Grant Secretary Hutch

The base is a 46-1/2" board or plywood cut to size. Cut the sides — 1x12s vary in width, so measure yours and adjust the cuts to match. Add the top with screws and glue since it isn't fully face-framed, and adjust for square.

Tack the 1/4" back onto the SQUARE hutch with finish nails and glue (or short screws). The back is what holds the box square, so confirm square first.

Make six little drawers — simple 1x3 boxes (finish nails and glue are fine) with 1/4" plywood tacked to the bottom. Build them to fit their openings.

Insert the drawer sections and measure the gap for the shelf (about 22"), cutting to fit. Make it fixed or drill for shelf pins. Then cut the edge moulding to fit and nail and glue it down, mitering the corners at 45°.

Attach the flip-down desktop to the desk interior with low-profile hinges, and add hinge supports (stays) so it holds level when open instead of dropping. On assembly, screw the hutch to its base — a loaded flip-down top can tip the hutch forward, so it must be anchored (and screw down any top hutch too). Fill, sand, and finish.