DIY Folding Desk

Measure the space where you want the folding shelf to be when it is in its upright position. Get the measurements for the general length and width of the space. The width must be at least 20 inches from the wall to the front edge of the desk to cover the folding bracket. The length can be no more than 40 inches, due to the reliability of a single folding bracket.

Write the two measurements down. Place the plywood sheet down on the ground and draw a rectangle using the two finalized length and width measurements. Use a ruler to ensure the lines are straight and the corners are an even 90 degrees. Cut the desk surface out using the table saw. When done, sandpaper the edges of the desk using the medium-grit sandpaper.

Place the wall stud finder on the wall, directly in front of where the chair will be placed for the folding desk. Turn the device on and slide it slowly across the wall. Make a pencil mark when it tells you a wall stud is present in the wall. Locate at least one, since they run vertically, which is identical to the folding bracket.

Line the folding bracket up to the markings made for the wall stud. Place the level directly next to the folding bracket in a vertical manner to ensure it is evenly placed. Drill the 2-inch-long screws through the bracket’s installation holes, so the screws reach into the wall studs. Use at least six screws to ensure the bracket is properly attached to the wall and gets ample support.

Paint the freshly cut desk surface using the paint of your choice. Apply the paint in even strokes using a paintbrush. Let the desk dry completely before continuing the installation process. Several coats may be needed depending on the color of the paint.

Open the folding bracket. Place the desk surface on top of the bracket’s flat surface. Ask a friend or family member to hold the desk surface in place, while you install the final installation screws from underneath the desk’s surface. Use a screwdriver and the 1/4-inch long installation screws to attach the desk surface to the folding bracket. When done, fold the bracket down so the desk surface becomes parallel to the wall.