DIY Folding Desk - Using Folding Shelf Brackets and Ryobi One Tools
I wanted to replace my current desk in my game room and was hoping to replace it with something I could easily fold out of the way. Eventually I found folding shelf brackets and decided this was what I wanted. Because the desk is mainly used as a computer desk, I did not want a murphy desk style that folded down, but the folding shelf brackets I found fold upward allowing for the computer screen to be mounted above the desk. The brackets I used are 16" brackets with a self-cut 20" x ~40" plywood top. I wish I would have bought 20" brackets, but my concern was my knees coming in contact with the brackets. Now that it is built, I realize I could have gone with the full 20" brackets and still had room for my knees. The table does not wobble, or crack, but I think over time the excess 4 inches without a bracket may take wear. Overall, I am really happy with this change and the desk seems extremely stable when extended.
Here are the tools I used for my project:
Folding Shelf Brackets - CUZURLUV 440lb Heavy Duty Stainless Steel (I found them on Amazon)
Bracket Wall Mounting Screws - GRK low profile #8 x 2.5" Cabinet Screws (I still used washers even though the cabinet screws have a built in small washer)
Sande Plywood - 3/4" x 2' x 4' before being cut to shape.
Top Mounting Screws - Everbilt #8 x 5/8" oval head screw (5/8" because my desk top is 3/4" thick and I did not want the screw poking through).
Ryobi One Tools Used:
Ryobi One Drill
Ryobi One Driver
Ryobi One Trim Router
Ryobi One Jigsaw