As an artist, my creative space can often descend into chaos. It’s a constant battle against clutter! I recently decided to tackle my messy garage and create a dedicated workspace that could magically appear when needed and vanish just as easily. This need led me to design the ultimate space-saving solution: a DIY wall-mounted folding table. This ingenious invention has transformed my garage into a haven of organization, providing a sturdy work surface that neatly folds away when not in use.
Design Your Ideal Folding Workbench
This project is perfect for anyone looking to maximize space and minimize clutter. Whether you’re an artist, DIY enthusiast, or simply crave an organized workspace, this folding table is the answer to your prayers!
Here are some key features that make this project a winner:
- Easy to build: Even if you’re a woodworking novice, you can tackle this project with confidence.
- Space-saving design: Say goodbye to bulky workbenches that dominate your garage. This table folds up against the wall, freeing up valuable floor space.
- Sturdy and reliable: Crafted from a solid core door, this table provides a durable and spacious work surface for all your projects.
- Budget-friendly: This DIY project won’t break the bank, especially if you source materials from your local ReStore.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before we dive into the construction process, let’s gather the necessary tools and materials. Remember, the beauty of DIY lies in its adaptability – feel free to modify the dimensions to suit your space and preferences.
Lumber:
- 1 – 2x6x8 (for the ledger board)
- 1 – 2x4x8 (for the workbench support, leg support, and hinge supports)
- 1 – 2x2x8 (for the legs)
- 1 – 1x4x8 (for the table skirt)
Pro Tip: When choosing lumber, opt for straight, knot-free boards to ensure a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing finished product.
Other Materials:
- 1 – 36″x80″ solid core door (New or reclaimed, adjust size as needed)
- 2-1/2″ or 3″ wood screws
- 1-1/2″ wood screws
- 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
- 2 – 1-1/2″ small hinges (for the legs)
- 3 – 3″ door hinges (to attach the table to the wall)
- 1 – 3-1/2″ safety hasp (to secure the table when folded)
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue (optional)
- Polyurethane or your preferred finish (optional)
Tools:
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Pocket hole jig (like a Kreg Jig)
- Clamps (helpful for holding pieces in place)
- Finish nail gun (optional, but recommended)
Let’s Get Building
Now that you have your tools and materials ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on this rewarding woodworking journey!
Step 1: Preparing the Wall and Ledger Board
- Locate studs: Begin by locating and marking the wall studs where your table will be mounted. These studs will provide the necessary support for your table.
- Mark ledger board height: Determine the desired height for your table and mark the wall accordingly. This mark will guide you in installing the ledger board.
- Attach the ledger board: Securely attach the 2×6 ledger board to the wall studs using wood screws. Ensure the board is level and firmly anchored to the studs.
Step 2: Creating the Tabletop Support
- Attach the workbench support: Position the 2×4 workbench support below the ledger board, ensuring it’s level and flush with the bottom edge of the ledger. Secure it to the ledger board with wood screws.
- Reinforce with screws: For added stability, drive screws through the workbench support into the wall studs. This will prevent any unwanted movement or wobbling.
Step 3: Assembling the Folding Mechanism
- Attach hinge supports to the tabletop: Measure and mark the desired location for the hinge supports on the underside of the door (which will serve as your tabletop). Attach the hinge supports to the marked locations using wood screws.
- Prepare the legs: Attach the small hinges to the 2×2 legs. Make sure the hinges are aligned and securely fastened to both the legs and the hinge supports.
- Install the leg support: Attach the 2×4 leg support to the underside of the tabletop using pocket hole screws. This support will provide a resting place for the legs when the table is folded.
Step 4: Mounting the Table to the Wall
- Align and attach the tabletop: Carefully lift the tabletop (with the legs folded) and position it against the wall, aligning the back edge with the top of the workbench support.
- Attach hinges to the ledger board: With the tabletop in place, attach the larger hinges to both the tabletop and the ledger board. Make sure the hinges are aligned and the screws are driven into the wall studs for maximum support.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches
- Install the safety hasp: To secure the table when folded, install a safety hasp. Attach one part of the hasp to the underside of the tabletop and the other part to the wall stud.
- Add the table skirt (optional): For a polished look, attach a 1×4 table skirt to the front edge of the tabletop using pocket hole screws.
- Sand and finish (optional): Smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper and apply a finish of your choice. This step is optional but will enhance the durability and appearance of your table.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully built your very own space-saving DIY wall-mounted folding table! Now you have a dedicated workspace that effortlessly folds away when not in use, keeping your creative space clutter-free and inspiring.
Looking for more creative DIY projects and inspiration? Head over to Robert Kline Art and discover a world of handmade crafts and artistic ideas! Let’s unleash our creativity together!