HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN WORKSTATION

With more companies permanently closing their doors and work-from-home culture becoming the norm, this may be just what you need to organise your home space. This easy DIY workstation also makes for a great at-home school desk for your child. What’s more, this compact desk and matching bench take up less than a square metre – perfect for small spaces!

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Before you get started, we’ve weighed in on the nitty gritty.

• Hard labour 4/10
• Skill level 4/10
• Time needed ± 2–4 hours (painting excluded)
• Do it yourself for less than 70000 (wood and screws; paint excluded)
• 150-grit sandpaper
• Varnish or paint

THE TOOLS YOU'LL NEED: 

• Cordless drill and 3mm drill bit
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Jigsaw
• Clamp
• Sander
• Brush

WHAT YOU MAY NEED TO BUY: 

• 1 x sheet of 18mm plywood, cut to:
• 5 x 530 x 70mm (table frame and supports)
• 2 x 1 080 x 70mm (table frame)
• 4 x 750 x 200mm (table legs)
• 4 x 750 x 180mm (table legs)
• 1 x 1 200 x 650mm (table top)
• 5 x 200 x 100 mm (bench frame and supports)
• 2 x 910 x 100 mm (bench frame)
• 4 x 430 x 100mm (bench legs)
• 4 x 430 x 80mm (bench legs)
• 1 x 970 x 300 mm (bench seat)
• 1 packet of 6mm x 40mm chipboard screws
• 1 piece of hardboard
• Wood filler

TOP TIPS BEFORE YOU GET GOING: 

• Remember to drill pilot holes.
• Ask your hardware store to cut the wood to size – it will make your task much easier.

HOW TO MAKE THE TABLE



1. Screw two of the 530 x 70mm planks between the ends of the 1 080 x 70mm planks to form the frame. Place two of the remaining three 530mm planks on the corners and one in the middle of the frame and screw together. You will attach the table top to these supports later.



2. Make a template for the top of the legs on hardboard and trace it onto the 750 x 200mm and 750 x 180mm planks for the table legs. Cut out the pattern with the jigsaw. Screw the 180mm planks at a right angle to the 200mm planks to form the legs.



3. Place a leg on each corner of the table frame and attach them to the frame from the inside. Place the frame with the legs upside down on the tabletop and attach it to the supports.



4. Fill all screw holes neatly with wood filler and allow to dry thoroughly. Sand the table to a smooth finish and paint or varnish in the colour of your choice.

HOW TO MAKE THE BENCH



1. Place two of the 200 x 100mm planks between the ends of the 910 x 100mm planks and screw together to form the frame. Place two of the remaining three 200 x 100mm planks in the corners and one in the middle of the frame and screw together.



2. Attach the 430 x 80mm planks at a right angle to the 430 x 100mm planks to form the legs. Place a leg on each corner of the frame and attach them to the frame from the inside.

Place the frame with legs upside down on the seat and attach it to the supports.



TO FINISH 
Fill in the screw holes with wood filler and allow to dry; sand the bench to a smooth finish and paint or varnish in the colour of your choice.