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Workstation Units How to construct office workstation units From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-610

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Materials:

birch plywood
circular saw
router
glue
square head screws
plywood backing board
cordless screw driver
miter saw
crown molding
paint
primer
ledger board
bead board backsplash
under cabinet lighting
small clip brackets
pin-type shelf supports
hardware for drawers
drawer runners
cabinet hinges
caulk
window jambs
window facing
quarter round trim molding
sliding computer keyboard tray

Office Workstation Units

1. Use a circular saw to make the sides, base and top out of the birch plywood (figure A). Use a clamped down board as a fence. This keeps the saw straight. Make sure to let the blade stop before removing the saw.

2. Use a router to round off doors, or add decorative designs (figure B).

3. Connect the side to the base and then add the top (figure C). Glue and screw each joint for added strength. Make sure to keep the front and back flush. It is important to pre-drill holes to make the assembly process easier. In addition, use a square head screw, which drives in tightly. Next, add the two top pieces. This is where the counter top will be fastened down. Apply glue and fasten the two support rails in place.

4. The cabinet box is reinforced with a plywood backing which will be glued and secured with screws (figure D). Set the cordless screw driver to the low setting to prevent the screw from splitting the wood.

5. Glue and secure the toe kick. It's recessed back from the front of the cabinet (figure E).

6. Build the upper shelf units for the office (figure F). These are similar to the cabinets...a basic box with a backing and a front frame.

7. Measure and cut the crown molding. Place the beveled top against the saw base and hold it in place. Always cut the miter end first and then lay it out and mark for the straight cut. Cut the molding to length with the saw adjusted to 90 degrees.

8. Glue and nail the crown molding onto the support strips to give a custom finish (figure G). With the saw set to the opposite 45 degree angle, repeat the process for the side molding. Nail the corner in first, then the bottom.

9. Prime and paint the workstations (figure H).

10. For the upper wall units, install a ledger board for it to sit on temporarily. Secure it to the wall at the corners (figure I).

Figure H

Figure I

11. Install the middle unit between the side units and secure it to the wall and the sides. Then, install the lower cabinets. For the desktop, install a bead board backsplash with cut outs for the electrical outlets (figure J).

12. Install under cabinet lighting units to the desk area. These are held in place with small clip brackets. The power cord plugs into the light fixture and the unit snaps into the installed clips (figure K). Install the pre-drilled, pin type shelf supports.

Figure J

Figure K

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