DIY Floating Desk With Hidden Storage
If you’ve been following along, you know that I recently renovated my parents’ unfinished basement with my dad. And, although I’m super happy with the way it turned out, the little nook in the back corner of the basement has been driving me insane. Living small means I am really good at turning wasted square footage into usable space, and that’s exactly what I did! I created a basement office space by building a DIY Floating Desk with Hidden Storage in that small nook. Even cooler, I partnered with my friends at DAP Products to show you how it was done. Ready to get started?
How To Build A Floating Desk With Hidden Storage
Want to see this build in action? Check it out on my YouTube channel!
This project is sponsored by DAP Products. For my full disclosure policy, click here.
That back corner with the baskets was the nook in question…
And this is what it is now!
So. Much. Better.
I really wanted this piece to look like a solid piece of wood when closed, but still have usable space, and I totally feel like I accomplished that!
Here’s how I made it happen!
What I Used:
Tools
Circular Saw
Miter Saw (Optional)
Drill
Brad Nailer
Sander & Sandpaper
Carpenter’s Square
Level
Stud Finder
Tape Measurer
Cabinet Hinge Jig
Countersink Bit
Wood Staining Materials
Materials
(8) 1 x 4 x 6’ Boards
(1) 1 x 8 x 6’ Board
(2) 2 x 6 x 8’ Boards
DAP Carpenter’s Glue
DAP Wood Putty
3” Structural Construction Screws
(3) Full Overlay Hinges
1 ½” Wood Screws
1 ¼” Brad Nails
Walnut Danish Oil
The Steps:
- I started by gluing my 1 x 4” boards together to make two panels (4 boards for the top panel and 4 for the bottom panel) to fit my space. If you are talking this project, make sure to double check the measurements of your space before starting. My desk ended up being 14″ deep and 50″ long.
To do this, I used DAP Carpenter’s Glue and a ton of parallel clamps. I applied even pressure throughout the entire glue-up and also added a few stiles across the tops and bottoms of the panels to keep them flat.
2. While the panels dried, it was time to measure and cut the pieces for my frame. I chose 2 x 6 boards for this to leave enough space inside the desk for ample storage. I cut these using a circular saw and a speed square.
3. Next, I attached the frame boards to the wall using structural construction screws and drilled these screws into the studs in the wall. This was probably overkill, but I wanted to be safe!
4. Once the outer frames were attached, it was time to attach the middle supports. I cut these from the 2 x 6” boards with a circular saw and then attached them to the supports using pocket hole joinery and DAP Carpenter’s Glue (if you want to make a floating shelf with hidden storage – you can use 2 x 4” boards instead).
5. Once the frame was in place, it was time to continue working on the panels. After removing them from the glue up, I brought them to my miter saw and trimmed them to their final width.
6. I then sanded them from 80 grit to 220 grit and finished them off with Danish oil (I stained both sides of the bottom panel and left the top side of the top panel unfinished – I’ll be staining that once it’s installed).
7. Once the panels dried, I attached the top panel to the frames using brad nails.
8. To make the panel look like a built-in, I then filled the nail holes using DAP Plastic Wood X wood filler.
9. Next, I sanded the panel and the wood filler down and stained it. I also made sure to stain the brackets as well (a big part of me wish I did this before installing them, but lesson learned).
10. Next, I cut my 1×8 front panel to width and installed the cabinet door hinges on my bottom panel and cabinet door. I did this using a cabinet hinge jig and it made my life so easy.
11. Once the cabinet door was in place, I attached the door and the panel to the bottom of the shelf brackets.
12. At this point, the door wasn’t cut to final size just yet, so I made my marks, cut the door panel to size, sanded and stained, and then installed it back on the desk.
After that, it was time to move on in!
I am not only so excited that the boring nook now has a purpose, but also so stoked to have another place to work when I’m done in my workshop!
Can we talk about this hidden storage!?
I seriously could not be happier with this little office space! As if I wasn’t a workaholic before…
Have a nook you want to spruce up? Save this project for later by Pinning It!
Can’t wait to keep brainstorming some new projects in my little nook. Until then, friends… happy DIY’ing!
I acknowledge that DAP Products is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
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22 COMMENTS
Brittany
4 years agoThis looks so awesome! What a fantastic way to utilize your space. Do you use any decorative moulding on it? Also what kind of lumber did you use for this project? Thanks for sharing your process!
Sam
4 years ago AUTHORThank you! I did not and I used pine!
C2 Design & Build
4 years agoThanks for sharing Sam 🙂 Really good read!
Sam
4 years ago AUTHORThank you!
Karin
4 years agoHi Sam, Thank you for sharing this concept. This DIY floating desk is a good idea to budget your space and this is a modern way, I saw a lot of this design, floating and hanging.
– Tucson Drywall
Chris Watson
4 years agoSo what is the depth of your desk. 14”? 12”? 16”?
I can’t tell the length from the wall to the front of the depth
I’m trying to do this but don’t know how far out to go from the wall.
Sam
3 years ago AUTHORMy 1×4 boards were actually 3 3/4″… so, the desk ended up being 15″ deep. Hope this helps!
PK
3 years agoThanks for the detailed instructions on how to build this floating desk. I am planning to build something similar but want to make it about 24” deep and 67” length. It will be attached to walls on three sides. Would you recommend going that deep or is that too far out from the wall and so might not hold the weight? I will be using MDF boards for the top and plan to keep a monitor, laptop and few books in it. Thanks
Diane
11 months agoHi
How does the door stay closed. Working on a fireplace mantle using the same concept. But, I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around how it stays closed. Is it the type of hinge you used?
Laetitia
3 years agoWhat stain do you use please
Shea
3 years agoWhat height did you install the top of your desk from the floor? I am doing this in my office as a sewing nook. Was concerned about the knee space under the desk.
Sam
3 years ago AUTHORI want to say I installed it at counter top height (so, around 30″) – the stool we purchased is a counter top stool.
Patty Simons
3 years agoHi! Watched your you tube video and loved it. Could you tell me about the hinges you used and how far apart the hinges should be placed for a project about 30 ” long? I want to make floating shelves with hidden storage. Thanks!
berna ross
3 years agoI like the idea it’s very useful, especially, for small spaces but still looks classy and simple. Keep sharing your brilliant ideas, Sam, it is worth to be known.
– Drywall & Sheetrock Service
Natalie
3 years agoHi I love this! I’m going to give it a go myself but just wondered what type of wood you have used for the door? The patterns in it are lovely xx
danette
3 years agoI think you are great
DAN KOGAN
3 years agoThat’s lovely. I really like your work. Even I am also specialized in this sort of work. For more information just have a look- https://bit.ly/3ieWoGM
Dan Kogan
3 years agoOh, it is great. Great work you did.
KC
3 years agoDef want to try this! QQ – is there any gap or hole for the electronics/lamp plug ins?
Sam
3 years agoLove this build. But I’m more in love with your stool. Where did you get it?
Thumbtack
2 years agothis is really nice to read..informative post is very good to read..thanks a lot!
Thumbtack
2 years agoVery creative and pretty. This would be so good for me. Great Job!