Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
EASY STEPS TO MAKE A BUILT-IN, FOLD-DOWN DESK
Here’s how
Step 1 Measure space for desk to determine width and depth, here determined by adjacent wardrobe wall. Comfortable desk height is about 750mm.
Step 2 Calculate dimensions of components for box shelves. Height of shelves is 500mm, while width is determined by width of desk less about 600mm between them, to allow for a desk chair or stool. Make depth to suit that of fixed desktop panel. Use circular saw to cut components to size.
Step 3 Butt sides into top flush with end. Predrill through top into sides using a countersinking drill bit.
Step 4 Apply glue to top near end and reposition against side. Join using 50mm screws. Repeat to attach other side to other end.
Step 5 Spread glue along sides and top edge of back. Position side and top assembly over back and press together. Remove excess glue with a damp cloth.
Step 6 Predrill, glue and screw bottom to sides and back. Leave glue to dry.
Step 7 Cut shelf to fit inside box unit. Fix to midpoint of unit, using glue and screwing through back to secure.
Step 8 To accommodate a window frame or other obstruction or protrusion, use a combination square to mark the location or locations on fixed desktop piece. Clamp to workbench and cut out with jigsaw.
Step 9 To house butt hinges on fixed bench with fold-down panel, predrill and screw leaf of hinge to edge of panel. Run sharp knife around sides of hinge to cut timber for housing. Remove hinge.
Step 10 Use a sharp chisel and hammer to remove timber inside housing to depth of hinge leaf.
Step 11 Repeat Steps 9 and 10 to create housings for all hinges on both fixed and fold-down panels of desk. Screw hinges to the fold down panel.
Step 12 Fix box shelves to wall at either end of desk. Screw through back of boxes into wall studs using 65mm screws.
Step 13 Cut stay that will hold up fold-down desk panel. Make 50mm shorter than the distance from the wall to where the fold-down panel will end when open. Use easy-fit hinges to attach stay to side of box shelf so you don’t have to rebate for the hinge.
Step 14 Position fixed desktop panel and screw up through box shelf to secure with 40mm screws.
Step 15 Hold fold-down panel near fixed desk panel, place hinges in rebates there and screw in place to join the 2 panels.
Step 16 To help the timber resist scratches and stains, apply 1-2 coats of clear varnish to shelves and desk panels with a brush, leaving to dry and sanding after each coat.