How to build a desk in a closet

How to build a desk in a closet

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When you don’t have a room to call your home office, figuring out where to put a desk can be a serious challenge. If you can sacrifice some cupboard space, why not consider adapting one of your closets into a workstation? It’s super easy to do.

Tools and materials

80mm hole saw

Pencil

120-grit sandpaper

Phillips head bit

Beech laminated panel

Sanding block

Cordless drill

Set square

Dust mask

Safety gear, including eye, ear, and hand protection

Drill bit

Tape measure

Hand or circular saw

Taskmaster 80mm black cable duct

Leggz black round adjustable metal furniture leg

Wood screws

Level

 

desk inside a cupboard

1. Clear out your cupboard and measure up

First thing’s first – get in there and clear out your cupboard! Once you’ve done this, grab a tape measure all your dimensions. 

NOTE: To fit your desk snugly, you might need to remove the closet doors first like we did.

desk inside a cupboard

2. Cut your desk top

Once you’ve got your measurements, head to your local Bunnings to purchase your desk top – we’re using a Beech laminated panel for ours. Use a measuring tape to mark out the right length, then use a clamp on a workbench and a hand or circular saw to make the cut. Use a set square to make a perfect angle, and a level to make sure everything’s straight. Also – don’t forget to use your protective wear for this bit, and ask a friend to hold the timber panel steady while you cut. 

desk inside a cupboard

3. Sand your edges

Once you’ve made your cut, grab your 120-grit sandpaper and a block and sand back the edges so they’re nice and smooth. Once you’ve done this, grab a microfibre cloth and give it a good wipe to remove any excess dust.

desk inside a cupboard

4. Position your leg plates

Flip your panel upside down and position your leg plates in the desired location. Use a pencil to mark the location of your holes, so you know where to drill. 

desk inside a cupboard

5. Pre-drill pilot holes

Once you’ve marked out your leg positions, use a drill to create holes for your pilot screws. Remember: don’t drill all the way through your panel – you don’t want it to crack, or to be left with a hole on top. Not a good look!

desk inside a cupboard

6. Fix your desk legs

Once the holes are drilled, grab your plates and fix into position using a screwdriver and wood screws – then you’re good to simply screw in the legs.

desk inside a cupboard

7. Install a cable duct

Cables can often get in the way when you’re working. Keep everything neat with a handy cable duct. Place it in your desired location and mark out its spot on the underside with a pencil. Once this is done, use an 80mm hole saw to drill a hole for the duct to go through, then place it in from the top.

desk inside a cupboard

8. And you’re done!

How easy was that? Now you’re ready to work! And bonus – you can also hide everything away. Genius!

desk inside a cupboard

Feeling crafty

For more handy projects, check out the Home Office makeover by Kiera Rumble from Make It Yours season one. 

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