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How to build a kids workstation

Overview

Give the kids their own workstation with space for craft and homework essentials and keep the chaos contained – or even steal it for your own office.

Tools and materials

Tools

Materials

Steps

1Measure and cut

Measure and cut the hevea timber panel to 897mm long, exactly the same width as the plywood panel. You can ask for this to be done in-store, or cut it to size yourself using a circular saw or handsaw.

2Measure and cut the sides

Measure two side rails for the desk from 64mm-wide dressed pine to 405mm long (the same width as the timber panel) and cut using a drop saw or handsaw with a mitre box. Cut one end of each rail at 45º angle.

3Secure the rails

Place the rails upside down, with the timber panel on top, flush with the sides and ends. Pre-drill screw holes 10mm in from the sides. Remove the panel, apply adhesive on the rails, replace the panel, secure with 40mm screws.

4Attach the backing

Position the plywood panel against the back of the timber panel and side rails as a backing. Pre-drill screw holes in the backing 10mm in from the sides. Remove the backing, apply adhesive, then secure using 40mm screws.

5Attach the trim

To attach the trim, turn the desktop assembly so the backing is lying flat. Cut the pine moulding to fit around the backing, with the side pieces butting against the top piece. Do a test fit, then apply adhesive. Secure with nails, positioned at least 30mm from the ends and spaced 200mm apart.

6Assemble and attach the shelves

To make the shelves, measure and cut the 140mm-wide dressed pine into two 300mm lengths. Position two brackets on each shelf, flush with the back, then secure with 20mm screws. Position the shelves about 50mm from the edges of the backing, securing with 20mm pan-head screws.

7Sand down

Give the desktop assembly a sanding all over using a random orbital sander with an 180-grit abrasive disc. Round over the edges slightly and work over the top edges of the side rails to soften the angle, making sure you check that both sides are even.

8Paint it

Wipe all over using a clean damp cloth to remove dust. Using a mini roller, apply two even coats of Highland Meadow paint, allowing to dry between coats. For all-over coverage, load the roller so the end is saturated then push it into joints as you pull it to apply the paint, checking no gaps are left.

9Cut a hole for the cable duct

Measure 70mm from the backing and the left side rail of the desktop to centre the 60mm holesaw. Drill the hole, holding the drill straight so the sides of the holes are even. Wipe away the dust using a cloth, then press the cable duct into the hole.

10Paint the desk legs

To paint the legs, secure them to a timber offcut, turning it as you spray to reach all areas, then leave to dry for a couple of minutes. Repeat, continuing to apply light coats until the legs are covered. Paint the downpipe clip and metal planter.

11Final touches

When dry, remove the legs from the offcut. Use 20mm button-head screws to secure the legs under the desktop, flush with the edges to allow for the cable duct opening. Attach the painted downpipe clip using 20mm screws and position the planter. To prevent the desk from moving, at the back of the desk, position two 75mm x 50mm angle brackets underneath with the 50mm side of the angle against the wall then transfer the position of the screws onto the wall. Use anchors suited to your wall type to secure the brackets, then position the desk over the brackets and secure underneath with 20mm pan head screws.

Tip: Position timber offcuts under the desk while drilling to avoid damaging your work surface.


 

12The finished product

There you have it, a work station fit for a kid - or even yourself! Once you have added your own final touches, we recommend using small pots, a cable tidy and cable duct to help keep your clutter to a minimum.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.