How to assemble a corner desk
A corner or L-shaped desk is two desk sections joined at a corner, often with a keyboard shelf or drawer unit. The two sections have to meet level and square, so build them loosely and tighten only at the end.
- Time
- about 1 h 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- People
- 2 people
- Steps
- 6
Tools needed
- Allen key (supplied)
- Cross-head screwdriver
- Small hammer
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
Parts to check first
Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.
- Desktop sections and corner piece
- Side panels or legs
- Modesty panel and cross rails
- Drawer or shelf parts
- Cam locks, dowels, connecting plates and screws
Step by step
Step 1: Check the room: measure the corner where the desk will go, including skirting boards and radiators.
Step 2: Build the side panels and rails for each section, with the cam locks only half tightened.
Step 3: Fit the modesty panels, which stop the desk from swaying side to side.
Step 4: Join the desktop sections at the corner with the connecting plates underneath.
Step 5: Fit the desktop onto the frame, check the tops meet level, then tighten all the cam locks and screws.
Step 6: Build and fit the drawer unit or keyboard shelf, then move the desk into the corner with your helper and check it is level.
Common mistakes
- Fully tightening one section before the second is joined, so the corner joint has a step.
- Leaving out the modesty panel, which makes the desk wobble when you type.
- Building in the middle of the room and then twisting the desk into the corner.
Safety notes
- Move the finished desk with two people and lift it rather than dragging it.
- Keep the drawer unit's weight low; fix tall hutches to the wall.
This is general guidance for this type of product. Your product's own manual comes first: follow its order, fittings and torque values where they differ from this page.
Updated 2026-09-30