When you're out of room for a traditional desk in a room look for unused closet space. Using closet space for desk space allows for an out-of-the-way office while maintaining floor space in the room. Security issues are also eliminated by using a closet door with a lock; close the door and lock it to secure the mini office. A homeowner with a bit of DIY experience can buildi a desk inside the closet in an afternoon -- and be hard at work by evening. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the length and width of the interior closet walls. Subtract 1 inch from both the width and length. This is the size of the desktop.
2. Measure and mark the dimensions on the plywood sheet that will form your desktop. Cut out the desktop from the sheet with the power saw. Discard the remainder.
3. Sand down the edges, corners and top of the desktop with medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe down with a rag to remove any sawdust. Apply wood stain to the sanded surfaces to give the desk a finished top. Allow the stain to dry. Apply polyurethane to the top if you want to protect it from scratches and nicks. Allow it to dry according to instructions.
4. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 lumber equal to the depth of the closet, minus 2 inches. Cut a piece of lumber equal to the length of the closet minus 4 inches. This allows the back piece to fit between the two side pieces. Cut a fourth piece the length of the closet to fit across the front.
5. Locate all studs within the closet with the stud finder. Mark each stud clearly as you find it.
6. Measure and mark a height of 30 inches on all three walls. This is the height of the desk.
7. Set a side piece against the wall at the height marking, with the end against the back wall. Set the level on top of the lumber to level it. Screw the wood into position using the stud markings on the wall. Repeat this step for the other side piece.
8. Set the back piece between the two side pieces. Make the ends flush. Set the level on top to level it off. Screw the wood into place using the stud marks on the wall.
9. Place the final long piece so the sides butt against the ends of the side pieces. Make the ends flush. Screw the long board into the ends of the short boards. This is the front piece.
10. Lay the desktop over the support boards you just attached to the wall. The weight of items on the desk and the tightness against the walls will hold the desk in place.
Tags: side pieces, back piece, back piece between, between side, between side pieces, closet minus, closet minus inches