How to Build a Drop-Down Desk

Drop-down desks, also called fold-down desks, are functional in small spaces, such as loft apartments and bachelor-sized rooms. Drop-down desks provide a work surface when needed but collapse to provide floor and room space when not in use. These types of desks are expensive to purchase due to their complex folding brackets, but you can build one for a small fraction of the cost using a standard folding bracket. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure to get the general width and depth of the drop-down desk, using a measuring tape. Use the wall or corner where the desk will be installed for guidance. For proper support, aim for a width greater than 18 inches. If wider than 40 inches, purchase two folding shelf brackets.

2

Draw the desk on the plywood sheet. The desk must measure the width by the depth as noted in Step 1. Ensure the lines are straight and the corners are even using a square ruler. Turn on a table saw and cut out the desk. Sand the edges to remove cracks.

3

Place the stud finder on the wall, where the drop-down desk will be installed. Find one stud per shelf bracket you are installing. Make pencil marks where the studs are. Ensure that the folding bracket is in the middle of the desk, if using one. If using two, place them evenly apart, approximately 3 to 5 inches inward from both sides to create balance. Place one shelving bracket on top of each mark and drill it in place using 3-inch screws. Ensure the bracket is straight by placing the level beside it. Repeat this step for each additional bracket. The brackets must fold the same way so they allow the desk to drop.

4

Lay the desk on top of the shelving brackets. Attach the desk to each shelving bracket using a screwdriver and 1/4-inch screws. Use the installation holes on the shelving brackets as guidance. Drop down the desk by folding the shelving brackets.