DIY Desk Topper Shelf

Digging through that scrap wood bin makes you realize the possibilities are endless!  There are so many awesome, functional builds you can make using scrap wood.  So today I’m sharing this desk topper shelf made using scrap wood straight from my stash.  A special thanks to my friend Sam at DIY Huntress for putting together this #buildathome scrap wood challenge.  I’ve teamed up with fellow makers to make projects using scrap wood found in their home.  No need to shop, no need to buy any lumber, just use what you have on hand.

A DIY tutorial to build a simple desk topper shelf made from scrap plywood. Build this desk topper shelf for better organization and use of desk space.

It’s no secret I love me a good scrap project.  Anything to reduce that exceedingly embarrassing scrap pile makes my heart sing.  So when Sam at DIY Huntress proposed a group challenge to build at home using scrap wood I gladly joined in.  A quick glance around your home will reveal endless opportunities to build a functional piece from scraps.

Desk Set Up Before:

I’ve been meaning to address my daughter’s desk situation for some time now.  When I built her wood and metal desk awhile back I added the framed cork board and called it good.  That was a few years ago and now as a teenager she uses this desk more and more.  And with that use it became evident she needed a better organization system for frequently used items.

Desk Topper Shelf Benefits:

• additional storage
• removes clutter from desk surface
• dividers create separate spaces
• ledge for mirror at correct height
• makes use of vertical space

Look what a difference just a few scraps of wood can make!

I found this mirror I had purchase from Ikea awhile back (no longer available) and then I attached a 5/4 piece of scrap to the bottom to make a stand.  Now the mirror has a sturdy base and can be moved around wherever my daughter wants to use it.  For a similar DIY mirror project using a 12″ x 12″ mirror check out this simple mirror storage project here.

Organized Desk Space:

Now she has an organized desk space for all her lotions and potions.  Lots of cubbies and shelves to store all the things plus a mirror at the proper height and we still kept the framed pinboard for displaying all her pictures and awards.

To see this project in action check out my video tutorial here:

Click here for printable PDF version of plans.

Supplies:

• 1 – 1x6x8
• 1 – 1x2x6
• ½” plywood @ 15” x 5 ½”
• 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
• 1 ¼” brad nails
• Wood glue
• iron on edge banding

Tools:

• miter saw
• pocket hole jig
• measuring tape
• pencil
• drill & drill bits
• brad nailer
• jigsaw
• iron

The plans are fairly simple in terms of construction the shelf.  The most difficult step may be notching out the shelf dividers.

Hence I used a jigsaw to cut out the notches at the back side of the dividers.

Once the desk topper is complete I used iron-on edge banding to make a finished edge on the plywood.  Alternatively you could fill any voids with wood putty and paint the topper to coordinate with your desk.

For the finish I applied three coats of Varathane triple thick polyurethane in satin finish to match the desk finish.

Lastly, once the desk topper shelf is in position you may consider securing it to the desk at the back edge.  I used basic mending plates for added security.

Be sure to stop by all the awesome project from my maker friends in the #Buildathome scrap wood challenge group:

• DIY Huntress – patterened plywood key holder
• Walkers Woodworks – toilet paper holder
• Addicted 2 DIY – bandsaw box with speaker
• Ugly Duckling House – carved hexagon planter stand

• Pneumatic Addict – small space hall tree
• Jen Woodhouse – clamp rack
• The Build with Ethan
• Lazy Guy DIY – toy dinosaur

• Genealogist Woodworker – desk organizer
• 3 x 3 Custom – marble solitaire game
• Anikas DIY Life – toy car ramp
• Eye in the Detail – storage bins

• Penalty Box Woodshop – magic golf ball
• At Charlottes House – colorful wooden cooler box
• Cow Dog Craftworks – Japanese toolbox
• Never Skip Brunch – quote bookends

Thanks for joining me for this scrap wood desk topper shelf project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

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