How to Build a Foldaway Desk

A foldaway desk is a functional solution for those living in a small space, but who require a workplace to complete paperwork, pay bills or simply write a story, essay or complete a work assignment. Once the work is complete, you can fold away the desk so it becomes parallel to the wall, creating space for your other furniture in your home. Building a foldaway desk is a simple procedure that will give you years of functional use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Collect the measurements for your desired foldaway desk using the measuring tape. You will need the length and the width of the desired foldaway desk, but the width must be at least 18 inches to cover the folding shelf bracket. The length cannot be any longer than 30 inches, as a single folding shelf bracket cannot provide enough support for a longer desk surface.

2

Cut out the desk -- holding the plywood sheet in place in front of the blade -- with a table saw. Sand the sides to remove splinters. Paint it using a paintbrush, if you wish to change the natural wooden color. Apply several layers for a solid coat.

3

Locate the supportive wall studs by dragging the stud finder across the wall. Find one stud and place the bracket on top of it, giving it the height of your desired foldaway desk. Drill it in place using the cordless drill and 3-inch screws, so the bracket is attached to the stud.

4

Lay the desk on top of the opened shelving bracket to finalize the foldaway desk. Attach the desk surface to the bracket using the quarter-inch screws and a handheld screwdriver. The screws must be inserted from the bottom up, so they do not protrude through the surface of the desk. Use the installation holes on the bracket as the primary guidance when attaching the desk to the bracket. Fold the desk away for future use.