Closet Turned Office: A New Space For Back To School

It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school season is nearly here. After a long year of pandemic learning, work-from-home and hybrid teaching, you might be thinking it’s time to carve out some office space for yourself. No matter what your back-to-school situation looks like this year, this DIY “cloffice” project from Steve Ford will give you the space you need (and a door you can close once the work day is over!).

See how Steve transformed this cluttered closet into a functional office, then download the project plans to try it for yourself.

Tools Needed

5 PC. Titanium Countersink Bit Set

Professional Stud Finder

Laser Level

48" Aluminum I-Beam Level

30 PK. Carpenter Pencil

35' Auto-Lock Tape Measure

see all tools

Materials Needed

(1) piece plywood 2x4x8
(3) pieces 2x8x8
(6) pieces 1x2x8
(1) piece 1x3x8
Self-stick cork board panels
Nails
Screws
Wood filler
Paint

If you have all of your tools and materials ready to go, you can start building!

plans

LET'S BUILD!

Download the Cloffice Plans

Download

Before you can start building, you’ll need to choose a closet to take over. Clean it out and take down any supports or structures that you’ll no longer need (Steve recommends keeping wall hooks for extra storage!).

TABLE IT: HOW TO BUILD YOUR DESK

Measure your closet. The amount of materials and size may vary based on your own space — Steve’s closet was 72” wide. All instructions are built for that size, so adjust as needed.
Cut your wood to the appropriate sizes and measure out centered marks on the longest pieces.
Assemble your desk frame using screws.
In your closet, measure 29 ¼” from the ground. This will be the height of your desk. Use a level to mark a level line on the back of the closet wall.
Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your back and side walls. Place your desk frame on the line, with the top of the frame aligned to the top of the line. Recheck with your level before drilling pilot holes through the frame on the studs.
Fasten your frame to the wall with screws and your drill or impact driver.
Measure and cut your plywood. Place it on top of your desk frame and use your brad nailer to attach the plywood to the frame below.
Measure and cut your 1x3x8. This will become the front of your desk so you can’t see the plywood and the frame.
Use your brad nailer to attach the 1x3x8 to both the plywood and the frame.

Add Shelves

Measure up from your desk to the desired height of your first shelf. Use your level to mark a straight line.
Attach your shelf cleats to the wall at the line you just marked.
Repeat previous steps for each desired shelf location.
Cut your 2x8x8 to the desired length and place on top of the shelf cleat. Pre-drill and screw through the shelf into the cleat. Sand where needed.
Repeat as needed for all shelves.

Finishing Touches

Add self-stick cork boards between desk and shelf.
Cut to size where needed.
Paint everything desired color for a cohesive look. Decorate.

Voilá! You officially have a new, private space to work, study, draw or just have some time alone. And when the clock strikes five, you can close the door on the day. How will your closet office come to life? Tag us on social media and us #DoItWithHART so we can see how your own “cloffice” turns out!