Desk with Drawers

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

  Using home center's cutting service is recommended

• ✓

  Electric Screwdriver

  An impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking horizontality 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 installation location for the TV stand and check if the desk with drawer (1200×600×720 mm) fits. Also check the location of outlets, wiring paths, and TV stand shape.

   Measure

   W 1200 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 17

   Tip

   • Ideal clearance is TV stand width plus 100 mm on each side. For wall-mounted TVs, consider reinforcing center of top board.
   • Leave at least 50 mm from the wall for front and back ventilation.
   • If the floor is carpeted, measure assuming a hard board will be placed under legs to prevent wobbling.

   Watch out

   • If the TV stand shape exceeds 600 mm depth, it may protrude dangerously; measuring the bottom surface of the TV box before purchase is essential.
   • If storing AV amplifier or soundbar, confirm if equipment fits inside shelf interior (W1164×D390×H328 mm) beforehand.
2. 2

   Create Cut List and Order from Home Center

   ≈ 30 min

   Cut from 18 mm Lauan plywood 1×6 feet plank: top and bottom boards (18×400×1200)×2, side boards (18×400×364)×2, shelf board (18×390×1164)×1. Back board is 4 mm veneer (1200×400)×1. Plywood is heavy and large; using home center cutting service is recommended.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 17

   Tip

   • Home centers charge 30-50 yen per cut with precision ±1 mm.
   • Wood grain direction facing sideways from front looks better. Specify this when ordering.
   • The side board length 364 mm includes two top/bottom board thicknesses (18 mm each); relay this dimension as is.

   Watch out

   • If plywood thickness differs from 18 mm (e.g., 12, 15, or 21 mm), side board length calculation changes; confirm actual thickness before ordering.
   • Cutting service only handles straight cuts; wiring holes or chamfers need to be done personally.
3. 3

   Apply Edge Banding Tape

   ≈ 25 min

   The cut edges of plywood are rough compared to the finished surface, so apply edge banding tape with an iron. Treat visible edges of top and bottom boards (front, back, left, right ends), front edges of side boards, and front edge of shelf board. Use medium heat (~150°C), pressing for 3-5 seconds.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 3 / 17

   Tip

   • Edge banding tape adheres as resin melts with heat; pressing with cloth before it cools improves adhesion.
   • Trim excess tape with a cutter at a bevel angle; do this gradually in 2-3 passes for a natural look.
   • Back board edges (4 mm veneer) are not visible and do not need tape.

   Watch out

   • Do not slide the iron continuously; hold 3 seconds stationary per spot before moving.
   • If iron is too hot, tape may burn or discolor; test temperature first on leftover tape.
4. 4

   Sand All Components

   ≈ 30 min

   Sand all parts sequentially with #180 then #240 sandpaper. Plywood surfaces are already smooth, so light sanding is sufficient. Lightly chamfer corners with #240 to prevent sharpness. Also gently finish edge banding tape ends with #240.

   Sand

   #180

   SandSTEP 4 / 17

   Tip

   • Sand along the grain to avoid raising fibers and uneven paint.
   • Chamfer edges until they feel smooth enough that a tissue glides without catching.
   • Using a vacuum nozzle nearby while sanding reduces dust and enables indoor work.

   Watch out

   • Plywood veneer layer is thin (0.2-0.5 mm). Do not sand aggressively to avoid exposing underlying grey layer.
   • Sanding produces large amounts of dust; perform in ventilated areas such as balcony or garage.
5. 5

   Mark Shelf Board Position on Side Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark the shelf board fixing position 200 mm above bottom on two side boards. Draw a horizontal line indicating shelf board upper surface. Take identical measurements on both side boards for symmetry. Mark pilot hole positions at the shelf board thickness center line (9 mm). Use carpenter's square and pencil.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 5 / 17

   Tip

   • Stack side boards, mark one, then transfer marks to the other with a punch for perfect alignment.
   • Shelf position can be adjusted based on equipment height plus 50 mm.
   • Pilot holes are at 9 mm from edge (half of 18 mm thickness); deviations cause shelf misalignment.

   Watch out

   • Height mismatch between side boards causes shelf tilt; remember to mark stacked for transfer.
   • Pencil marks may show after painting; keep lines thin for easier erasure post-assembly.
6. 6

   Drill Pilot Holes on Shelf Board and Side Boards

   ≈ 25 min

   Drill φ3.5 mm pilot holes on both ends of shelf board for side board fixing (2 holes each side, total 4). Also drill through φ3.5 mm pilot holes on marked positions on side boards with φ8 mm diameter × 3 mm deep countersinks on the front side. Plywood is resistant to splitting but beware near edges.

   Drill a hole

   φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 6 / 17

   Tip

   • Countersinking screw heads flush improves finish.
   • Use drill stopper to control depth (about board thickness minus 2 mm).
   • Clamp shelf board securely before drilling near edges to avoid splitting.

   Watch out

   • Screwing within 10 mm of board edge risks splitting; pilot hole center at 9 mm must be maintained.
   • Insert drill vertically to avoid protrusion on opposite side.
7. 7

   Temporarily Assemble Bottom and Side Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Place bottom board on floor, stand two side boards on top, aligning side board bottom ends with bottom board edges. Apply thin woodworking glue, drill φ3.5 mm pilot holes from bottom, then drive three 38 mm coarse-thread screws per side (6 total). Verify right angles with carpenter's square.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 17

   Tip

   • Apply glue sparingly, about a thin smudge the size of a toothpick, wipe excess immediately.
   • Clamp side boards before drilling pilot holes to prevent movement.
   • Confirm bottom board is level using level before assembly.

   Watch out

   • Excess glue causes squeeze-out and paint adhesion problems; keep glue thin and uniform.
   • Driving screws without pilot holes causes plywood splitting.
8. 8

   Attach Shelf Board

   ≈ 20 min

   Fit shelf board (1164 mm length) into marked positions, aligning ends flush with side boards. Apply glue, drill pilot holes φ3.5 mm from outside surfaces, then drive two 38 mm coarse-thread screws per side (4 total). Confirm shelf board horizontality with level.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 17

   Tip

   • Verify shelf board length (1164 mm = top board width 1200 mm minus 2 × side board thickness 18 mm); measure before proceeding.
   • Shelf board is internal; countersinking screw holes is unnecessary.
   • For adjustable shelves, drill multiple φ5 mm holes now for shelf pins.

   Watch out

   • Shelf too short causes looseness; too long causes side board bulging; reconfirm dimensions.
   • Ensure shelf board is horizontal to prevent TV remote or small items from sliding; always use level.
9. 9

   Attach Top Board

   ≈ 25 min

   Place top board (1200 mm width) on box top, aligned with side board upper ends. Drill φ3.5 mm pilot holes from top, then drive three 38 mm coarse-thread screws per side (6 total). Countersink screw heads and conceal with wooden dowels or wood putty for better finish.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 9 / 17

   Tip

   • Top board supports TV; adding screws (4 per side, total 8) reinforces load capacity.
   • Plug countersink holes with φ9 mm wooden dowels for seamless joints after painting.
   • If TV weighs over 30 kg, reinforce the center underneath with added 1×2 lumber.

   Watch out

   • Installing top board backwards results in inconsistent grain direction; align grain before screwing.
   • 38 mm screws are appropriate for 18 mm thick top; longer screws may reach shelf board below.
10. 10

    Check Right Angles and Diagonal Lengths

    ≈ 15 min

    Check right angles on entire box with carpenter's square at all four corners. Measure interior diagonal lengths with tape; verify both diagonals match within ±2 mm. If misaligned, loosen screws, clamp to correct square, then retighten.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 10 / 17

    Tip

    • Diagonal length difference over 5 mm indicates large distortion; back board may not fit.
    • Clamping box diagonally helps achieve right angles.
    • Enlarging pilot holes to φ4 mm allows slight play facilitating adjustment.

    Watch out

    • Leaving distortion uncorrected causes large gaps when installing back board.
    • Use reliable metal carpenter's square; plastic ones have large error margins.
11. 11

    Attach Back Board

    ≈ 15 min

    Place 4 mm veneer back board on rear, secure edges and center with staples (every 30 mm) or fine screws (φ3×20 mm) every 100 mm. The back board fixes box square and largely eliminates distortion at this stage.

    Build the frame

    Check for square

    AssembleSTEP 11 / 17

    Tip

    • If distorted, clamp box square during attachment.
    • Stapler tool speeds work; uses thin staple-like pins.
    • Lay veneer grain horizontally for neat appearance.

    Watch out

    • Avoid installing back board flipped; front and back differ in color/grain.
    • Check back side after stapling for protruding pins by running hand along surface.
12. 12

    Make Wiring Hole if Necessary

    ≈ 15 min

    Using a φ50 mm hole saw, drill wiring hole on back board for TV power, HDMI, and antenna cables behind TV connection points. Without hole saw, drill multiple holes and cut with coping saw.

    Drill a hole

    φ50mm

    DrillSTEP 12 / 17

    Tip

    • Apply edge banding tape on hole edge to protect fingers and cable insulation.
    • Confirm connector layout before positioning hole for straight cable run.
    • Align hole height with outlet for tidy appearance.

    Watch out

    • Incorrect hole placement prevents cables exiting behind TV neatly; mock place TV and mark before drilling.
    • Hole saw slipping peels plywood surface; center drill must engage firmly.
13. 13

    Pre-Paint Preparation

    ≈ 15 min

    Lightly sand entire assembly with #240 sandpaper before painting; remove all dust completely with wet and dry cloths. Remove any glue squeeze-out or burrs around screws. Watco Oil, Briwax, or water-based paints are easy and suitable for indoor use.

    Sand

    #240

    SandSTEP 13 / 17

    Tip

    • Always test paint on scrap; plywood absorbs paint differently than wood.
    • Water-based paints allow brush washing with water; suitable for beginners.
    • Watco Oil provides natural finish maintaining wood texture; apply by rubbing with cloth.

    Watch out

    • Glue-affected areas repel paint; lightly sand with #240 before painting.
    • Painting over dust causes rough surface; clean thoroughly before application.
14. 14

    First Coat of Paint

    ≈ 30 min

    Apply paint or oil evenly over all surfaces with brush or cloth in order: top board, side boards, bottom board, then back board. Brush in one direction along the grain to reduce streaks. Apply thin uniform coats, allow natural drying for over 2 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 14 / 17

    Tip

    • Use small portions of paint; do not leave can open to prevent skin forming.
    • For smoother application, use a foam roller brush for flat surfaces.
    • Place drying furniture in a dust-free space, avoid proximity to fans.

    Watch out

    • Applying thick coats causes drying unevenness and peeling later; apply thin coats twice.
    • Drying with direct heat may dry surfaces only superficially, leaving internal moisture.
15. 15

    Light Sanding and Second Coat

    ≈ 25 min

    After first coat dries fully, lightly sand surface with #320 sandpaper to remove roughness. Remove dust and apply a second thinner coat than the first. Allow drying for at least 24 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 15 / 17

    Tip

    • Light sanding only removes surface roughness; avoid removing first coat.
    • Apply second coat thinly to avoid drips.
    • Do not touch until fully dry for 24 hours to avoid fingerprints and dust marks.

    Watch out

    • Sanding too hard removes paint layer; use gentle #320 sanding.
    • Thick second coats lengthen drying time, delaying further work.
16. 16

    Attach Leg Pads and Anti-Tip Brackets

    ≈ 20 min

    Stick felt pads on the bottom of legs to prevent floor scratches and wobbling. For earthquake safety, install anti-tip straps or brackets at upper rear. Securing the TV stand to the wall with screws is safest.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 16 / 17

    Tip

    • Felt pads cost about 50 yen at home centers; 10 mm thickness absorbs floor unevenness.
    • Anti-tip straps are available at 100 yen stores; 1000 yen-range dedicated TV stand straps provide better security.
    • Fix to wall studs; drywall alone cannot hold screws securely.

    Watch out

    • Skipping felt pads damages flooring with scratches.
    • Omitting anti-tip devices risks TV stand tipping and damage during earthquakes.
17. 17

    Final Checks and Placement

    ≈ 20 min

    Move completed TV stand to installation site; check horizontality front-to-back and side-to-side with level. Adjust wobbling using felt pads. Place TV, route cables through back panel holes, and power on to verify operation. Initially place only light items, observe for a week until paint fully cures.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 17 / 17

    Tip

    • Place TV so weight is centered on top board; placing at edges causes deformation.
    • Bundle cables with ties after routing through back hole for neatness.
    • Leave 50 mm ventilation space front and back if storing AV amplifier or BD recorder on shelf.

    Watch out

    • Paint takes one week to fully cure; placing remote or devices directly on paint day one causes stickiness.
    • Sloped floors prevent level setups; adjust felt pad thickness on each side to compensate.

Warnings

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

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