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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Repurposed Cabinet Doors into a Desk

    Repurposed Cabinet Doors into a Desk

    Published by Gail | Published November 7, 2014 | Updated April 9, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Today was a good day.

    It was warm and sunny, the puppy didn't chew up the carpet, and I cleared out some of my hoard and made it into something useful.

    I give you, Repurposed Cabinet Doors into a Desk ...

    MyLove2Create-cabinet-door-desk

    Ahhh. This was a fun project for me. I think it was toss up for who was more giddy when I put it in their room...me or my boys.

    MyLove2Create-measuring-out-cabinet-doors

    I have had these cabinet doors for a while. They caught my eye on a rainy day, well pouring actually. It was a classic drive by spotting. I slammed on the breaks, made a quick U turn, and threw them in my trunk, saving them from the trash. They were pretty grimey, but they came home non the less, and I gave them a good cleaning with TSP.

    I have thought of many ways to repurpose them over the months, but this desk idea won out in the end. I started by measuring the wall I was going to use to see how long it needed to be, and then began trying different options on the floor with the cabinet doors.

    MyLove2Create-cutting-shelves

    Once the size was determined, I set to work cutting shelf boards. I used the same plywood scraps that I used in my Drawers and Drawer Slides, Master Closet Makeover post. On the left I am cutting them with my Ryobi Circular Saw, and on the right, drilling pocket holes on two sides of each board. I cut 9 shelf boards.

    Need more details on using a Kreg Jig? See my article How to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System

    MyLove2Create-pocket-holes-for-attaching-top

    For attaching the desk top later on I drilled pocket holes in the top of each cabinet door. While drilling one of my pocket holes my bit broke inside the cabinet! What? That has never happened before. I guess it is two years old and I use it all the time...luckily I had a spare, because had a feeling it was on it's way out...phew!

    MyLove2Create-attaching-shelves

    Next, I was ready to attach the shelves to the cabinet door. I attached the top and bottom shelves flush with the ends. For the middle shelf I measured where I wanted it and used a spacer board to keep all three sections the same without having to re-measure. I used my Kreg Right Angle Clamp to hold my boards in place while I drove in the first screw, this is the best clamp ever! I also made sure to use my Gorilla Wood Glue. 🙂

    MyLove2Create-attaching-other-cabinet-door

    When I measured for my shelf size I made sure to leave room for my 1x2 trim that I was planning to add. You can see here I am attaching the other cabinet door.

    MyLove2Create-boxes-built

    Here are all three sections built.

    MyLove2Create-adding-trim-and-backing

    I just had to add the back and the 1x2 trim. My Father-in-law totally hooked me up with some awesome free wood when his neighbor was moving. That is where I got the nice ¼ plywood backing, I had the 1x2 in my stash. I measured and cut them to size and glued and nailed them on.

    MyLove2Create-drilling-pocket-holes-at-an-angle

    With the sections built I had to come up with a way to connect them. I ended up trying an X pattern, because I have always want too, and I love they way they look.

    Disclaimer: So just be aware, I was winging it, and this may not be the best way to do it. Mmmkay? My sister-in-law gave me some old bed slats and they were perfect for this job. I placed the 1x3 where I wanted it, and marked with a pencil where to cut. Then I drilled pocket holes in each angled end.

    MyLove2Create-attaching-first-angled-piece

    I attached the first side with the cabinet laying down. Then to help me out, I used the wall to keep my shelves from moving while I attached the second side. I also cut and attached another 1x2 trim piece for the top to connect the shelf sections in the front.

    MyLove2Create-finishing-x

    To complete the X pattern I used the same method, except I cut two pieces, and attached them one at a time. And that was it, not too bad! They are not perfect, but I am good with that, especially for my first time. 🙂

    MyLove2Create-trying-out-top-board

    You may recall my Cubby Shelf Makeover that I shared last month. I really loved the reclaimed wood top I put on it, so I went to see if I had a piece of that 70 year old barn wood to fit for the desk top. Yay, I had one left in the right size, sa-weet! I actually did this before I attached the shelves together. I needed the overall length so I knew how far apart to have the shelves spaced.

    MyLove2Create-priming
    So, I cleaned up the barn wood top and gave it three coats of poly. I also started priming and painting the desk with paint I had. Oh, and I did fill in the cracks with spackle...that is important to do especially when you are painting things white.
    MyLove2Create-front-empty
    I think the cabinet doors look good as a desk!
    MyLove2Create-topside-view
    I love how they make it look fancy.
    MyLove2Create-shot-from-far
    Since I made this desk for free with things I had on hand, I figured some $1 bins from the dollar store would be in order to fill the shelves. So my grand total was $6.
    MyLove2Create-x-close-up
    I am glad I tried the X pattern, I love how it turned out.
     MyLove2Create-close-up-of-top
    The top is sooooo pretty, and smooth too, because I made sure to sand with 400 grit sandpaper between coats of poly.
    MyLove2Create-side-shot-inside
    Here is a shot in the boys room. It is nice and narrow so it doesn't take up too much space.
    MyLove2Create-front-shot-inside
    It is a perfect spot to sit and do homework. And...I wouldn't be surprised to see them using it for a place to set up their "guys" either.
    Did you notice a problem? No Chairs! Don't worry, I am on it...
    MyLove2Create-repurposed-cabinet-doors-into-childerns-desk
    The chairs are my next project. 🙂
    Have you ever repurposed cabinet doors before? I would love to here how!
    Hugs,
    Mindi
    Related Content: See More Desk Projects Here

    see more of Mindi's posts on MRL here

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    About Mindi

    Mindi is a wife, mother, runner, dancer, and a lover of all things fun and DIY.

    A few years ago she discovered blogs and fell in love with the idea that she could do things she had always dreamed of doing. Like build furniture from pallets, and make cool projects for her home.... Mindi was inspired by other bloggers that empowered her to create.

    Mindi decided to give back and possibly reach someone out there that has a desire to create like herself. She believes we all have that desire in some form or another, and we all DO create in our own way, every day. Whether it be crafty or not, even creating happiness in others is a gift that many share.

    Mindi loves to learn and use that knowledge to make beautiful and useful things for her home.

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    1. JOYCE ANDERSON

      July 09, 2015 at 12:24 am

      WHAT AN EASY, USEFUL AND CHEAP PROJECT. THE LOCAL 'HABITAT' SELLS ODD DOORS LIKE THIS FOR A COUPLE OF BUCKS.TY

      Reply
    2. Brandy @ Our Thrifty Home

      March 31, 2015 at 9:21 pm

      I just came across your post on Pinterest. I had to re-pin it! Your project is wonderful.
      Thank You for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      November 10, 2014 at 6:32 pm

      So creative AGAIN Mindy!

      Reply
    4. Shirley

      November 09, 2014 at 12:16 am

      You are so darn creative and I am jealous! Great job a usual.

      God Bless!

      Reply
    5. Mary

      November 08, 2014 at 8:05 pm

      MINDI!!! You rock!! 😀 and I love you desk creation, from cabinet doors. It is a real gem, you know? I look at my cabinet doors and there is no way this kinda' wood would work for such a sturdy creation, as you have created. Enjoy it along with the boys.

      Reply
    6. Dee

      November 07, 2014 at 7:19 pm

      I cannot believe the wonderful projects you come up with. Please come to my house and build me something...
      anything. I would love to have your talents. Great desk or entry way piece. LOVE IT!

      Reply
    7. Dee

      November 07, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      Wow this desk project is amazing. You always think of the most unique furniture to make.

      Reply
    8. Pam

      November 07, 2014 at 12:40 pm

      Once again, you amaze me. I think one day I will log on and not be surprised, so far, that has not happened! I so love this piece. My boys could keep their toys all picked up and in place with a piece like this. Thank you for sharing as always.

      Reply
    9. Tali

      November 07, 2014 at 12:27 pm

      Gail, You are such an inspiration! You are so amazing in your creativity, I truly jump for joy and anticipation when I see an email from you in my inbox! Keep it up, you are definitely doing what you are meant to be doing...Tali

      Reply
    10. Becky

      November 07, 2014 at 10:27 am

      Love, love, love--sharing on FB!

      Reply
    11. darrielle tennenbaum

      November 07, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Brilliant as always!

      Reply
    12. Judy

      November 07, 2014 at 8:49 am

      What do you mean a desk for kid?? I love it! I would be so happy to have something like this in my craft room. Great job!

      Reply
    13. Terri

      November 07, 2014 at 8:04 am

      This is amazing...you did a beautiful job on this!

      Reply
    14. Bliss

      November 07, 2014 at 6:51 am

      Nice job.......bonus you have happy boys. Making the chairs from scratch?

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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