DIY Closet Desk and Wall Calendar

Cut the base fronts/backs (A) and base sides (B) to length (Project Diagram, Cutting List) so the assembled base frames will match the storage cube dimensions. Assemble the frames with glue and clamps (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). Then drill countersunk pilot holes through the fronts into the sides and drive 2-inch drywall screws into the pilot holes.

From a 1-inch-by-4-inch pine board, cut the wall trim (C) to fit your closet size. Then cut the side trim (D) and front trim (E) oversize.

Cut the desk sides (F), desk supports (G), cube tops (H), and center top (I) to size. The desk supports also need an angle cut on the ends (Project Diagram, Drawing 3).

Sand all of the parts with 150-grit sandpaper. Then apply a coat of primer and two coats of paint. Sand between coats of paint with a fine-grit sanding sponge.

Cut a miter at one end of the wall trim (C) and set the trim between the bases at the back (Project Diagram, Drawing 2). Mark the location of the miter at the second end of the part and cut to fit; secure to the wall with finish nails.

Cut a miter at one end of the side trim (D) and set the trim in position against the miters on the wall trim. Mark where the inside face meets the front face of the base assembly. Repeat for side trim on the other base. For the front trim (E), place the square end against the wall and mark the miter location on the opposite end where the inside face meets the end of the base front (A).

Cut miters on the side and front trim leaving a little extra material. Test the fit, and trim as needed for a perfect fit. Then nail the parts in place.

Drill pilot holes and drive the screws flush with the surface of the wood (Project Diagram, Drawing 3) to join the desk supports to the desk sides.

Apply adhesive to the top of one of the cubes and place one of the cube tops (H) in position against the side and back wall of the closet.

Measure the distance between the cubes and add 1-1/2 inches to trim the center top to final length. Apply adhesive to the top of the desk frame and position the top against the wall and against the first cube top.

Find and mark what will be the lowest edge of the calendar. Then mark what will be the center of the calendar along that line. Using a level, stretch a 3-foot piece of tape centered on the mark to mask the bottom of the calendar. Mark the tape on each side 17 inches from the center. Using a level, apply tape to mark the outside vertical edges of the calendar (Chalkboard Calendar Layout Guide). Measure and mark the sides 29 inches up from the bottom tape and then stretch a piece of tape to mark the top edge of the calendar.

Mark the side pieces of tape 4 inches down from the top inside edge, and apply a piece of tape horizontally to create a 34-inch-by-4-inch rectangle. Then follow the guide to mark the tape to create five rows and seven columns of 4-inch squares. When finished, press all of the tape firmly against the wall to keep paint from seeping underneath.