The custom desk build for my daughter is coming together, one step at a time! With the drawer faces now properly aligned, it’s time to focus on the details that will give the desk a polished look and improved functionality. In this latest video, I tackle two key elements: adding the top trim board and installing rails for a sliding tray inside the top drawer.
Finishing Touches: The Top Trim Board
With the drawers set, the next step was filling the small gap between the top of the desk and the top drawer face. This trim board serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose—it completes the overall look while ensuring a seamless transition between the desk and the drawer below.
But this isn’t just for looks. Eventually, this section will house an electronic lock, giving my daughter a secure place to stash her valuables away from her little sister’s prying hands. Because let’s be honest—when you have siblings, sometimes security isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity!
Prepping for Better Organization: Sliding Tray Rails
A big part of this build is customizing the desk to fit my daughter’s needs, and one feature she wanted was better organization inside the drawers. Instead of leaving the top drawer as one large open space, I’m building a sliding tray system that will sit on custom-cut rails. This will allow smaller items like pencils and scissors to stay neatly arranged while still keeping the full depth of the drawer accessible.
In this video, I begin by cutting down plywood pieces to serve as the rails for the tray. These will be installed inside the drawer to guide the tray once it’s built in a future step. This small but important addition will make the desk much more functional in the long run.
One Step Closer to Completion
Every episode in this series takes the desk one step closer to being finished, and while there’s still plenty left to do, it’s exciting to see it take shape. From refining the details to adding smart storage solutions (and keeping little sisters out!), this project is all about creating a durable, personalized workspace that will last for years to come.
Check out the video to see these steps in action, and stay tuned for the next phases, where I’ll be building the sliding tray itself!
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