How to Build a Fold Down Computer Desk

Measure the desired space to get the length required for the folding computer desk. A common length is approximately 30 inches, which is long enough to hold a computer screen for a desktop computer or a laptop.

Lay the plywood down on the floor, so you can sketch the perimeter of the folding computer desk. The width of the desk must match the length of the folding bracket to get optimal support. The length of the folding bracket is the section of the bracket that attaches directly on the undersurface of the desk. Use the pencil and ruler to draw a large rectangle measuring your chosen length and width.

Turn on the table saw and cut the large folding computer desk surface following the straight pencil lines on the plywood. Slide the sandpaper across the freshly cut edges to remove splinters and cracks. Wipe the desk down with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust.

Locate two wall studs in the wall where the computer folding desk will be installed, as the brackets will need stud support. Drag the stud finder vertically across the wall. Make a pencil mark on the wall where a stud is. Find one stud per folding bracket -- so find two within the length of the desk.

Measure the distance from the floor to the desk height by placing the end of the measuring tape on the floor surface and measuring 30 inches upward. Thirty inches is a common height, but you can adjust it as you please. At the 30-inch mark, draw a small pencil mark that overlaps with the stud. Do this for both studs.

Install one folding bracket per stud. The brackets must be installed using 2-inch long screws that will reach the wall studs through the wall. Use a cordless drill for the installation. Place the level on one of the bracket's top surface before securing it completely to the wall to ensure the surface of the bracket is levelled. If the bracket is installed on a slight angle, the surface area won’t be levelled with the desk when it is placed on top of the bracket. Repeat with the second bracket.

Open the folding brackets, so they are in full extended position. Slowly lay the plywood desk on top of the two brackets and adjust it so it is evenly placed on the brackets for optimal balance. Slide underneath the desk and secure the desk to the brackets by screwing small 1/4-inch long screws through the bracket installation holes. Use a handheld screwdriver for this to avoid shocking or breaking the plywood panel. Ask for help if you find the desk is too heavy or if you want assistance in installing the desk.

Crawl out from underneath the folding desk, which is now fully installed. Unfold the computer desk by lifting the desk surface slightly upward, so the brackets unlock. Use your foot to push the bracket's main supportive bracket aside, unless they automatically fold. Slowly let the desk fall down along the wall, but assist the desk in the folding process. To reset the desk in the upright position, lift the desk surface upward from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Lift slightly more, so the wall brackets extend out from the wall. Use your hands if they are not automatically moving out. Let the desk surface rest on the brackets.