How to Make a Drop-Leaf Desk

Create a space-saving desk that will work well in any room of your home. Sleek designs complement posh, urban spaces. Industrial themes that use heavy metal pieces please the teenager in your home. From detailed drop-leaf desks that require you to set aside a weekend for the project, to the simplest of designs that can be constructed in a few hours, you can build a desk that accentuates your personal style. Regardless of the project you choose, it is sure to be a welcome, space-saving addition. Does this Spark an idea?

Tailgate Desk

Your local junkyard has plenty of tailgates you can buy.

A small truck tailgate can be purchased at your local junk dealer and painted to match your teenager's bedroom decor. Self-tapping, 7/8-inch screws in 3-inch lengths attach a sheet of Plexiglass to the top of the tailgate, creating a smooth desktop. To hang the tailgate, position a 4-inch-by-4-inch post horizontally on the wall at the desired height for the desk. Screw it into the wall studs with 6-inch screws. Color the post with metallic paint to match the desk. Screw the drop-leaf hinges into the sides and center of the tailgate, completing the industrial-style work space.

Posh Style

Plexiglass provides a modern work space for your home.

Sleek style shines in this innovative drop-leaf desk and photo display. Screw two 4-inch metal studs together and attach two pairs of tapered metal legs to the bottom, three inches from each end. Cut four pieces of 1/2-inch-thick-by-8-inch-deep Plexiglass in the same length as the studs. Place treasured photos and mementos between the two pairs of Plexiglass and screw them together, one inch from the corners. Attach the two sections to the metal stud center with drop-leaf hinges to complete your modern desk.

Hobby Desk

Create a dual work space with a desk that holds your hobby supplies.

If you love scrap-booking but don't have room to accommodate your hobby, this elongated, dual-purpose drop-leaf wall desk is the answer. Build a long box frame with 4-inch-deep sides. Cut two pieces of plywood to fit the top and bottom of the desk. Screw one piece into the bottom of the frame with 2-inch screws placed at nine-inch intervals. Attach the other piece of wood to the top of the frame with piano hinges. Cut 1/4-inch-thick-by-4-inch-deep wood slats so they fit snugly into place when pushed into the box. Screw the drop-leaf hinges to the frame and secure it to the wall.

Simple Space Saver

For those who lack the patience to construct an elaborate furniture piece, a simple drop-leaf desk can be built from a single piece of 1/2-inch-thick plywood and attached to the wall. Cut the plywood in the desired width and depth of the desk you are building with a skill saw. Sand and paint it in a color that complements your room. Screw the drop-leaf hinges into the bottom of the wood and attach it to the wall.