Dual Purpose Desk

October 19, 2010

dual desk
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    Whether it’s for doing homework or taking care of bills, a private work area is a must. When space is tight, consider this smart two-in-one design made from everyday furniture.

Dual Purpose Desk
When shopping for your materials, be on the lookout for clearance deals and special discounts—basic furniture pieces like tables and shelving units are frequently on sale.

Materials
Shelving unit
Table*
Spray primer
Spray paint, color(s) of your choice
Screwdriver
Screws
Handsaw
Double-sided corkboard**

*Tip: Before you go shopping, measure the inside width of your shelving unit and buy a table with a width slightly smaller than this measurement.

**Tip: Save money by making your own double-sided corkboard. Use wood glue and finishing screws to attach two store-bought bulletin boards together (be sure their widths are slightly smaller than your shelving unit). Or buy sheets of corkboard, adhere 4-5 layers together with hot glue, then finish with a trim molding border. Attach the molding with polyurethane adhesive and clamp it in place until adhesive dries completely.

Instructions
    1. Remove shelves from the unit, then prime and spray paint the shelves, table and shelving unit frame. Let dry completely.
    2. With the shelves still removed from the shelving unit, slide the table halfway through the frame. Working from inside the skirt of the table, screw the table to the shelving unit frame. Use at least two screws per each corner of the framing unit.
    3. With a handsaw, cut one of the shelves in half. Holding the double-sided corkboard upright, screw one half to each side, so the final product looks like a shortened letter “H”. Slide this piece back into the bookshelf to create a barrier between the two desk sides. Don’t worry about securing—it’s sturdy enough to stay in place and having a mobile divider makes cleaning easy.
    4. Re-install shelves into the unit, saving any shelves that would go below the table for a future project.

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