How to Build a Desk | Hidden Wires, Wireless Charging + More

My son was tired of his previous desk setup, so I decided to build an entirely new desk from wood, loaded with cool features. This DIY Desk solves a lot of issues that other desks have. The new desk features a built in wireless phone charger that pops up to give you xtra outlets, USB, HDMI and more! We also built an integrated shelf and LED-Lighting built into the desk. A built-in cable-management system keeps this desk wire free! Plans for this desk are also available, so you can make your own! Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description to help support our channel.
🔨 DESK PLANS: www.731woodworks.com/store/de...
📝 Detailed blog post with lots of pictures and more tips here: www.731woodworks.com/731-blog...
🎥 Videos To Watch Next
How to Build a Modern Desk: • How To Make a Modern D...
DIY Desk For Under $100: • How to Build a Desk fo...
📸 Videos Mentioned:
No Jointer, No Problem: • 5 Ways to Joint Boards...
Attach a Desk Top to a Frame: • How to Attach a Table ...
Greatest Free Gift: story4.us/731Woodworks
Tools and Supplies For This Desk:
💡Wire Management Supplies:
Pop Up Wireless Charger: amzn.to/36fkXCR
Desk Top Wire Grommets: amzn.to/3uWxG7O
Govee LED Lights: amzn.to/3Bxbhzo
Cable Tray: amzn.to/34Hh1dW
Cable Ties: amzn.to/3rW5Qqn
Cable Management Kit: amzn.to/3uYekiv
Power Strip: amzn.to/3uX1hOl
🔧Tools:
Massca M2 Pocket Hole Jig: masscaproducts.com/products/m...
Wahuda Jointer: amzn.to/3sQPj6r
Table Saw: amzn.to/3LFkqKO
DeWalt Miter Saw: amzn.to/3v2Igdn
Kreg Right Angle Clamp: amzn.to/35cqxFr
Festool Domino: amzn.to/33A4nwF
Festool Sander: amzn.to/3p46iRH
Festool Dust Extractor: amzn.to/3rZqF4d
Sanding Mouse: amzn.to/33yWiIu
📦 Supplies:
5 = 1x6x10 Spruce or Pine Board: www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-6-... (you can usually get them MUCh cheaper at a local lumber store ask for paint grade or appearance grade spruce)
3 = 2x2x8 Board: www.homedepot.com/p/Alexandri... (these are also much cheaper at a local lumber store)
1 = 1 1/4” Pocket Screws: masscaproducts.com/collection...
Table Top Fasteners: amzn.to/3GYNYj1
5" Hole Saw (for the pop up charger): amzn.to/3gTv1nb (you'll also need the arbor if you don't have that).
2” Forstner Bit: amzn.to/3GRmzzv
1/8” Roundover Bit: amzn.to/3H1NatA
CA Glue: bit.ly/3oW8wlZ
Double Stick Tape: amzn.to/3rXIVev
Black Spray Paint: amzn.to/3gR44Au
Dark Walnut Stain: amzn.to/3GYgEbC
Spray Laquer: amzn.to/3JEnsx9
Follow me on Amazon for my favorite tools and supplies: www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4e5e1fdd
Join this channels membership to get access to exclusive member only livestreams, discounts, and other perks:
/ @731woodworks
You can support us on Patreon as well / 731woodworks
I get my stickers from Sticker Mule: www.stickermule.com/unlock?re...
I've used TubeBuddy for years to grow my channel and get awesome insights: www.tubebuddy.com/731woodworks
This video was sponsored by Massca Products
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro / Desk Overview
0:42 Cutting Wood For Desk Top
1:36 Cutting Wood for Desk Frame
2:06 Drilling Pocket Holes for Desk Frame
2:36 Assembling Desk Frame
3:36 Sanding Desk Frame
4:59 Painting Desk Frame
5:13 Staining Desk Top
5:44 Installing Cable Management Tray Desk
6:59 Installing Wireless Charger on Desk
7:55 Adding Trap Door on Desk
8:53 Installing Desk Top
9:15 Cable Management on Desk
11:23 Project Overview
#desk #wiremanagement #cablemanagement

[@731Woodworks]

DESK PLANS: www.731woodworks.com/store/desk-with-wire-management-build-plans

[@FreedomYak]

Even better, I can save my limited brain power for finding a purple hued stain 😳, the girl likes purple.

[@garyfretwell3869]

I don't know about you brother, but this Arkies Freezing!!!!....🥶🥶

[@simplewoodworking626]

I live that you use so much pine. General Finishes Gel Stain is absolutely amazing for staining pine with no blotches and no conditioner needed. I highly recommend you give it a try if you haven't!

[@GokouZWAR]

I attached mine to my wall directly by putting a simple 2x4 attached to the wall, laid the desktop on top of those boards and 2 legs on the outside corners. Made a nice custom L shaped desk by attaching it to the corner of the room. Slapped some LED lights on the bottom and the under glow was great. Def regret not sanding it properly before painting it but I used a large mousepad over the entire desktop so I didn’t really need it. I’d honestly like to upgrade it to remove the legs and have a set of drawers to replace the legs to make those legs functional. I like the idea of the shelf, you could put the PC on the shelf if you made it wide enough and then some gas arm monitor stands for the desktop. Those manage the monitor cables nicely as well. I use a dual setup. Works great.

[@trentthompson2928]

Incredible build Matt! Planning on my son and I building it next year! It will be a first for us! Your videos are so good! The reality of your description and the humor of your errors! The inside tips are perfect! Thanks again for your videos!

[@dbix11]

oh man did he really use that folding table for an office/gaming desk that's too funny

[@PeterFloyd678]

Great simple looking desk Matt! I like the pop-up power and the cable management! Keep up the great builds!

[@galvezcristian8308]

Excellent work! Thank you very much for your ideas and support. Cheers from Chile, southamerica

[@FreedomYak]

This. This is why I watch your channel. I was designing a desk for my daughter and of course was focusing on form and style and function was just a single cable pass through for her charge cables. And then bam 💥 731 pops up for the win. Never even new that sweet wireless charge/outlet/port pop up existed. And of course you need cable management and flip up access to it. Thanks Brother. Time to make a new cut list.

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@benmasterfield9419]

Awesome build! Hope to see a lot more build videos coming soon.

[@profcah]

Really a great build! Love your stuff.

[@lawrencelunsford6028]

Nice build Matt! The charging station and cable management are really nice. My son's desk could use those things to really clean things up. :)

[@stevenkofoed1698]

I need to build this for my son too! Hopefully winter will end here soon so I can get started, as I have to work outside. Thanks for the video I will be purchasing the plans soon.

[@pleasant8557]

Lots of ideas here! Nice. Thanks.

[@flatlander523]

Very nice desk. I love the pop up center and the hidden wiring. Would really like to see your CNC get into your projects. I love your videos so keep um coming

[@joelcopeland3018]

Very nice... I really like the cord management...

[@stormycat0905]

This looks really sweet. I'm going to have to try this one.

[@johnvodopija1743]

Another great build. Thank you for sharing the process. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺

[@TheHobbyShop1]

That’s slick! Great work. 👊🏼

[@davidcorliss]

Great build Matt

[@ubergaming6895]

I just completed my desk, with many of these same features! I guess great minds think alike! God Bless.

[@rchavez5056]

Great job once again.

[@R0nJ0hn.thats.m3]

Love the desk and the shirt at the end as well. Amazing build brother!

[@tonyh5429]

Great project

[@codymoscrip2643]

I started following you about a year ago and I am so excited for you just to see the growth your channel has made! You are extremely informative while finding ways to make your videos engaging. Godspeed to you good sir

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@partsdave8943]

Nice project. I can hear my son asking for this in my future. 😀

[@joecooper8527]

Pretty slick

[@brentfowler2317]

Very cool Matt! I dig it! I was Gamer I'm until about 10 months ago, when I my son and oldest daughter moved out. And since then I actually haven't played a game, but once. Since then I've been woodworking full time. Lol. Anyhow, great video. Great idea! Well done. Keep up the awesomeness me friend!! Your an inspiration!! God bless you and your family!! See you soon!

[@nmurphy7281]

Awesome desk! Great that you were able to take a passion of yours and make something that your son is passionate about too! He’ll think about you every time he sits there!

[@welcomethedonzelllloydshow33]

Great video

[@justinkeller4008]

I like the changes and style your videos are taking on.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@Given2Fly7173]

I’ll have to build this for my son!!

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

I'm a big fan of that deft spray lacquer.

[@krystalpink1086]

I love it 😍

[@JorgeM523]

What a great table design...without the cable trays too. Matt, I can't keep up with all your Projects that I want to do! 😆 If my wife ever decided to watch your channel, I would be booked with projects for quite some time. Not a bad thing...I guess. Thank you Sir.

[@kanedNunable]

that pop up thing is brilliant idea.

[@specialmustard237]

Great job man!

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks!

[@lauramarshall6376]

Love this. I HATE wires all over the place! Nicely done, as usual.

[@zachozbourn1416]

Thanks for doing a build video again! These are why I subbed, but they have unfortunately been rare lately. Appreciate it!

[@pjbarker956]

My son needs this!

[@jco7831]

Hey Matt, love your channel. Thanks for going into detail on how to run an operate a business by woodworking. One question I had, can you explain or do a video on how to document and keep track of your cut list for each build you make? If it's a custom build that a customer comes to you with and you have to basically figure it out, do you manually (hand write) your cut list and store each set of instructions in a file cabinet or do you use a program and document/store each cut list online?

[@SaberCove]

I believe I've watched every video, I've learnt a ton and my wallet has taken a hit but I'm excited to try new things. In this video I would have loved to have seen you build a section of the desk for his pc to sit desk level but not taking up desk space. I run a 3 monitor setup and have always wanted a way to store or showcase the pc within a desk build, i have to use a 2nd desk making cable management a nightmare. Fingers crossed this could be in a future video. Thanks again for another great video

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you. I tried to get him to do that lol. He said he wanted it on the desk so he could see it lol

[@leroyrolston6010]

Matt, I'm glad I started watching your channel. I'm loving all your projects. You are giving me a lot of great ideas. Working on plans for a similar 6x8 L-shaped desk for my home office.

[@MichaelCoolidge]

Looks really good! I have gone to power strips for all my builds. It is so much simpler with one cord that powers EVERYTHING.

[@catsmeow5566]

I really like this- especially the cable management system. My mother has an old particle board desk that is falling apart. No cable management & not enough space for stuff. I want to make her a corner desk with a neo angle so she can face the corner while typing. Have a nice keyboard tray that adjusts height and angle that I'd put on it. Want her to be able to have larger monitor (she can only get 21" with her current desk). Hutch on the left side. Hutch on the center part but leave it open on the right side (well, maybe with a ridge to keep stuff from falling off) so she can see the TV while at her desk. I'd also want to give her a foot rest of some sort. Would need a place for the APC to go too (power goes out frequently where we live). I'm trying to find some decent plans to follow but nothing matches up with what I want, but at least the cable storage and how to make the top parts are helpful in this.

[@tonybacon6277]

Cool desk.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks!

[@mikecoughlin4128]

I like the desk!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@Shrubhumper]

This is perfect Matt, your timing is impeccable, I was designing a desk for my son as well and... I think I will just buy your plans LOL Thank you so much! Great design!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@cristianvel619]

I have this Wahuda (it looks like the 8”). I have to be careful with the fence. I just briskly rest the wood against it, or else I feel it would slightly bend and not be square. I wish there was a cast iron fence option and would gladly pay more for it.

[@LiftRanger]

Cool to hear a "wood" guy say "cable management." Now, it's a crossover channel! Great job.

[@cameronburry2275]

You should use a UPS battery backup. It protects your expensive computer parts more than a standard power strip, and if you lose power the battery backup gives you time to turn off everything correctly so you don't fry your hard drives. Also if you have your router and modem plugged into the battery backup then when the power flickers you don't have to wait for them to reboot before you have your internet back. Awesome build though. Always enjoy the content.

[@alex_crane]

Damn, man. This is the best DIY PC table I've ever seen on YT. P.S. Why don't use steel instead of wood for table base?

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks! Wood is easier for me as woodworker to use and build what I need for the base. Steel base works well also.

[@aaronanthonymoat]

Good

[@redaizo]

Great tutorial thank you, how would you go about mounting a huge pc tower under the desk, the diy way, like the pc is set on the table at the end of the video but underthe table mounted lifted from the air

[@MTNurse]

Hey there Outlaw, have you considered making a course for beginner woodworkers on how to make some of the projects you sell? I would definitely buy in!!! Love you and your family. THANK YOU for all you contribute to this world!!!

[@MTNurse]

BTW, I have been a loyal fan for 1+ years now! I am so happy and encouraged by your success!

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Great desk, I love the hidden wiring. I am curious about 1 thing, having made things with dowel pins and biscuits in the past and really not finding a great difference between them in the end products I wonder if the Domino provides any added benefit. It looks like a great tool don’t get me wrong. Just curious about your opinion after working with it if there are benefits.

[@pteddie6965]

This is good looking desk, Matt. Your design is functional and well thought out. Thanks for sharing this design with us. I would love to see a video on how to use your jointer. Thanks again.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@kadendaugherty6958]

Good job

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@chrisflavelle1200]

That's an excellent build. For an alternative to ordering the cable tray on line, visit your nearest electrical supply store(not the big box stores) and ask for Panduit style(comes under various names) cable tray. It comes in various sizes and colours.

[@patrickzadd5215]

Wonderful project!

[@ronswoodshack3855]

Really cool!!!! Thank you for the content!!!

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@kanedNunable]

is that USB hub thing DHCP compliant? cool little thing

[@barriowoodworks]

Picked up some cool ideas for a future desk build in my son’s room. Good stuff, brother! 🤛🏽🇺🇸

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@michiganracer1181]

Nice design, build. Being pine I might have notched the cable tray if possible, or maybe a piece of hard wood for the support. I’ve put a screw (vertically) in the support board just behind the notch before with pine to prevent splitting over time. Great improvement from the plastic table!

[@tonyfrescas6060]

Ok question, I like the back part of desk to access cables, but how can I do that without a wood frame, I want to use adjustable legs that move up and down. got any tips for me to be able to incorporate that feature. and lastly thank you for the videos lots of great stuff. I appreciate all the advice and tips.

[@steveparkes1266]

Hello from the uk, great desk my son would love it ! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@GrantButler]

This is the setup I need to make for myself. The dang wires are everywhere!

[@731Woodworks]

I need to do this to my desk too lol. It’s a mess

[@TailEndCustoms]

Nice!

[@TailEndCustoms]

I need to do this for my office and my living room tv setup. My wire management is embarrassing too. Lol

[@ZhemJZ]

Man, I may need to rebuild my desk again.

[@ZhemJZ]

I built two desks with 4x4 X-braces a few years ago, so I could have a "corner" desk. They work well, but I'm considering getting a stand/sit desk frame and building the top

[@babyslunk]

A great way to get excess glue off is to use a small palm hand plane. Just get most of it off and then sand it

[@isubiez]

this is exactly what I'm trying to do iv been looking for something like to look at the only difference is that I want to do a floating L desk and epoxy coating so I don't know what to do with the part in the back exactly with it being 1 epoxy and floating I want It to be invisible

[@willardstephens5942]

Nice build! I'm looking at the Massca M2 pocket hole jig. Did you make that base for the jig?

[@731Woodworks]

I didn't. You can get them here www.creativetoolco.com

[@aryanpatel3295]

What is the height of the table? What would be the usual height of the table for 5 feet 8 inch man? Please guide

[@r.m.2301]

Nice job and as always thank you for the video. One other thing.. Bro. you have moved into the big league with the Festool... not being a hater but sure am jealous... Very happy for you keep up the good work....

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks! The Festool tools are extremely nice. I feel blessed to have them.

[@Cashlifan1204]

I think I might have found my next build.

[@SXSVideos]

Very cool Sir! I need to build one of these for my gamer brother!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@georgewindsor4182]

Have you thought about building a grandfather clock

[@kylevanek6971]

tuba too

[@user-hq4so7cp9e]

Yeah brother

[@FixItFrench]

I’ve made and sold several desks. The most time consuming part is painting. If you were to do this again, would you spray paint again, or use your sprayer? I haven’t bought a sprayer yet, but I’ve been thinking about it

[@FixItFrench]

Also the trap door is a great idea

[@731Woodworks]

Spray paint was faster. If I was making more I’d use a sprayer. I’m working on a paint sprayer video now. I use the Finish Max. It’s been great for me

[@FixItFrench]

@@731Woodworks Ok thank you, I’ll hold off on buying one for now. I’d like to hear your opinions on some before I pick one

[@Nomanspie]

I'm sure I saw that trapdoor cable hiding design in a video that went up a month before this...I think it was a welded frame build.

[@steverash293]

The things you use to hold up the table top while you stained it. How do you keep it from putting indentations in the wood top? I have the rockler bench cookies and they have plastic tops that have a point to it. They left dents. is there any way around that?

[@731Woodworks]

Yeah you can't put any pressure on the top. If you press down, it'll cause indentions for sure

[@-scrim]

king

[@jackcoats4146]

FYI, your 'boxes' are missing at the end of the video.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks

[@jackcoats4146]

@@731Woodworks Welcome. It is so easy to miss little things like that when wanting to get production out. Enjoy.

[@shadowyclip]

I like the desk but the pop up charger is in a fairly awkward spot imo. Maybe a couple inches more to the left and it would be still easily accessible while also not getting in the way while it is up.

[@joshuatharpe9397]

Was there a reason you bored the holes after you stained? Just curious, great build!

[@731Woodworks]

Not really a good reason lol. It would be better done before.

[@94233psu399154112333]

Matt - no pocket holes in the table top?

[@731Woodworks]

Naw. Just glue

[@joelstrance859]

I’m curious what happened to the Delta Cruzer? In your last couple of videos I’ve seen that you’re using the Dewalt.

[@davidcorliss]

He gave it away

[@ifiwooddesigns]

Finally a ‘build’ video. I was becoming numb with all the ‘Top 5’ everything and shorts. Great table and probably make one for my kid. Keep up the great work (builds that is)!

[@731Woodworks]

Your one of the few that watch builds. They don’t get the views like the tool videos do. I enjoy making them so I’ll continue to do so but for some reason not many (comparatively) watch the builds

[@doug2349]

cool but small

[@tonywebb3867]

👍

[@Cashlifan1204]

Does having the hinged board put the monitors too close to the person?

[@731Woodworks]

Naw it’s plenty far away

[@akinlabiakande1829]

Can you build one for me

[@spooln30]

Was that a son stunt double?

[@MrJoe8K]

I just don’t get the trouble of building a trap door and not just incorporated some good notches vs the 1980s plastic gigantic hole

[@muthagoose00]

I feel like the hinged hatch is not needed

[@brandoncrockett6477]

👊🏻

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@davidchait6010]

If you have a Domino, why bother with the pocket holes at all? Why drive a Honda when you have a Lambo in the garage? :)

[@731Woodworks]

Because not everyone has it and I wanted to keep this build approachable for most

[@walterhuth4975]

If you don't mind my asking ... what was the total materials cost for this project? It looks like a salable project to me.

[@731Woodworks]

Just for lumber, I think it was about $75 give or take if I remember right.

[@techrama9642]

Looks neat and clean but this desk is not for gaming. You are too close to the moniter and your wrist is bending.

[@731Woodworks]

He's been gaming on it for a year. Sooooo guess it is for gaming.

[@nantztopher1279]

I’d love to see this in an L shape