How to Build a Wall-Mounted Desk

If you are short on space, a wall-mounted desk may be ideal. You can purchase a wall-mounted desk kit. However, it is more expensive than simply assembling your own. You can use your new desk as an area for making crafts, studying or storing a laptop computer. Only the simplest of building skills are required and you can include storage space if you want. The same basic ideas will work quite well for a narrow entryway table or a child's craft space.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lumber or 3/4-inch plywood
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Screws
• Level
• L-brackets
• Paint, stain or oil to finish your desk
• Sandpaper

1. Decide on your overall dimensions. Keep in mind that a wall-mounted desk will be narrower than a typical desk, and you may want extra length to allow for adequate space. A desk as narrow as 10 inches may be usable, so consider placing yours in a hallway or other wasted space in your home. Plan for a width of between 10 inches and 16 inches. More than 16 inches is not going to be adequately supported by wall brackets.

2. Design your desk. You can make it a simple shelf, mounted on L-brackets for the most basic wall-mounted desk. You can also create a slender box, with spaces for storage beneath the desktop. Consider planning for narrower shelving above your wall-mounted desk.

3. Choose your lumber. A sturdy hardwood like oak is ideal, but any kind of lumber will work. Plan to finish edges if using 3/4-inch or 1-inch plywood instead of boards with narrow molding. If you do not have a saw or would prefer to avoid the mess, the lumberyard or home improvement store will cut your boards to size for a minimal fee.

4. Cut your lumber to size with a circular saw. Be sure to sand away any rough edges, either by hand or with an electric sander.

5. Attach the sides of the desk to the bottom panel if you are building a shallow box style wall-mount desk, using a drill to make pilot holes. Screw the pieces together with wood screws. You will attach this to the top surface once it is mounted on the wall. Paint, stain and polyurethane all pieces if desired. If you are finishing with tung oil or a similar product, this can be done after construction is complete.

6. Find the studs in your wall. It is critical that your desk be properly mounted into wall studs. Mark the placement of the brackets on the top board for your desk if you are building a box like one, or on the main board if you are building a shelf style wall-mounted desk.

7. Attach the L-brackets to your top shelf surface with wood screws. With help from a friend, secure the L-brackets into your wall studs. If you have built a storage unit for your new wall-mount desk, attach it now by drilling pilot holes and screwing in place. Your new wall-mounted desk took only a little while to make, but is sure to add functionality to your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using this versatile piece in your entryway, dressing room or other space.
• Keep weight in mind. A wall-mounted desk is not a good choice for heavy electronics.

Resources

• Oak desk design
• More information about how to build a wall-mounted desk