How to Make a Storage Shelf for a Desk - DIY Monitor Stand
Introduction: How to Make a Storage Shelf for a Desk - DIY Monitor Stand
This DIY drawer is really simple to make! I take you step by step showing how I made this storage shelf. It also makes a great DIY monitor stand too!
Supplies
Tools Used:
* Trend 18V Router
* Dewalt Track Saw
* Dewalt Mitre Saw
* Dewalt Jigsaw
* Trend Sheet Sander
* Trend Orbital Sander
* Trend 18V Drill
* Trend 18V Impact Driver
* Dowel Centre Finders
* Hammer
* Clamps
Materials Used:
* 18mm Birch Plywood
* 30mm MDF
* 150mm Drawer Slides
* Rubio Monocoat Chocolate
* Charcoal Linen Fabric
* Magenta Felt
* Wood Glue
* Wooden Dowels
* Spray Adhesive
* Super Glue
* Contact Adhesive
* Screws
Step 1: Make the Drawer
The first step in this project is to cut the 18mm plywood pieces to size. You can of course adapt the sizes to best suite your needs but I will list the sizes I went with as the project progresses.
I cut 2 strips at 35mm wide, 1 at 150mm wide and another at 200mm wide. These will for the body to the drawer along with the top to the shelf. Off cuts will be used to make the drawer front later.
Using the mitre saw I cut the pieces to length. I cut the drawer bottom to 500mm long, the front & back sides to the drawers were also cut to 500mm long and the two short sides to the drawers were cut at 114mm long. I also cut the top shelf to 650mm long.
I find it better to offer up the pieces and mark them exactly rather than measuring. In this instance, I cut the drawer bottom to size and then offered up the side pieces and marked them flush. I find this method much more accurate.
At this stage, with the pieces all cut, it's easier to sand the inside faces smooth before assembling the drawer. I sanded the inside faces to 240 grit.
Then it was time for assembly. To make things easier I used some clamps to the hold the side pieces together while I drilled pilot holes at the corners. I could them add wood glue to the joints and secure the sides back together with screws. To attach the bottom in place I first added a bead of wood glue around the edges, added the bottom piece and drilled pilot holes. I also countersunk the holes so the screws would sit below the surface. With the screws in place, the drawer can be put to one side to dry.
Step 2: Create the Side Pieces
I used 30mm MDF for the sides to the shelf. I first cut a strip of it to 180mm wide using my track saw. I then cut 2 pieces to 120mm long at the mitre saw. 415
Using a roundover bit in the router, I created a radius at the front of the sides pieces. I think it makes a big difference to the appearance. A curved front will look much nicer with the fabric later.
To make it easier to create a neat edge with the fabric, I routed a groove in the back of the side pieces. I did this with a 6mm slot cutting bit in the router.
With that done, I could apply the fabric. I used a linen type fabric that is designed for upholstery. To stick it in place I used contact adhesive, applying it to both mating surfaces before sticking it in place. I then trimmed away the excess leaving some at the back to tuck into the groove later.
I used the same contact adhesive to glue some magenta felt to the bottom of the side pieces. This will not only add a slight pop of colour but it will prevent the bottoms from scratching my desk.
To neaten up he back edge I cut a piece of 6mm MDF and painted it magenta. A few dabs of super glue and hammered flush into the groove creates a really nice feature. It tucks the fabric in to the groove and holds it all secure. I'm really pleased with how this turned out.
Step 3: Fit the Drawer Slides
I opted to use 150mm full extension drawer slides on this project. I sat the drawer slides flush to the bottom of the drawer and marked where the mounting holes would fall on the sides. I could then drill pilot holes to make it easier to add the screws in place. To make it easier to add the drawer slides you can separate the pieces by pressing down the plastic lever. This enables you to separate the piece that gets attached to the drawer itself. 2 screws secures it in place. I did the same on the other side of the drawer too. 599