If you’re looking to build a desk yet also have serious storage considerations, a desk hutch might be exactly what you’re looking for. A hutch can take many different shapes, including in the form of shelves, cupboards or a combination of both. What’s more, a hutch is extremely easy to build and can make a great starting project if this is your first time trying your hand at DIY building.
Materials
- Measuring Tape
- Square
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Drill
- Circular Saw
- Nailer
- Sander
- Countersink Drill Bit
- Screws
- Pocket Hole Screws
- Finish Nails
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
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And of course, you will also need wood, sized and cut to the dimensions that you would like your desk hutch to be. Try to keep the color and style of the wood consistent with the existing desk as it will look much better to have matching pieces. Even a slight discoloration can really make for a color clash that will make your hutch more of an eye sore than anything else.
Preparation
You’ll want to make sure that you have the right dimensions, as the hutch should be able to clear the height of the desk and user. Make sure you measure your current desk accordingly so that you don’t wind up with a finished project that sits too high or too low. Also ensure that you measure the correct width, as this needs to sit on top of the desk, and if it is too wide, it will not fit properly.
Measurements for a desk hutch are one of the most important aspects of building this type of furniture. When you are doing your measurements and cutting the materials, remember to include things such as doors and hinges in your calculations. Also make sure to space things out evenly and uniformly. This will give the hutch – and the overall desk itself – a more polished appearance.
Step 1 – Get Level
Before starting, it is important to ensure your work area is prepared. You should work on a level surface and the area should be clear of any and all clutter. This is common sense and good work practice for any type of DIY building project.
Step 2 – Pre-Drill
When putting the pieces of the desk hutch together, always pre-drill your holes. Do not simply try to screw through the wood as it can chip and flake and can also make for a dangerous situation, should the wood slip as you are trying to do this. For a more sturdy design, use glue and finish nails to hold the various pieces together, but remember to wipe off all excess glue as you go along. This is good in general, however it is particularly important if the wood you are using is not stained. Stain will not take to glue well, so it needs to be completely wiped clean before it dries.
Step 3 – Supports
Under the main horizontal board of the hutch it is a good idea to put in supports. The supports should run the length of the hutch and be affixed to the horizontal shelf. Not only will this make the finished item sturdier, and it is also good for hiding lighting if you plan to attach lights to the underside of the horizontal.
Step 4 – Post Assembly Considerations
When you have finished putting the desk hutch together fill all the holes with wood filler. Let that dry and check again as you may need to add more to some areas and then sand everything down so that you are left with a smooth finish.
Step 5 – Staining The Wood
Now it is time to paint or stain the desk hutch. As with all such jobs, apply a test to a small area of the wood that is not easily visible, so that you can see what the end color is going to look like.
And now you likely have a beautiful desk hutch that is both an aesthetic and utilitarian compliment to your current furniture. As you begin the building process, you’ll quickly realize that hutches are among the easiest pieces of furniture to make yourself.
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