The Project Lady: Hutch Desk Reveal and Building Process

I've been looking forward to this post! There may be an overload of pictures/information but I have been living/breathing/dreaming this building project for the last 10 days and I'm so excited it is DONE!

I searched the internet for many hours looking for the perfect desk. I knew what I wanted but couldn't find anything that sparked my interest. I wanted file drawers, a pull out shelf for my printer, good amount of work space, shelves, drawers, something 'different'... something that could make all of our junk look good basically. The closest thing I could find to what I wanted was one of those roll-top desks but it wasn't quite right.

My jaw dropped. It was perfect in so many ways! I didn't know how to go about the building process or even where to begin. I sat down and learned Google SketchUp and started designing my desk. It took a long time to get it just right with the right measurements but worth it!

I learned a lot with this project. My building plan and measurements were perfect but my knowledge, skill and tools aren't so it was a challenge. Use straight boards, cut your boards exact (millimeters matter), build square and level.

-I used new/old wood of different types

-The knobs, small hinges and drawer slides are reclaimed (feels good to re-use)

-Large hinges, latches and pull handle are gate hardware

-4 adjustable small shelves on top

-2 adjustable large shelves on bottom and 1 pull-out shelf

-2 large file drawers and 2 smaller drawers

-Drop-down door opens for workspace

-Constructed mostly by using pocket holes

Pictures of the process:

First day I got the sides made and screwed together.

Second and third day I finished the main frame.

Third day I glued plugs into pocket holes, wood filled everything and sanded.

Fourth day I worked on cutting shelves, drawer faces and the drop-down door.

Fifth day my husband helped me do the whitewash.

It was my first time using this stain. It dries very quickly especially on plywood so you need to wipe if off in less than a minute (maybe 2 with regular wood) or you get splotches and streaks!

Sixth day I sanded everything and assembled the doors. Next I finished the top and added extra trim around the top edges, wood filled, sanded and did the white wash.

Seventh day I relaxed a bit and spray painted some hardware black and added the latches, pull handle and chains. Then I tipped it over on the back and added some adjustable levels on the legs (our floor isn't level in the house and they also make the desk slide easier for moving).

Eight day I stained all the shelves and back panel pieces with Minwax Jacobean Stain.

Later I applied a coat of Polycrylic on all the visible surfaces, let dry, lightly sand and put another coat on heavily used areas. I've used many times of Polyurethane but I must say that I like this Polycrylic the best! It dries fast and has low odor!

Then I brought it inside and nailed the back panels on - it was looking so good!

On the ninth day I went over to Harvey's workshop and he helped me make the drawers. It was my first time doing dovetail joints and I was very anxious to learn how! The jig is pretty cool but I learned that everything needs to be set-up and adjusted perfectly for the dovetails to join well (the jig is now on my Christmas list, haha). Harvey also helped me with other parts like cutting down his old fireplace mantel so I could use it for the leg posts and cross beams and helped me with the 4 main divider panels.. thanks Harvey!!

...then stained with Jacobean stain and did a coat of Polycrylic.

On the tenth day I added the drawer slides! This was the only part of the project that almost made me cry so that's probably why I don't have a picture of it. It was my first time putting drawer slides on and it was more difficult than I thought.