How to Build a Knock-Down Desk

Kids who share living quarters while away at school or anyone who moves often can build this sturdy desktop and work surface at minimal cost. Best of all, when it is time to move, the whole thing comes apart and can be carried by one person.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ledger board
• 1/2-inch thick piece of plywood or MDF to the appropriate size for the desktop
• Wall anchors (optional)
• Paint
• 2 easy-to-attach table legs (28 inches long)
• Drill and screws

1. Cut a 1/2-inch thick piece of plywood or MDF to the appropriate size for the desktop. While the desktop's size is totally adaptable to fit into any space, 2 by 4 feet is a manageable size for a single person (and conforms to standard building material sizes). Your home store can cut the material if you don't have the necessary equipment.

2. Choose 2 easy-to-attach table legs (28 inches long) while at the home store. Standard desks are 28 to 29 inches in height.

3. Mark and predrill the holes in the bottom of the desktop for the screws to attach the legs.

4. Measure up 28 inches on the wall and attach the ledger board securely to the wall. Attaching the board directly to studs is the strongest and best way. However, it could be attached using wall anchors.

5. Fasten the legs to the underside of the desktop, turn it over and place the back of the desktop against the wall resting on the ledger board.

6. Decide how the desktop will be arranged and drill a 2-inch hole near one end or the back for telephone and computer cables as well as light cords.

7. Paint the desktop to match the décor or wherever your imagination takes you.

Tips & Warnings

• When it's time to move on, simply take the desk apart, remove the ledger board and patch the 3 or 4 screw holes in the wall.
• An old filing cabinet or even milk crates can be placed under the desktop to provide storage.
• If floor space is really at a premium, you could attach the desktop so it hinges up against the wall by attaching hinges to the back of the desktop and the ledger board. The legs could also be hinged down so they don't stick out into the room.