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A desktop hutch — an open shelf-and-cubby unit that sits on a desk to add storage and lift monitors. Simple 1x12 box with a wainscoting back and a front-trimmed top.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 48" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Shelf | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 45 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 32 3/4" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Dividers | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 12" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Supports | 2 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 45 1/2" | 1x4 | ☐ |
| Back panel Can be shorter since the 1x4 sits at the bottom of the back. | 1 | 1/4" × 33 1/2" × 47" | wainscoting | ☐ |
| Front side trim | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 32 3/4" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Front top trim | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 48" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 1x12, 8 ft Top, shelf, sides, dividers. | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x4, 8 ft Supports. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x2, 10 ft Front trim. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Wainscoting panel or 1/4 in plywood, 32 in x 48 in Back. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 3/4 in and 2 in | 1 box | ☐ |
| Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4 in | 1 box | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 1 bottle | ☐ |
| Paint | 1 quart | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Circular Saw, Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Brad nails, 3/4 in and 2 in, Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4 in, Wood glue
Attach the top to the two sides with a 1/2" overhang on the ends, using your choice of fastener — pocket holes, brads, or trim screws. This sets the width and squareness of the whole hutch.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4 in, Wood glue
Use the dividers to help place the shelf at the right height, then attach the shelf to the sides. Using the actual dividers as spacers guarantees the shelf ends up where the cubbies need it.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Brad nails, 3/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue
Position the dividers in their final locations and attach them. They split the space into cubbies and stiffen the shelf.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x4, 8 ft, Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4 in, Wood glue
Add the 1x4 supports along the bottom, fastening them into the bottom shelf as well as the sides for the most strength. These tie the base together and give the hutch a solid footing on the desk.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: Wainscoting panel or 1/4 in plywood, 32 in x 48 in, Brad nails, 3/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue
Attach the wainscoting back panel with 3/4" brad nails and glue — short nails so nothing punches through the thin panel. Nail into the shelf and dividers as well as the sides so the back squares and stiffens the whole box.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Pocket Hole Jig, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x2, 10 ft, Brad nails, 3/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue, Paint
Trim the front edges with the 1x2 side and top pieces to finish out the exposed plywood edges and add a small overhang to the top. Build the trim first with pocket holes and attach, or nail directly — but use 2" brad nails to attach the top front trim to the 1x12 top edge, since a shorter nail won't reach.
Fill holes, sand, and paint.