How to Build a Drop Shelf Desk

With all the variations of desks available on the market today, the push for homeowners to create their own is stronger than ever. Do it yourself homeowners can tackle this project with confidence due to the similarities between cabinets, storage boxes and desks. The shape and size differ from one to the next, but the most notable difference includes the type of hardware chosen for the project. The important factor to a drop shelf desk remains the drop shelf. Choosing the correct hardware for the drop shelf determines the weight and stress the shelf can withstand. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Assembly

1

Place the four pieces of 1-by-4-by-34-inch lumber (nailing strips) on a worktable along with the four pieces of 1-by-12-by-34-inch lumber (shelving). Apply a bead of glue along one -inch edge of a nailing strip. Put one of the shelves on top and align the edge of it with the nailing strip. Secure it with 4-penny finish nails and repeat this with the remaining three shelves.

2

Set the two pieces of 1-by-12-by-36-inch lumber (sidepieces). Measure from one end and make marks at 11, 12, 23 and 23 inches. Mark the end past the last measurement as the top of the sidepieces. Put the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the 11-inch width of the sidepieces.

3

Apply glue to the end edges of the shelves and nailing strips. Secure two of the shelves to the sidepieces on the lines drawn on them with 4-penny finish nails. Secure the remaining two shelves to the top and bottom of the sidepieces so the nailing strips are on the inside of the drop shelf desk. Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

4

Turn the assembly on the worktable so the nailing strips are on the top. Apply glue to the exposed edges of the sidepieces and shelves. Secure the 36-by-36-by--inch plywood to the assembly with 2-penny box nails. Turn it over and clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

5

Stand the assembly upright. Place the remaining piece of 1-by-12-by-36-inch lumber flat on the table directly in from of the assembly. Secure your choice of hinges to connect the drop shelf to the assembly according to the manufacturers instructions.

Installing

6

Mark the wall in the desired location for the desk at 30 inches. Place the carpenters level on the mark horizontally and draw a faint line on the wall.

7

Locate the studs in the wall in the area for the desk and mark them accordingly. Have two people hold the desk on the wall. Be certain the bottom of the desk is on the horizontal line.

8

Secure the desk to the wall through the nailing strips with a variable speed drill, Phillips head screw tip and 3-inch drywall screws. Drive the screws in the nailing strip you can reach without standing on a stepladder first. Then finish securing it through the other nailing strips.