How to make folding legs on a desk?

Sharon
by Sharon

I want to make my son a simple desk with folding legs for college use. Would folding hinge brackets be strong enough?


  13 answers
  • Gk Gk on Jun 16, 2020

    You can buy tables that have folding legs at Menards. Polyethylene top, stain resistant, different sizes, easy to fold up and down, sturdy, reasonably priced. I have several of these in different sizes that I use in my craft room. Much easier than trying to make one!

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jun 16, 2020

    Hi Sharon,

    Yes you can use folding hinge brackets, just make sure they are strong enough for a desk. I'd suggest looking online to see what kind of folding leg hinges - or folding table legs DIY - are available. Once you have an idea, you can either order them online or call your local stores to see if they are in stock. Here are some ideas from Amazon. I hope this helps you with your search. Wishing you the best.

    https://www.amazon.com/customerpicks/Explore-folding-legs-for-tables/8c7f0b4f88c21e1e96c3

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jun 16, 2020

    Sharon

    Are you looking for a desk he can to college? most dorms have work spaces in them for computers, etc. You may find buying a desk with foldable legs would be cheaper than making one. Here are some ideas

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeNp4MgEti4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IyUqr6wHHk

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 16, 2020

    if you want to save space this will do it since there are no legs (it folds down)

    How to Build a Space-Saving Wall-Mounted Desk

    https://www.hgtv.com/shows/room-lab/diys/how-to-build-a-space-saving-wall-mounted-desk

  • Em Em on Jun 17, 2020

    There is a large selection on Amazon for tables.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jun 17, 2020

    I bought my son an affordable folding camping table for college that has a built in carrying table.

    Now that he’s graduated the all-plastic top, is very handy for a lot of messy projects.

  • You can pick up camping tables for a reasonable price. But hinges should work.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jun 18, 2020

    Hi! Two of my daughters dormed when they went away to college, and a desk was provided along with a dresser, a bed and other basics. When they moved into their own apartments, they used old furnishings from home. If that's what's occurring, and you want to build it yourself, just make sure the hinges are rated for the weight of the materials and anything that will add weight, like books or a laptop. A good hardware store should have what you need. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 18, 2020

    Hello Sharon,

    Have you thought of utilising an Ironing board (Duel purpose) or a Paste Table or Picnic Table instead of making something new ?

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 21, 2020

    I am just wondering why you are leaning towards a desk with folding legs, rather than a conventional sturdier desk?

    Is it because you are thinking it will be easier/lighter to transport to where he is going to be living while attending college

    or because

    you are thinking that as his room will be short on floor space, he will fold it up when not in use?


    Instead of trying to make your own desk, how about investing in furniture that is more dual purpose and floor-space saving at the same time? Here are some examples:

    • See 3 previous
    • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 23, 2020

      Yep, makes sense.


      Many multi-purpose pieces of furniture that are available these days are fairly lightweight due to being built with 'hollow' storage space inside. Here are a few more examples of pieces that would lend themselves well to moving into and living in small apartments. The last two examples from IKEA which are a lightweight alternative to heavy dressers, pantries, or bookshelves.

  • Janice Janice on Jun 22, 2020

    You can perhaps locate folding hairpin legs at a home improvement stoe or on Amazon.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 19, 2021

    I bought my college kid a folding camping table for a desk. Sporting goods stores have many choices.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jan 29, 2021

    Here are some ideas I think might help! https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=How%20to%20make%20folding%20legs%20on%20a%20desk%3F&rs=typed&term_meta[]=How%20to%20make%20folding%20legs%20on%20a%20desk%3F%7Ctyped