Kids Study Desk

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component.

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking lines and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Use home center cutting service recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two kinds: #120 and #240.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking levelness during assembly.

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining.

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing.

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Measure and Confirm Installation Location

   ≈ 15 min

   Measure the location for the TV stand and verify that the children's study desk (900×500×700mm) fits. Also check the position of power outlets, cable routing, and the shape of the TV stand.

   Measure

   W 900 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 17

   Tip

   • Ideal clearance is TV stand width plus 100mm on each side. For wall-mounted TVs, consider reinforcement at the center of the top board.
   • Choose a location that can be set at least 50mm away from the wall to ensure front-to-back ventilation.
   • If the floor is carpeted, measure with the assumption of placing a hard board underneath as carpet may cause legs to sink and wobble.

   Watch out

   • If the TV stand depth (500mm) is less than the size of the TV stand, the TV may protrude dangerously. Always measure the bottom surface of the TV box before purchase.
   • If storing AV amps or soundbars, first confirm if device size fits inside shelf interior dimensions (W1164×D390×H328mm).
2. 2

   Create Cut List and Order from Home Center

   ≈ 30 min

   From 18mm Lauan plywood 1×6 foot sheets, cut two each of top and bottom boards (18×400×1200), two side boards (18×400×364), one shelf board (18×390×1164), and one 4mm plywood back panel (1200×400). Because plywood sheets are large and heavy, using home center cutting service is recommended.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 17

   Tip

   • Home center cutting service costs about 30-50 yen per cut, with accuracy within ±1mm.
   • Wood grain should be horizontal when viewed from the front for aesthetics; specify this when ordering.
   • The side board length 364mm includes allowance for two 18mm top and bottom boards; just provide this as is when ordering.

   Watch out

   • If plywood thickness is not 18mm (e.g. 12mm, 15mm, 21mm), the side board length calculation must be adjusted. Confirm actual thickness before ordering.
   • Cutting service only supports straight cuts; drilling holes and chamfering must be done by yourself.
3. 3

   Apply Edge Banding Tape

   ≈ 25 min

   The cut edges of plywood are rough compared to finished surfaces. Apply edge banding tape with an iron to visible edges: front, back, left and right edges of top and bottom boards, front edges of side boards and shelf board. Set iron to medium heat (about 150°C), and press for 3-5 seconds.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 3 / 17

   Tip

   • Edge tape adheres by melting resin with heat; pressing with a cloth before it cools improves adhesion.
   • Trim excess tape with a cutter in 2-3 passes at an angle for a natural finish.
   • Back panel edges do not need tape because they are not visible.

   Watch out

   • Do not move the iron continuously or heat will not penetrate; hold still for 3 seconds per area before moving.
   • Too high temperature can burn tape and discolor it. Test temperature on scrap tape first.
4. 4

   Sand All Components

   ≈ 30 min

   Sand all components using #180 followed by #240 sandpaper. Plywood surfaces are originally smooth, so light sanding is sufficient. Round edges lightly with #240 to avoid sharpness and discomfort. Also gently finish edges of edge banding tape.

   Sand

   #180

   SandSTEP 4 / 17

   Tip

   • Sand along the grain. Sanding against the grain raises fibers and causes uneven finish later.
   • Edge rounding is done until 'tissue paper does not catch' when stroked.
   • Using a sander near vacuum nozzle reduces dust by half, making indoor sanding bearable.

   Watch out

   • Plywood surface finish layer is thin (0.2-0.5mm); sanding too aggressively exposes gray base layer.
   • Sanding produces a lot of dust. Perform in ventilated areas such as balcony or garage.
5. 5

   Mark Shelf Position on Side Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark the shelf fixing position on the two side boards. Draw a horizontal line 200mm above the bottom edge of each side board; this is the top surface of the shelf board. Make marks on both side boards for pilot hole positions (center of 18mm thickness = 9mm line). Use a carpenter's square and pencil for marking, keeping the heights symmetrical.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 5 / 17

   Tip

   • Stack two side boards and mark one, then transfer mark to the other with a punch for perfect alignment.
   • Shelf height can be adjusted to fit devices; aim about 50mm above height of AV amp.
   • Pilot hole location is center of side board thickness (9mm from edge). Misalignment causes shelf misplacement.

   Watch out

   • Height mismatch between side boards causes tilted shelf; remember to transfer marks by stacking.
   • Pencil marks may remain visible after finishing; mark lightly and erase after assembly.
6. 6

   Drill Pilot Holes on Shelf and Side Boards

   ≈ 25 min

   Drill four pilot holes (φ3.5mm) into each end face of the shelf board for fixing to side boards. Also drill pilot holes (φ3.5mm) through the side boards at marked positions, with 8mm diameter and 3mm deep countersinks on front side for screw heads. Although plywood is less prone to splitting, holes near edges require caution.

   Drill a hole

   φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 6 / 17

   Tip

   • Countersinking screw heads flush results in better finish.
   • Using a drill stopper helps control depth (approx. board thickness minus 2mm).
   • Clamp boards before drilling holes near edges to prevent splitting.

   Watch out

   • Screws closer than 10mm to edges risk splitting; keep centerline at 9mm from edge.
   • Drill perpendicular to surface to avoid protrusion on opposite side.
7. 7

   Temporary Assembly of Bottom and Side Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Place bottom board on floor and stand two side boards on top, aligning bottom edges. Apply thin layer of wood glue, then drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from bottom board side and drive three 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (six total). Check right angles with a carpenter's square while assembling.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 17

   Tip

   • Apply wood glue thinly, about the thickness of one toothpick. Wipe excess immediately with a wet cloth.
   • Use clamps to temporarily fix side boards before drilling pilot holes to prevent shifting.
   • Ensure floor is level with level tool before assembly to avoid distortion.

   Watch out

   • Excess glue oozing out prevents paint adhesion; apply thinly and evenly.
   • Do not skip pilot holes to avoid plywood splitting.
8. 8

   Attach Shelf Board

   ≈ 20 min

   Insert shelf board (1164 mm length) between side boards at marked positions. Align ends flush with side board outer faces. Apply wood glue, drill φ3.5 mm pilots from outside side boards, then drive two 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (four total). Confirm shelf is level with a level tool.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 17

   Tip

   • Confirm shelf length (1164 mm = 900 mm top board width minus 18 mm side board thickness ×2) by measuring before assembly.
   • Shelf is hidden inside, so countersinking screw heads is unnecessary.
   • If using adjustable shelf pins, drill multiple φ5 mm holes now for flexibility.

   Watch out

   • Shelf too short causes wobbling; too long causes side board bulging. Double-check measurements.
   • Uneven shelf level causes remotes or small items to roll off. Always verify with level.
9. 9

   Attach Top Board

   ≈ 25 min

   Place the top board (1200 mm width) on the box frame, aligning with top edges of side boards. Drill φ3.5 mm pilot holes from top board and drive six 38mm coarse-thread screws (three per side). Screw heads should be countersunk and later filled with wood dowels or wood putty for nicer finish.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 9 / 17

   Tip

   • Top board is most critical for bearing TV weight; increasing screws to eight (four per side) improves load capacity.
   • Filling countersink holes with φ9mm wood dowels makes joints seamless after painting.
   • For TVs over 30kg, add 1x2 lumber reinforcement under top board center.

   Watch out

   • Mounting top board backwards results in inconsistent wood grain alignment; check grain direction before attaching.
   • 38mm screws are appropriate length for 18mm top board; longer screws may penetrate shelf board underneath.
10. 10

    Check Right Angles and Diagonals

    ≈ 15 min

    Check all interior corners of the box with a carpenter's square for 90° angles. Measure the inner diagonal lengths with a tape measure; the two diagonals should be equal within 2mm. If skewed, loosen screws, clamp frame square, then retighten.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 10 / 17

    Tip

    • If diagonal difference exceeds 5mm, distortion is significant, making back panel fit impossible. Correct before proceeding.
    • Clamping the entire box diagonally aids in achieving right angles.
    • Enlarging pilot holes to φ4mm allows slight play and easier adjustments.

    Watch out

    • Ignoring distortion now causes large gaps during back panel installation.
    • Use reliable carpenter's square made of aluminum or steel; plastic tools have large errors.
11. 11

    Attach Back Panel

    ≈ 15 min

    Attach 4mm plywood back panel (900×700mm) to the back side with stapler or thin screws (φ3×20mm), fixing edges and center. Stapling spacing: 30mm; screws spacing: 100mm. The back panel stabilizes the box and eliminates distortion at this stage.

    Build the frame

    Check for square

    AssembleSTEP 11 / 17

    Tip

    • If frame was distorted, correct with clamps during attachment after diagonal checks.
    • Stapler is faster to install; it uses thin staples like a large stapler.
    • Place wood grain of back panel horizontally for a neat overall appearance.

    Watch out

    • Do not mistakenly attach back panel reversed; front and back have different color and grain.
    • Staple points may protrude on back side if missed; check by hand after installation.
12. 12

    Drill Cable Routing Hole (If Needed)

    ≈ 15 min

    Drill a cable routing hole (φ50mm) in the back panel for TV power, HDMI, and antenna cables. Ideal hole location is behind TV connection terminals. If hole saw unavailable, drill multiple holes and connect them with a jigsaw.

    Drill a hole

    φ50mm

    DrillSTEP 12 / 17

    Tip

    • Apply edge banding tape to hole edge to protect cables and prevent injury.
    • Confirm placement of TV connection terminals to ensure straight cable passage before marking hole.
    • Align hole height with power outlet for neat appearance.

    Watch out

    • Incorrect hole placement makes cable routing behind TV difficult and untidy; test placement by temporarily placing TV.
    • Hole saw slipping can cause plywood surface peeling; ensure pilot bit is firmly cutting center.
13. 13

    Surface Preparation for Painting

    ≈ 15 min

    Before painting, lightly sand entire assembly with #240 sandpaper. Remove dust completely with a damp cloth followed by dry cloth. Remove wood glue excess and burrs around screw holes. Suitable finishes include Watco Oil, Briwax, or water-based paints for indoor use.

    Sand

    #240

    SandSTEP 13 / 17

    Tip

    • Test paint on scrap piece first; plywood absorbs differently from solid wood and color intensity may differ.
    • Water-based paints are beginner-friendly and washable with water.
    • Watco Oil preserves wood texture for a natural finish; apply by rubbing with cloth.

    Watch out

    • Glue residue repels paint; lightly sand glue spots with #240 before painting.
    • Dust left on surface causes rough texture; clean thoroughly prior to painting.
14. 14

    First Coat of Paint

    ≈ 30 min

    Apply paint over entire surface with brush or cloth. Follow order: top board → side boards → bottom board → back panel. Brush along grain in one direction to minimize brush marks. Apply thin and even coats. Allow natural drying for at least two hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 14 / 17

    Tip

    • Use smaller amounts of paint at a time; keeping paint can open causes skin to form making paint unusable.
    • If brush marks appear, switch to roller brush for smoother application.
    • Keep painted parts in dust-free area; avoid fans blowing directly on surface.

    Watch out

    • Applying thick coats causes uneven drying and later peeling; always apply thin coats in two layers.
    • Direct warm airflow causes surface to dry while inside remains wet; wait for natural drying.
15. 15

    Light Sanding and Second Coat of Paint

    ≈ 25 min

    Once first coat fully dries, lightly sand surface with #320 sandpaper to remove roughness (scuff sanding). Remove dust and apply second coat thinner than the first. Let dry for at least 24 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 15 / 17

    Tip

    • Light sanding means removing only surface roughness without stripping paint.
    • Thin second coat prevents drips and ensures smooth finish.
    • Avoid touching before drying to prevent fingerprints or dust sticking; adhere to 24-hour drying time.

    Watch out

    • Excessive sanding can peel first coat; use #320 gently.
    • Thick second coat extends drying time and delays next steps.
16. 16

    Attach Leg Pads and Earthquake Prevention Hardware

    ≈ 20 min

    Attach felt pads to bottoms of legs to prevent floor damage and wobbling. For earthquake safety, install anti-tip brackets or straps at upper back, securing TV stand to wall studs with screws for stability during major earthquakes.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 16 / 17

    Tip

    • Felt pads cost about 50 yen at home center; 10mm thickness absorbs floor irregularities.
    • Anti-tip straps available at 100-yen shops; specialized TV stands cost around 1000 yen and provide added security.
    • Anchor brackets to wall studs; drywall alone insufficient for holding.

    Watch out

    • Skipping felt pads leads to scratched flooring.
    • Omitting anti-tip hardware risks TV stand tipping over damaging TV during strong earthquakes.
17. 17

    Final Inspection and Installation

    ≈ 20 min

    Move completed TV stand to installation site and verify levelness front-to-back and side-to-side with a level. Use felt pad thickness adjustment to correct any wobble. Place TV, route cables, and test power. Initially load only light items, and allow 1 week for paint to fully cure.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 17 / 17

    Tip

    • Place TV centrally on top board to distribute weight evenly; avoid cantilevering which causes distortion.
    • Route cables through back panel hole and bundle neatly with cable ties for tidy appearance.
    • When placing AV amp or BD recorder on shelf, allow at least 50mm ventilation clearance front and back.

    Watch out

    • Paint takes 1 week to fully cure. Placing remotes or devices directly before then causes stickiness.
    • Homes with sloped floors require varying felt thickness pads on each leg to achieve level.

Warnings

• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent wood splitting.

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