How to Build a Fold-a-Way Work Space
It can often be very handy to have a large, clear surface to work on, particularly for projects like scrapbooking, jigsaw puzzling or even sewing. The problem is a large, flat work center takes up so much space in a room that it's often impractical to have such a large area dedicated to just that one function. However, here's a way you can build a fold-a-way work center that attaches to the wall and stays up and out of the way most of the time, but when you want to use it, just folds down ready for use. It's simple, straightforward and doesn't require any special tools. Here's how to build your own fold-a-way work center. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Piece of plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard)
- Sheet (2 feet by 4 feet and ½ or ¾ inches thick)
- Piece of 1- by-3 inch lumber about 3 feet long
- 2 collapsible table legs 28 to 30 inches long (available at building supply or home stores)
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Latex paint
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver and 2-inch screws
- Power drill and drill bits
- Piano hinge (36 inch) or pair of hinges
- Wall clip or hook and eye latch to hold the work center when it's folded up
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Instructions
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Choose a spot in your room where you can have easy access to 4 to 5 feet of clear wall space
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Have the lumberyard cut (or cut it yourself) a piece of plywood or MDF about 2 feet by 4 feet.
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3
Sand the edges of your board so it's smooth and apply a couple of coats of paint to the sheet (as well as the 1 by 3).
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4
Measure up from the floor the height of your collapsible legs and draw a line (this marks the bottom of your work center).
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Using your stud finder locate two studs in the wall behind that line and mark the location.
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Hold the piece of 1 by 3 up to the line and drill pilot holes through the board into the underlying studs, then attach the board to the wall with screws.
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Attach the collapsible legs to the underside of your sheet of plywood.
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Fold the legs down, set the plywood sheet on top of the attached board and attach the piano hinge or hinges to both the board and the plywood sheet.
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With the work center up against the wall, mark its height and attach the wall clip(s) or latch that will hold it against the wall when it's not in use.
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Tips & Warnings
Building your work center from ½-inch plywood or MDF should be strong enough for most jobs, but if you're planning on using a sewing machine on your work center, ¾ inch will be much stronger and sturdier.
You may be able to get a suitable piece from the remainder bin at the yard and save yourself some money.
This design is quite adaptable and you can easily adjust the dimensions of the project to accommodate larger or smaller spaces.
