How to Make Workstation Dividers

Place a workstation divider between your space and someone else's space for privacy and concentration.

Dividing up different work areas is extremely important in a business, allowing each worker to focus completely on his own work space without becoming distracted by the person or people nearby. Work space dividers are generally expensive, which is why creating your own divider is a cost-effective way to personalize your (and your employees' or colleagues') work areas instantly.

Things You'll Need

• Four 1-by-2s, 48 inches long
• Tape measure
• Straight edge
• Pencil
• Table saw
• Four L-braces
• Eight 2-inch screws
• Drill
• Phillips-head drill bit
• Two white panels, 1/4-inch thick, 48 inches wide by 48 inches tall
• Finishing nails
• Hammer
• One 2-by-6, 48 inches long
• White paint
• Paint brush
• Four 3-inch screws

Instructions

1. Place four 1-by-2s on a flat surface running horizontally. Measure in two inches from each corner along the bottom edge. Use the straight edge as a guide and draw a pencil line from each 2-inch mark back to the corner along the top edge at each end.

2. Cut each line drawn on each end with the table saw. This will create a 45-degree angle at each end. Place all four sections of 1-by-2 boards on a flat surface, attaching the angled edges to create a 48-inch-by-48-inch wood frame.

3. Place one L-bracket inside each corner joint. Drive one 2-inch screw through each hole in each L-bracket to secure the four sections of 1-by-2 together permanently.

4. Place one 48-inch-by-48-inch panel over the top of the 48-inch-by-48-inch 1-by-2 frame. Attach the panel with finishing nails. Flip the frame over and attach the remaining 48-inch-by-48-inch panel in the same manner. Drive one finishing nail every 12 inches along each edge of the frame.

5. Paint the 2-by-6 board with white paint. Use a paint brush to apply an even finish over the entire 48-inch-long section of 2-by-6. Cover the tips of all finishing nails with white paint as well. Allow paint to dry for two hours.

6. Measure and mark the 2 1/2-inch location from each corner at each end of the 2-by-6 along each 6-inch edge. This will create a 1-inch-wide center area to determine the mounting location for the 2-by-6 onto the 48-inch-by-48-inch divider.

7. Place the 48-inch-by-48-inch section in a standing position. Line up the 1-inch center area marked on the 2-by-6 board with the top edge of the 48-inch-by-48-inch section. Drive one 3-inch screw every 12-inches along the length of the 2-by-6 board.

8. Place the 48-inch-by-48-inch divider into a standing position, now resting along the 2-by-6 attached in Step 7. Press one work desk onto each side to secure the divider in standing position.

References

• "Build Your Own Home Office Furniture (Popular Woodworking)"; Danny Proulx; 2001
• "Office Furniture Design"; Oscar Asenio; 2007