Easy-to-Build Wooden Desk

Drill 7/64-inch pilot holes 1/2 inch deep for each bracket. Screw the brackets in place with 5/8-in panhead sheet-metal screws. Then screw the legs onto the brackets.

On the two end boards, drill a pair of pocket holes on each end. Then drill a centered pocket hole along the long edge that will go against the top. Clamp an end in position centered on the widths of the legs and drive the pocket screws. Repeat for the other end piece.

On the two long apron boards, drill a pair of pocket holes on each end. Then drill pocket holes on the long edge 18 inches from each end. Clamp a long apron board in position centered on the widths of the legs and drive the pocket screws. Repeat for the other long apron board.

Remove the hardware from each pine bracket and cut a 45-degree notch from the corner like the ones on the apron boards. Glue and clamp a pine bracket to the face of the table leg closest to the end (but not to the table top). Repeat for the other three brackets.

Back out the pocket-hole screws holding the top to the apron and finish the apron separately. Reassemble the table after the final coat dries. Estimated cost: $109 with a clear finish.