Introduction: Multi Function Desk
I needed space to do some Instructables and other projects and I also needed a kitchen table, thus my multi function desk. It works well and it was fairly cheap (about $150 total).
Step 1: Tools and Materials
From IKEA (or wherever you can get desk parts):
3 Table Tops
4 Legs
(2 Magnetic Strips)
From Local Hardware Store
2 Hinges + Screws
Sand
Wood Screws (12 to 20 depending on the size of your desk top and length depends on desk size, but about 3")
Tools
Jigsaw
Drill
Chisel
Rule, Square, Pencil, Clamps, Safety Glasses
3 Table Tops
4 Legs
(2 Magnetic Strips)
From Local Hardware Store
2 Hinges + Screws
Sand
Wood Screws (12 to 20 depending on the size of your desk top and length depends on desk size, but about 3")
Tools
Jigsaw
Drill
Chisel
Rule, Square, Pencil, Clamps, Safety Glasses
Step 2: Cutting
To make the inside of the desk hollow for storage and use, take a table top and cut out the middle bit.
Mark out 2 or 3 inches from the edge of the desk and mark it accordingly (pencil and ruler!). The width can be adjusted some, but much more will prevent you from storing stuff on the top and much less will negatively effect how sturdy the desk is.
To allow the desk to open and close easily, as well as look good, cut a U shape and a length. The U shape should have every finished corner on it so the desk looks nice at the end.
Mark out 2 or 3 inches from the edge of the desk and mark it accordingly (pencil and ruler!). The width can be adjusted some, but much more will prevent you from storing stuff on the top and much less will negatively effect how sturdy the desk is.
To allow the desk to open and close easily, as well as look good, cut a U shape and a length. The U shape should have every finished corner on it so the desk looks nice at the end.
- A note about IKEA desks:
Step 3: The Basic Desk
You can do this one of two ways. Either build the IKEA desk (attach the legs to the bottom desk top) first or build the whole 3 desk bit first then attach legs. We built the desk first so we had a place to build the rest of it.
Whenever you build the basic desk, you need to put sand into the legs. The desk with tools in it is heavy and so opening and closing it is hard without the counterweight at the bottom. This is only for the little dinky legs I have to increase stability.
Whenever you build the basic desk, you need to put sand into the legs. The desk with tools in it is heavy and so opening and closing it is hard without the counterweight at the bottom. This is only for the little dinky legs I have to increase stability.
Step 4: Construction
So we had the 3 desk tops. One is attached to the legs. One we already cut up into the U and the Length. One will be the top.
Attach the length to the bottom desk (one attached to the legs). Measure this out carefully so it open and shuts well. It is easiest to use the U to place it and then brace it in place while you screw it in. To make it look nice screw from the bottom desk into the length.
Attach the U to the top desk with screws. To keep the top nice drill from the U into the top. Measure this out carefully.
Attach the length to the bottom desk (one attached to the legs). Measure this out carefully so it open and shuts well. It is easiest to use the U to place it and then brace it in place while you screw it in. To make it look nice screw from the bottom desk into the length.
Attach the U to the top desk with screws. To keep the top nice drill from the U into the top. Measure this out carefully.
Step 5: Hinges
To open and close this, you need hinges. We found some cheap ones, but to make it pretty we had to sink them into the desk.
Measure out where you are putting the hinges very carefully. Place them where the screws will go into the wood at the corners of the desk.
Chisel out the wood/cardboard so the hinge will lay flat and the desk will shut properly.
Attach the hinges carefully so the desk opens and closes well. They will attach the length to the very top desk.
Measure out where you are putting the hinges very carefully. Place them where the screws will go into the wood at the corners of the desk.
Chisel out the wood/cardboard so the hinge will lay flat and the desk will shut properly.
Attach the hinges carefully so the desk opens and closes well. They will attach the length to the very top desk.
Step 6: Last Steps
Attach the magnetic strips so you can hang all your wrenches and tools.
You can attach handles to the top desk wherever you want to help with opening and closing.
Now you have a desk where you can keep the top clean, the middle fully of tools and the bottom dirty from your home projects!
You can attach handles to the top desk wherever you want to help with opening and closing.
Now you have a desk where you can keep the top clean, the middle fully of tools and the bottom dirty from your home projects!
- There are some mods you can include. Including light strips or power strips would be good. Different arrangements of magnetic strips or peg boards were also be good. This one works for me but you can change the innards to change for your own projects.
