Easy Build DIY Wall File Organizer

by Wendi @ H2OBungalow

I belong to a group of super creative tool loving bloggers who get together and challenge each other to build something awesome with a power tool. This month's tool is the jigsaw. It got a little more challenging when we added a back to school theme. I remember how huge the back to school paperwork stacks could be when my kids were little. I built a super project that's great for back to school, a family who battles paperwork, or someone like me. Who can't grow a houseplant, but I can sure grow a stack of paper on my desktop really well.

easy build diy wall file organizer, how to, organizing, woodworking projects

Supply list to make this DIY wall file organizer project.

jigsaw & jigsaw blades

palm sander

2 C Clamps

safety goggles

2 x 4 @ 1/4 " plywood

6 - 1 x 1 flat or square trim

builders square, ruler or combination square

E6000 glue

wood filler

paint

picture hanging hardware

pen

printed template go to my blog post for the free downloadbale template for the two side pieces .

Cut list for DIY wall file organizer.

2 - 2 1/2 x 20 pieces for the side supports

2- 13 x 9 1/4 pieces for the top two file pocket fronts, cut 1/4 notches at 6 on each side.

1- 13 x 8 1/4 lower file pocket front

Cut the back panel and the trim to your desired size. I suggest cutting both of these after the organizer is glued together.

Start by printing out the side template out and tracing it onto the two side pieces. Cut with the jigsaw. You'll get a better quality cut with a fine blade or a scroll blade. It helps to use clamps to hold the pieces while you cut with the jigsaw. Cut sections at a time.

New user tip: When your running the jigsaw and need to stop, back it up a half an inch or so in the cut groove and the blade will stop smoothly.

Sometimes it's a little tough to get a perfectly straight line with a jigsaw. Line up both sides to be sure they are even. Run a pen or pencil over the edge to mark where you'll need to sand down an area to even it up.

Sand the edges.

Fit the parts together to test that everything lines up well. Make any minor adjustments if needed.

Cut the trim to go along the sides the length of the side supports. They will extend all the way to the bottom of the back board. Cut another one for the bottom that will inside the two side supports. This one will butt up against the bottom of the file folder pockets.

Next, size and cut the back board . Mine is 25 tall and 3/4 inches wider than my assembled organizer with the side supports. I rounded the top corners by tracing a small using a plate on the edges and cutting out with the jigsaw. Pretty hi-tech, huh?

You'll save time if you paint your pieces now, before gluing together.

Now it's time to assemble your DIY wall file organizer. Start by gluing the side file folder pieces to the side trim. Hold them together with your clamps. I let these sit several hours before moving on to the next step.

Next, glue the file folder tops onto the sides. Glue and add the center pocket front piece first, next add the top and then the bottom front last. Weigh down with a solid high-tech gadget like a few bricks, bags of rice or a paint can:). I let these sit overnight.

A girl has to be resourceful, right?

Add the hanging hardware onto the back board before the next step! I forgot and had DH holding it with the top edge on a flat surface so I could tap in the little screws last..it was a pain :(

The final step is to attach the backboard and last piece of trim on the front bottom. Again use your weights to get a good contact. Use the wood filler where needed and sand lightly. Give your awesome new project another another coat of paint or touch up where needed.

Viola! My friends...You've just created your own DIY wall file organizer!

Seriously, don't you want to try this? I made this one completey out of scraps so my cost was $0!

I gave it a pretty coat of paint & added a few butterfly stencils. I'm not sure yet if I'll add labels to the front or not. In the meantime I added a few of my Clothespin Word Noteclips.

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3 comments

Hannah V on Aug 13, 2015
A great way to stay organized! Love it.

1 Reply
- Wendi @ H2OBungalow on Aug 13, 2015
  @Hannah V Thanks so much & yes, I needed the organization!
  
  Like
AGMR on Mar 06, 2017
Pretty and practical! My favourite attributes.

1 Reply