Grant Secretary Hutch

Step 1

The base of the Secretary Hutch is a 1×20 @ 46 1/2″ long, or simply a piece of 3/4″ plywood or MDF cut to the size shown above.

Sides and Bottom

Cut the sides out as shown above. 1x12s can vary in width so measure the width of your 1x12s and adjust the cuts as shown above. If you choose to have your 1x12s made from a sheet of 3/4″ plywood ripped into strips, to minimize waste, make your 1x12s 11 1/2″ wide.

Top

Add the top to the hutch as shown above. Use screws and glue, as this piece is not fully face framed. Adjust for square.

Back

Tack the back on to your SQUARE hutch. Use finish nails and glue or screws (you can use short ones).

Step 5

Drawers

Make six of these little drawers. Just build a box from 1x3s as shown above (finish nails and glue would do just fine here) and tack 1/4″ plywood to the bottom. When you go to finish, make sure you sand and fill the edges of the 1/4″ plywood so it appears supper smooth.

Shelf

Insert the two drawer pieces into the hutch and measure and cut your shelf to fit the difference. Should be 22″. You can either make the shelf fixed or drill holes and insert shelf pins according to the instruction on the shelf pin package (shelf pins can vary in size and installation methods). You can also add additional shelves if you like (for example, one shelf for the laptop, one for the keyboard and mouse storage).

Edge Moulding

Cut the edge moulding to fit and nail and glue down, mitering corners at 45 degree angles.

Flip Down Desk

Attach the flip down desk to the desk interior with hinges as shown above. You can use any standard low profile hinge here. Also recommended is hinge supports to keep the desktop open at just the right angle. Install magnetic clasps to keep the hinged top closed when closed on the insides of the sides.

Step 10

When you assemble the piece, make sure you screw the hutch to the base, as the hutch could tip forward when weight is placed on the flip down top. If you also add the top hutch, make sure you screw down and also use a tip resistant kit to keep the entire project from tipping forward.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.