, Joel has specialized in working with plywood, and now operates as a freelance designer for various furniture manufacturers. Find more of Joel’s writing about plywood design and project ideas at Sheet Good.