DIY Fold-Away Desk from 2x4s

If you are finding yourself in need of more work spaces in your home, today’s DIY is perfect for you!

We needed a workspace for the kids to do online schooling while we are between houses. And this easy build is so much better than the plastic folding table we were using.

But this table doesn’t only work for a school or an office. It would make a wonderful craft/hobby table too!

2×4 Folding Desk Base

I wanted to keep this folding desk build easy, but still sturdy. It was the perfect job for 2x4s.

Using 2x4s also makes this DIY inexpensive. The wood for the entire build cost me only $30.

And the legs go together so easy with the Kreg Jig. Just a few screws is all you need to make these sturdy desk legs.

But the best part of this desk, you can put it away when you don’t need it!

The desk top clicks off and the legs fold down easily. You can store it away in a closet, under a bed, or even behind a sofa.

And it only takes a quick couple minutes to open the legs back up and latch the top in place when are ready to work (or create).

Solid Wood Desk Top

The top of the desk is made from two 1×6 boards. But if you happen to have a scrap of plywood, you could easily use it to make a quick flat table top!

I stained my desk top with a white stain. It give it a clean look, but you can still see the grain of the wood peeking through.

If I was building a folding desk for a craft space, I might use a melamine covered board or plywood covered in laminate for the top. Crafting can get messy and these tops would be easy to keep clean.

More DIY Office Builds

Make your workspace work for you with the perfect desk and storage. Whether you are creating an office or hobby space, you will love these DIYs.

DIY Tall Bookcase with Trim

How to Build a Built in Desk

How To Build A Desk In A Closet

DIY Built in Storage Cabinets

How to Build a Folding Desk

Tools & Materials

Overall Dimensions

The finished desk top is 43″ wide and 22″ deep. When set up the desk is 29 3/4″ tall.

Cut List

Cut out the pieces according to the plans shared on Kreg Tool.

When cutting the angled legs, cut the ends of the boards off at a 22 1/2 degree angle so the ends are parallel.

STEP 1- Assemble the legs

Draw a round over on the front corner of the leg top boards.

Using a jig saw, cut the curve out.

Set your pocket hole jig for 1 1/2″ thick material.

Add 2 pocket holes to the top of each back leg board and angled leg board. Make sure the pocket holes are on the inside of the legs pieces and the pieces are mirrored.

Attach the back leg boards to the back of the leg top pieces so they are flush with the back.

Then attach the angled leg boards to the leg tops so they are touching the top corner of the back leg boards.

Secure with wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.

STEP 2- Build the desk top

Set your pocket hole jig for 3/4″ thick material.

Drill 5 pocket holes along one long edge of 3 of the desk top boards.

Secure the boards to each other along the long edge with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Use the face clamps to keep the top joints flat.

STEP 3- Sand and finish

Sand and stain/paint the finished pieces.

Don’t forget to also sand and stain/paint the desk back pieces that are not attached to anything yet.

STEP 4- Assemble desk frame

Using the t-hinges, attach one desk back piece to the top back of the leg pieces. Place the longer T of the hinge on the top leg piece.

Then attach the second desk back piece so it is 5″ up from the bottom of the assembled leg piece with another t-hinge.

This time place the longer T of the hinge on the back piece so they are opposite. Secure with 1″ long wood screws.

Place the top upside down on a work area and lay the legs on top of it.

Center the legs so there is 1 1/2″ overhang on each side and the top is flush at the back with the back of the legs.

Place 2 catches on the top of the back legs about 6″ in from the sides and one on the inside of the side legs about 5″ in from the front.

Attach the hook part to the bottom of the desk and the catch to the legs so they pull the desk top snug. Secure with included screws.

STEP 5- Set up the desk

To set up the desk, move it to where you want to set it up and open the legs fully.

Center the desk top on the legs, lining up the catches. Secure the catches to secure the desk top.

When you are ready to fold it away, unclip the catches, remove the top and fold in the legs.

Store it away in a closet, behind a sofa or under a bed until you need it again!

Happy Building!

Thank you to Kreg Tools for sponsoring this post. I only recommend products that I use and love and all opinions are 100% my own. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.