How to Build a Curved Floating Desktop

 

This curved floating desktop is built into an existing niche that was original to the house.  The setback of the niche is only 12″ which is perfect for floating shelves but a little shallow for a desktop.  Adding a curve to the desktop creates a deeper and more comfortable work surface.

Building a Curved Floating Desktop

1. Build support frame

1. Attach 2×2 cleats to the studs in the wall using 3″ construction screws or heavy duty lag screws.
2. Secure front 2×2 to the side cleats by driving screws in at an angle. This will create a stonger hold than driving the screw straight into the endgrain of the side cleat.
3. Optional – double up the side cleats to create extra surface for securing the front 2×2.

2. Size and cut MDF for desktop

The curved desktop is out of 3/4″ MDF, cut to the width of the niche (mine is about 42″). Give yourself some room to play with on the depth. I started out with 22″ deep.

3. Mark and cut the curve

1. Find the center of the desktop and put a mark at the front/center.
2. Then put a mark on both sides, at 18″ from the back.
3. Use something bendy (I used 1/4″ plywood) to draw the curve.
   1. Clamps are great to hold the plywood in place on the side marks.
4. Use a jigsaw to cut out the curve.
5. If needed, clean up the cut with an orbital sander.

4. Test fit

Place curved MDF piece in place to get an idea of what the end product will look like and determine what you want for the final depth.  
I decided I wanted my desktop to terminate into the column and I’d wait until the last step to trim down to the final depth.

5. Create a curved apron

Use a tablesaw or bandsaw to rip three 3/8″ thick pieces of 1×3 poplar. 

Glue and nail these strips onto the curved MDF. You could apply glue to all the strips, place them onto the MDF, and bend and attach the whole stack at once. However, I find it’s easier to keep the edges flush by attaching them one at a time.

1. 1. Start by applying glue to the MDF and set one of the strips on top of the glue. 
   2. Drive a nail into the center to hold it in place.
   3. Use a couple clamps to pull the wood down to form the curve. Drive additional nails to hold strip in place.
   4. Repeat steps 1-3 on the next two strips of wood.

6. Smoothing and Beautifying

Remove excess glue

Glue tends to gum up sandpaper very quickly so it’s good to scrape off as much as possible before sanding.

Smooth out top surface

Use 120 to sand the top of the strips that were just attached to make sure they are smooth and flush with the MDF.

Fill holes and cracks with wood filler

Sand

Once the wood putty is dry, sand all the surfaces and edges. I like to soften the edges and corners, especially on a desktop where arms will rest on the front edge. 

7. Final fitting

With the face added to the desktop, set in place to test fit and measure for final depth. 

I wanted to remove about 3″ to create the finished depth of the desktop. A track saw is a super useful tool for this kind of task but a tablesaw would work as well.

8. Attach desktop to support frame.

Set the desktop in place and secure with screws from the underside through the support frame. Use construction adhesive or caulk for added strength.

9. Finish

I did a final sanding and then primed and painted my desktop. I used an airless sprayer and painted the desktop at the same time as painting the plywood plank walls.

But here it is done. Voila!