How to Install a Folding Desk in a TV Armoire

Measure the height and width of the armoire opening with a tape measure. Measure the width of the drop-down hinges as well, including the pistons, also the thickness of the wood veneer trim pieces for the desk’s sides. Subtract the width of the two hinges and two strips of veneer from the width of the opening.

Use the measurements taken to mark a piece of hardwood board the size you want for your folding desk. Your desk must be the adjusted width, but it can extend from the armoire opening at any length you want up to the height of the opening. Use a pencil to mark your chosen dimensions onto the board, and a straightedge to help you make straight cutting lines at the desired points.

Cut the board along your marked lines using a circular saw. Sand the edges smooth with a medium grit sandpaper and then wipe away the dust from sanding with a tack cloth.

Cut two strips of wood veneer trim to the length of your desk sides. Use strips created from the same wood as your desktop. Brush the cut sides of the board with a layer of contact cement, as well as the rear of the wood veneer strips. Wait for the cement to dry until it reaches a tacky state, with the adhesive still sticky, but no longer feeling wet to the touch.

Press the strips to the sides of the board so that the ends are flush. Roll over the strips with a laminate roller to force out any air from beneath them and to make certain that the strip’s entire surface touches the board. The strips should bind instantly with the board.

Wipe any excess cement that escapes the seam from the board with a damp sponge. Use a router to trim any excess from the strips along the edge of the board.

Test the drop-down hinge positions on the sides of the armoire wall to determine the best location to mount them into place. Position the hinges inside the armoire so that when the bottom of the hinge extends fully, the desk lies horizontal, flush with the base of the opening and then stops at that point. When retracted the desk should fit within the opening fully, with the front of the desk allowing room for the armoire doors to close over it. Mark the position of the hinge mounting holes in the side of the armoire with the pencil.

Drill pilot holes into the sides of the armoire wall. Mount the top of the hinges to the walls with wood screws driven through the hinge holes and into the walls of the armoire. Make sure the screws are short enough not to extend through the walls of the armoire, and that the top of the two hinges are level with one another. You can check for level using a carpenter’s level extending over the tops of the two before mounting the second hinge into position.

Extend the hinges and position the wooden board at the front of the armoire. Place the hinge base onto the sides of the board and mark the location of the mounting holes through the base onto the board. Drill pilot holes at the marks and then screw the base of the hinges in place into the desktop board. As with the armoire use screws short enough to avoid extending through the board itself.

Test the fit of the board by pushing it into place inside the armoire and closing the doors of the unit over it. Make any adjustments necessary to ensure proper fit if needed.