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Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

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DIY Folding Desk

October 18, 2013

Today begins the first build of a new series we’re calling Handbuilt Holiday.  The first project is a folding desk.  I teamed up with Ana White to create all new gift plans for you to build.  And every Friday leading up to Christmas we will share a new plan. We’re starting now so you have time to build all those gifts for this holiday season!

diy folding desk with movable legs

A DIY tutorial to build a portable folding desk. Take this folding desk anywhere with legs that fold inside the desk tray and a carrying handle.

handbuilt holiday
Ana makes the plans and I build the projects to share with you all so you can make them for anyone on your gift list.  And of course this folding desk is perfect for kids who always want a hard surface to work on.
folding desk with kid for size
Ana designed the plans so the legs fold flat into the back of the desk tray.  This makes the folding desk super easy to carry around and store.
kids portable desk folds flat
I added personalization onto these trays by handpainting names with acrylic paint.
diy desk with legs
And the mitered legs allow the desk to sit level to the ground and also make a perfect spot to pull the legs up and out.
folding desk details
wood folding desk
Below I’m sharing how to build a folding desk.  Please read through all steps entirely before beginning.

Step 1: Use Ana’s plans and cut the lumber.

folding desk wood parts cut

Step 2: Assemble the legs.

folding desk legs
Then drill a hole at center top of each leg:

 

folding desk hardware

Step 3: Attach the legs to the frame.

 

desk frame built
Note the top point of each leg should attach slightly below the top edge of the frame to allow for movement.
nut, bolt and washer on desk leg

Step 4: Cut 1/4″ plywood top to fit then glue and nail in place.

To make the personalization print out desired name.  I used American Typewriter font at 225 point.

Step 1: Center the print out on desk surface and tape in position.

printed name to fit desk top

Step 2: Using a ballpoint pen trace around letters with lots of pressure.

tracing print out onto wood surface
The pressure of the pen creates an indent in the wood giving you an outline for painting.
indent from ball-point pen

Step 3: Paint on and inside the indent left behind by the pen.

handpaint inside indent

Step 4: For the border detail simply tape off the edge.

painters tape to mask off desk
Then paint in between the tape.

 

paint in between taped space

Step 5:  Lastly seal top surface with clear satin spray polyurethane.

spray wood with clear polyurethane
Don’t forget to check back next Friday for another Handbuilt Holiday gift build plan.

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Filed Under: 2013, BUILD, DESKS, DIY, GIFTS, HANDBUILT HOLIDAY, KIDS5 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Korrie@RedHenHome says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    What a great idea for a series! I am looking forward to all your projects.

    Reply
  2. Erin says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    I love these little desks! They would also work nicely for breakfast in bed.

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    Love the folding tray! I think I need to make one asap for myself!

    Reply
  4. stelledilatta says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    Ciao Jaime….. mi chiamo Gio vivo in Italia…sono giunta a te grazie a Pinterest….complimenti per il tuo ottimo blog ,mi piacciono molto i tuoi lavori…da oggi ti seguo
    buon fine settimana
    Gio

    Reply
  5. Michelle says

    October 20, 2013 at 9:58 PM

    How do you do the lettering? Why kind of program do you use?

    Reply

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