Turn a Closet Into a Desk

This instructable shows how to build a desk in a closet.

Tools: table saw, cross cut saw, scroll saw, drill, hammer, countersink drill, level, router, screwdrivers, sander, sandpaper, ruler, pencil.

Material: 3/4 MDF plywood, mahogony trim, draw slide hardware, wood screws, finishing nails, tung oil, wood glue, keyboard drawer, electrical wall outlet, ethernet outlet, electrical wall switch, ethernet cable, electrical wire, paint.

Author's Comments: (06-Dec-08)
1) Added a few more pictures.

Step 1 Clearing the Work Area

Start with an empty closet. Remove closet doors, rugs, and trim. This closet is approximately 2 feet deep by 8 feet wide. Its easiest to work with a nice clean workspace.

Comments

[criggie]

Agree with many other comments.

Recommend LED lighting, not Flouroescent. Could even light up individual shelves to remove shadows.

I would need many more power points, some above and some below the desk.

I'd put in more ethernet too, but that's me.

Why did you put in a keyboard/mouse tray when there's no computer? Do you set up a laptop there sometimes?

There are mounting systems to fasten an LCD monitor to a wall or under a shelf, saving precious desk space.

Good idea using a rolly chair on the hard floor. That would be much harder if there was a bottom sill or tracks for a door.

[tfitzgerald4]

What is the cost of this project without the tools.

[thb43]

Material Listing:
3/4 MDF plywood,
mahogony trim,
draw slide hardware,
wood screws,
finishing nails,
tung oil,
wood glue,
keyboard drawer,
electrical wall outlet,
ethernet outlet,
electrical wall switch,
ethernet cable,
electrical wire,
paint.

I'd say $100-$200 (plus your time) depending on what deals you can find on the above materials.

[padawanspider]

Love your ideas here. I was considering turning my closet into a desk area some time ago, but I tossed the idea... your instructable has re-sparked that possibility. I'm digging the tool well idea especially - I'm a jewelry artist and stuff gets in the way all the time :)

Out of curiosity, do you remember how many MDF sheets you used for this?

How did you finish the MDF surfaces? Any particular reason you didn't paint?

[thb43]

Thanks for the comments. I love the tool wells too. Its great to have my tools where I can see them and get to them easily yet still have them out of the way. I seem to remember using about 3 or 4 sheets of MDF. I finished the surfaces with sealer & tung oil because I like the look of stained wood better than painted surface. Also it would have been a waste of the expensive mahogony wood trim pieces if I would have painted over them. Painting would have been easier and quicker but it wouldn't have produced the look and feel I was going for.

[lobalt]

I had the idea of cutting out a little in the middle of the desk. It would be just big enough to slide the chair into. You could then slide the chair in, close the doors (which you would have left on) and have a Hide-away Office.

[Tagarashi]

All the tools required I might as well get someone to do it for me.

Table saw, cross cut saw, scroll saw, drill, hammer, countersink drill, level, router, screwdrivers, sander, sandpaper, ruler, pencil + my time.

whats that like $1000? And dont tell me to get some cheap Chinese made pos table saw from harbor freight for $40 that could kill me first time using it.

Im going to make a instructable .. How to build a rocket ship... Tools needed: 2 SRBs, Launch pad,  Vehicle Assembly Bay ~3,665,000^3 meters, dont forget your APCP!  EASY DIY!

[abadfart]

well actually i have all that stuff for work already  ind its probably something you could do over a weakened 

[Lance Mt.]

I have all that stuff AT work, and can do it there,

[DIY Dave]

I would do this if my closet didn't have so much stuff stored in it.

[abadfart]

or a rental property lol 

[DIY Dave]

lol

[guy90]

Impressive desk! I'll be tempted to try this one day. If the closet doors could be fitted in place with a lock, then you could have your own, private multimedia station.

[Yerboogieman]

You know, on the thumbnail, it looks like a desk flush against a wall. Great instructable!

[andmic]

it's awesome, but what happen with your closet?

[instructables4ever]

That's really cool, I think I'll try this. If i can ever clean my closet. :P

[lofgren]

Love it.. I dig on custom furniture. Good use of the space too.

[oakironworker]

Thats great as I was reading it I kept waiting for the part where you put the bathroom fan in to get rid of the solder smoke. WHen my kids move out this is will happen

[Coffee bean]

not that is awsome!

[8bit]

What a wonderful Idea!!

[atombomb1945]

I love it.