Building a Custom Corner Office Desk
When I first heard about this project—a custom corner desk made from ambrosia maple and soft maple—I was thrilled. Ambrosia maple is a polarizing wood; some people adore it while others aren't so fond. Luckily, it seems most folks fall into the former camp, including me! This particular desk was being crafted for a retired engineer who had very specific requirements regarding the dimensions and layout of the desk to fit his office perfectly. Having the chance to blend two types of wood—ambrosia maple for the base and soft maple for the top—was exciting for me.
Designing the Desk
Given the size constraints of the room, there were certain measurements I had to stick to in order to accommodate doors, floor vents, and more. Additionally, since the desk had to be transported into the office, it needed to be designed for easy disassembly.
With these factors in mind, I started sketching out a few design concepts. We wanted cabinets on both the left and right sides of the desk, but we weren’t sure whether they should be open or include drawers. Also, because the desk was going to be in a corner, a support post was necessary at the back corner, which also had to be removable.
Choosing the Wood
The base of the desk is entirely made from solid ambrosia maple. This meant I needed plenty of 4/4 stock for most parts of the base and some 8/4 for the four posts on the right-side cabinet. Here's a look at some of the 4/4 ambrosia maple boards I managed to source—they’re filled with beautiful ambrosia streaking!
For the top, I opted for solid maple with a thickness of 1 inch. I chose clear 5/4 boards of soft maple and bought 12-foot-long planks so I could use one continuous piece for both sides of the top, minimizing waste.
Construction Process
Building the base and top followed standard cabinet-making techniques, but there were a few considerations due to the design. Since the entire piece is made from solid wood, wood movement had to be factored in. For instance, the left cabinet has two solid panels forming the front and back. Adding trim pieces to the top and bottom of both cabinets posed a challenge on the left side, where the trim would be perpendicular to the grain of the panels. This could lead to issues if glued or nailed directly. To prevent potential cracks caused by seasonal changes, the trim pieces were attached with elongated screws from the back. This allows the panels to expand and contract without damaging the trim.
On the right side, where the panels aren’t solid, the trim pieces were glued directly into place. To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the trim, I added a roundover to the bottom edge of the upper trim pieces and an ogee profile to the lower ones. All the corners were mitered for a clean finish.
Adding Functional Features
Each side of the desk also received one adjustable shelf in the middle. The idea was to store books on the left side and printers or paper on the right side. The shelves could be adjusted to accommodate different printer sizes and book heights.
Midway through the project, the client requested adding a drawer to the right side of the desk. Given the limited space, this posed a challenge. I created a simple, full-extension drawer with an ambrosia maple front.
Finishing Touches
For the top, ensuring it was flat and level was crucial, especially since the seam would be mitered. Due to its size, the top needed to be assembled in two parts and then joined together for transport. I used a track saw and a 45-degree angle gauge to cut the two halves accurately. To join them securely but still allow disassembly, I employed a Festool Domino system. One side of the top received domino joints glued into place, while the other side had corresponding mortises cut. For additional security, I used large table-top knock-down disks. These work by attaching half-disks to each side of the top and securing them with a cap that locks the two halves together.
Final Details
To enhance the natural beauty of the ambrosia maple, I applied Tried and True Danish oil. After two coats, I buffed them out with a rag. Once the finish dried, I wiped the entire piece with 0000 steel wool and paste wax for extra protection and a smooth finish.
The Result
The finished desk turned out beautifully, with a seamless mitered corner and a smooth, polished surface. Despite the project’s straightforward nature, engineering a desk that could be taken apart yet remain sturdy was challenging. The weight of the top and its locking mechanisms proved essential in achieving this balance.
Feedback and Thanks
I hope you appreciate this design and the look of the ambrosia maple. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoy these articles, consider subscribing to our blog updates. Special thanks to my readers for their continued support!
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