The algorithm test is standardized. If you make up your own weird test, candidates won’t play ball. Personally I’ve turned down companies that had a strange interview process that required extra preparation. It’s not worth it when I’m trying to churn through a dozen interviews (without my current employer noticing). The leetcode prep process is unpleasant, but since I have to do it anyway, adding one more company doesn’t take any extra studying.
Why not ask candidates to build a desk? As a take-home project! If you're truly kind, you'll let them keep the desk even if they don't get the job.