The Double Angle Desk: Building a Custom Ash & Walnut Desk with Epoxy Inlay

There’s something deeply satisfying about turning raw hardwood into functional art. This project—a custom modern desk made from ash and walnut—was all about precision, contrast, and clean design. From concept to final finish, every element was handcrafted to highlight the natural beauty of the materials while delivering a sleek, purposeful workspace.

The Design Inspiration

The vision for this piece was modern minimalism with a touch of warmth. I wanted clean lines, strong geometry, and visual contrast. Ash was chosen for the desktop due to its light tone and bold grain pattern, while walnut was selected for the base to anchor the piece with richness and depth. Two black epoxy inlays were added to the top for a subtle, contemporary accent that draws the eye and adds dimension.

Material Selection

It all starts with the wood. I hand-selected boards of straight-grained ash for the desktop and carefully matched walnut for the base. Each board was inspected for character, grain direction, and structural integrity before milling.

Ash is a joy to work with—strong yet lightweight, with a bright, clean look. Walnut, on the other hand, brings a deep, luxurious tone that balances the lightness of the ash beautifully. Together, they create a contrast that feels both modern and timeless.

Building the Top

Once milled, the ash boards were edge-jointed and glued to create a solid, seamless desktop. After flattening and sanding, I routed out two clean channels for the epoxy inlay. I used a deep black-tinted epoxy resin to fill them, which was then leveled flush with the surface after curing. The result? Crisp, perfectly straight lines that add just the right amount of detail.

Crafting the Base

The walnut base is where the piece takes on its sculptural quality. I custom-shaped the legs with a modern open-frame design, tapering and angling them for a dynamic silhouette. Every joint was reinforced for strength without sacrificing the clean look. The base is both functional and a visual feature—designed to complement the top without competing with it.

The Drawer

Hidden in plain sight is a slim, solid hardwood drawer tucked beneath the desktop. It offers just enough storage for essentials while preserving the clean, minimalist design. The drawer face is flush with the apron, keeping the lines uninterrupted.

Finishing Touches

The final step was applying a durable, hand-rubbed finish to enhance the natural tones of the wood while protecting it for everyday use. The finish brings out the contrast between the creamy ash and rich walnut, making the entire piece glow with warmth.

Final Thoughts

This desk was a labor of love—a fusion of design, craftsmanship, and material honesty. It’s built to be used, admired, and handed down. Whether it’s for a home office, studio, or creative workspace, this custom desk makes a bold yet refined statement.

If you’re interested in commissioning a similar piece or have an idea for a custom build, feel free to reach out. I love collaborating on one-of-a-kind projects that blend form and function.