51+ Foldable Wooden Desk With Drawers And Storage ~ My Wood Blog

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Opening: A Foldable Desk for Small Spaces Need a desk but short on space? This DIY foldable wooden desk with drawers and storage is the perfect solution. It provides a functional workspace that easily folds away when not in use, maximizing your room's versatility. This guide will walk you through building your own.

Step 1: Planning and Design Before you begin, sketch out your desk design. Consider the desired dimensions when open and folded, the number and size of drawers, and any additional storage compartments. Common open desk dimensions are 36-48 inches wide, 24-30 inches deep, and around 30 inches high. Remember to factor in the thickness of the wood you'll be using. Create a detailed cut list based on your design.

Step 2: Gathering Materials and Tools You'll need:

Plywood sheets (for the desk surface, sides, shelves, and drawer boxes)
Solid wood (for the desk frame, drawer fronts, and legs)
Wood glue
Screws (wood screws of various lengths)
Nails
Hinges (folding hinges for the desk surface, regular hinges for the drawers)
Drawer slides
Drawer knobs or pulls
Sandpaper (various grits)
Wood stain or paint (optional)
Wood finish (polyurethane, varnish, or oil)

Tools required:

Measuring tape
Pencil
Saw (circular saw, jigsaw, or hand saw)
Drill/Driver
Screwdriver
Clamps
Sanding block or orbital sander
Hammer
Safety glasses
Dust mask

Step 3: Cutting the Wood Carefully cut all the wood pieces according to your cut list. Ensure accurate measurements and straight cuts. It's best to use a circular saw for larger pieces and a jigsaw for more intricate shapes. Remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask during this process.

Step 4: Building the Desk Frame Construct the desk frame using solid wood. This frame will support the foldable desk surface. Assemble the frame pieces using wood glue and screws. Clamp the pieces together until the glue dries. Ensure the frame is square and stable.

Step 5: Creating the Foldable Desk Surface Cut the plywood for the desk surface into the desired size. If your design requires a multi-piece foldable surface, divide the plywood accordingly. Attach the folding hinges along the edges of the desk surface sections, allowing them to fold inward.

Step 6: Building the Drawers Construct the drawer boxes using plywood. Assemble the sides, front, back, and bottom of each drawer using wood glue and nails or screws. Ensure the drawers are square and the correct size to fit into the desk frame. Attach the drawer slides to the drawer boxes and the inside of the desk frame.

Step 7: Installing the Storage Compartments If your design includes shelves or other storage compartments, cut the plywood for these components. Attach them to the desk frame using wood glue and screws. Ensure the shelves are level and securely fastened.

Step 8: Attaching the Legs Attach the desk legs to the frame. You can use folding legs or fixed legs, depending on your preference. If using folding legs, make sure they lock securely in the open position. Secure the legs with screws and wood glue.

Step 9: Assembling the Desk Attach the foldable desk surface to the desk frame using hinges. Make sure the hinges are aligned correctly to allow for smooth folding and unfolding. Insert the drawers into the drawer slides.

Step 10: Sanding and Finishing Sand all the wooden surfaces with progressively finer grits of sandpaper (e.g., 120, 180, 220). This will create a smooth surface for finishing. Apply wood stain or paint to achieve your desired color. Allow the stain or paint to dry completely. Apply a wood finish (polyurethane, varnish, or oil) to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Allow the finish to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 11: Adding Hardware Attach the drawer knobs or pulls to the drawer fronts. This will complete the look of your drawers and make them easy to open.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Foldable Desk Congratulations! You've successfully built your own foldable wooden desk with drawers and storage. Enjoy the convenience of a functional workspace that easily folds away when not needed. Now you can maximize your space and have a stylish and practical addition to your home.