DIY Foldout Table & Desk Wall Unit

A freestanding table or desk may be too large if you’re working with a tight space. A foldout table and desk wall unit provides a handy alternative. Use lightweight MDF board instead of hardwood to build you table to mount to a wall. Secure the table to the studs in your wall for safe hanging and fold up the table or desk when you’re not using it. Magnetic latches keep the closed table in place against the unit.

42-by-32-inch MDF board, 3/4-inch thick
Square tool
2 32-by-12-inch MDF board , 3/4-inch thick
Drill
1/4-inch drill bit
42-by-12-inch MDF board, 3/4-inch thick
Wood glue
4-inch nails
Hammer
Level
2 1-by-4-inch poplar boards, 40 inches long
1/2-by-30-inch piano hinge
Screwdriver
40-by-30-inch MDF board, 1/2-inch thick
2 flap stay hinges
Magnetic latches
Shelf bracket pins
40-by-6-inch plywood, 1/4-inch thick

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out the 42-by-32-inch board flat on the ground or worktable to make the back of the wall unit.
- 2
  Squeeze a line of wood glue along the 32-inch edge of a 32-by-12-inch board. Set the board perpendicular along the 32-inch left side of the first board flush with the top and bottom of the first board to form the first side. Use a square tool to make sure you have a 90-degree angle. Adjust the angle by moving the board slightly side to side until you have your 90-degree angle.
- 3
  Attach the other 32-by-12-inch board directly across from the first side in the same manner. You should have a back with two sides attached.
- 4
  Drill a pilot hole into the inside of each side board with the 1/4-inch drill bit, 6 inches from the top.
- 5
  Glue the 42-by-12-inch top board in place onto the edge of the back and edges of both sides. Set the unit upright and hold the level on the top board to make sure the unit is level.
- 6
  Turn the unit over so the backside faces up. Secure the side board to the edge of the back board further with the 4-inch nails. Nail one 4-inch nail into the boards two inches apart beginning at one end until you reach the other end. Secure the other side board in the same manner.
- 7
  Set the wall unit upright and nail the top down with the 4-inch nails in the same manner that you secured the sides.
- 8
  Nail the two poplar boards onto the backside of the unit 1 inch from each end. You will attach the unit to the wall with these boards.
- 9
  Screw one side of the piano hinge to the back edge of the 40-by-30-inch MDF board. This board will serve as the table and desk. Screw the other side of the hinge to the inside bottom edge of the back of your wall unit.
- 10
  Install the flay stay hinges on the inside of each side board on the wall unit about 1 inch from the front edge. Align the end of the hinge with the tabletop and screw it into place. These hinges, in addition to the piano hinge, provide extra stability for the table desk in lieu of legs.
- 11
  Screw the magnetic latches to the top edge of the unit and the inside edge of the table so they connect when you fold up the table.
- 12
  Secure the unit to the wall.

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