How to build a home office in a small space

Prepare the area by removing any wardrobe fittings and skirting, setting these aside to refit later. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs, noggins, ceiling battens, power and other services, making a note of the set-out and marking the stud positions on the floor with a pencil.

To line the back wall, cut two VJ sheets to 1890mm long. Apply adhesive to the back of one. Put 10mm packers on the floor to position it 10mm from the side wall, securing into studs using a nail gun with 50mm brads. Cut the remaining sheet to fit, less 10mm. Join with the supplied tongue cut to length and repeat to secure. Cover the brads with filler.

For the side walls, cut two 600mm timber panels to 1870mm long. Position them against the sheeting and countersink over the studs with an 8G combination bit, securing with adhesive and 65mm screws. Sand away any breakout and cover screws with filler.

For the shelf, cut a panel to fit wall to wall, less 5mm clearance. Countersink holes 13mm in from the ends to secure onto the sides with adhesive and 50mm screws. Position three brackets along the top with one hole of each over a stud, pre-drilling with a 3mm bit. Secure with 65mm screws into studs and 25mm screws into the sheeting and shelf.

For the desk, measure 750mm up to position three brackets each side and three along the back with one hole of each over a stud. Pre-drill and secure with 65mm screws into studs and 25mm screws into sheeting. Cut and position a 600mm benchtop to span between the brackets, less 5mm clearance. Pre-drill from underneath to secure with 25mm screws.

Cut a 75mm strip of panel as the header, notching out sections of cornice with a utility knife to fit it between the walls, against the ceiling and in line with the shelf (check with a level). Countersink into the battens to secure with adhesive and 65mm screws. Cut the remaining panel to adhere to the side walls above the shelf, factory edges forward.

To make the door, cut and join VJ sheeting to fit, less 5mm clearance all around. Cut merbau lengths for the back to position flush along the top and 15mm in from the sides and base. Secure with adhesive and 25mm screws. Use a hinge jig to drill four holes along the frame top and matching holes under the header.

Sand the timber and wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Mask around all timber and brush on two coats of varnish. Cover the desk with a drop sheet and mask around the sheeting to roll two coats of paint onto the wall and door. Cut bevelled moulding to cover the joins; sand and secure with adhesive.

To finish the door, use a 6mm bit to add a handle, centred 30mm up. For stoppers, pre-drill through dowel offcuts with a 6mm bit, securing 30mm up and 40mm in with 50mm screws. Install the inset hinges and add pneumatic stays, using a screwdriver to secure. Fit skirting against the back wall, securing with adhesive.

• When drilling, cutting timber or using a nail gun, wear a mask, ear and eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep power tools, paint, varnish and chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you don’t have a nail gun, use a hammer with 2mm x 40mm bullet head nails to install the VJ sheets.
• Use a circular saw with a clamped straightedge to cut VJ sheets and timber panels, and a mitre saw to cut moulding and skirting boards.
• When installing into wall studs, if there is resistance, pre-drill by pushing the bit in and out, gradually going deeper. Use the same action to drive screws.
• Not all items are available in all states and territories.