DIY Transforming Storage Shelf
Multi-Purpose Transforming Shelf
Ready to solve your shop’s space issues? This folding workbench is a game-changer—perfect for stashing heavy tools like planers or doubling as a workbench, infeed/outfeed table, or storage shelf. It’s sturdy, folds into a compact 2x3-foot footprint, and you can build it with basic lumber and tools. Follow these steps, and you’ll have it up in no time. For a visual, make sure to check out the linked YouTube video as well.
Material Needed
Lumber:
2x10: One 8-foot board (for arms and main support)
2x4: Six 8-foot boards (for arms, arm supports, base)
3/4-inch plywood: One 4x8 sheet (for shelves)
Hardware:
2.5-inch pocket hole screws (16)
1.25-inch screws (for shelves, ~20)
2.5-inch wood screws (16)
2.5-inch lag screws (4)
3/8-inch bolts (3.5-inch long, 10; 5.5-inch long, 2)
3/8-inch lock nuts (12)
3/8-inch washers (24)
Metal corner brackets (6, ~2x2-inch)
Square head screws (for brackets, ~12, 1-inch)
Gas struts (2, optional, with side pivots)
Chain or rope (optional, ~2 feet)
Tools:
Circular saw or jigsaw
Drill with 3/8-inch bit, 1-inch counterbore bit
Pocket hole jig (e.g., Kreg)
Drill guide or drill press
Screwdriver (square head bit)
Measuring tape, pencil, square
Clamps
Safety glasses
Time To Bring Your Transforming Shelf To Life
Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Arms
The arms are the backbone of the folding mechanism, supporting the table’s weight.
Cut the Arms:
From a 2x10, cut eight 18-inch boards and eight 9-inch boards.
Alternatively, use a jigsaw to cut arm shapes from a 2x10 (two per board, curved design for strength), but this weakens the grain. Reinforce if using this method.
Add Pocket Holes:
On each 9-inch board, drill two pocket holes at one end using a Kreg jig. Avoid knots to prevent weak joints.
Assemble Arms:
Pair one 18-inch and one 9-inch board to form an L-shape. Apply wood glue to the joint, then secure with two 2.5-inch pocket hole screws.
Repeat for eight arms total.
Add Brackets:
Attach a metal corner bracket to the inside corner of six arms using 1-inch square head screws (two screws per bracket).
Leave two arms without brackets (for main support attachment later).
Drill Bolt Holes:
On each arm, measure 1.75 inches up and 1.75 inches in from both ends (on the side of the 18-inch board).
Drill a 3/8-inch hole straight through using a drill guide or drill press.
Step 2: Build the Arm Supports
These 6-foot supports connect the arms and allow the table to pivot.
Cut Supports:
From 2x4s, cut four 6-foot boards. Choose the straightest boards with minimal knots.
Mark Bolt Holes:
On each board, mark bolt placements: 1.75 inches from one end, then at 24 inches, 48 inches, and 1.75 inches from the other end.
Measure 1.75 inches up from the board’s edge to find the center of each mark.
Counterbore and Drill:
At each mark, drill a 1-inch counterbore (0.5-inch deep) to recess bolt heads.
Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the center of each counterbore.
Assemble Arm Supports:
Take two 6-foot boards and align them parallel. Slide a 3.5-inch bolt through each hole from the counterbored side, adding a washer after the bolt head.
Slide an arm onto each bolt (holes aligned), add another washer, and secure with a lock nut. Ensure bolts reach the locking threads.
For the second arm on each bolt, use the two arms without brackets on the second set of bolts.
Repeat for the second pair of 6-foot boards, ensuring arms are on the inside of the supports.
Step 3: Connect Arm Assemblies with Main Support
This ties the two arm assemblies together.
Cut Main Support:
From a 2x10, cut one 34.5-inch board.
Attach Main Support:
Place the arm assemblies on their edges, arms facing inward.
Slide the 34.5-inch board between the second arms (without brackets), ensuring a 1.5-inch overhang on both sides.
Flush the board’s edge against the back of the arms.
Secure with four 2.5-inch screws per side (eight total).
Step 4: Build the Base
The base keeps everything stable and grounded.
Cut Base Parts:
Feet: From 2x4s, cut two 23.875-inch boards. Chamfer edges with a 45-degree, 1-inch cut.
Uprights: Cut four 28-inch boards.
Main Support Brace: Cut two 9.25-inch boards.
Leg Ties: Cut two 37.5-inch boards.
Assemble Legs:
Place a 23.875-inch foot flat. Set two 28-inch uprights on top, using a 9.25-inch board as a spacer to position uprights 3.8125 inches from each edge.
Square the uprights to the foot and secure each with two 2.5-inch screws, leaving space for a lag screw later.
Lay the second foot on top, align, and mark where uprights meet. Cut out the marked section to create fillers.
Attach fillers to the uprights’ sides and center using 2.5-inch screws.
On the 9.25-inch brace, add pocket holes to both ends. Attach it 1.5 inches from the top of the uprights using 2.5-inch pocket hole screws.
Pre-drill holes for 2.5-inch lag screws in the uprights (one per upright).
Repeat for the second leg.
Connect Legs:
Attach the 37.5-inch leg ties to connect the legs, using 2.5-inch screws (pre-drill for accuracy). Clamp for stability.
Step 5: Attach Top Assembly to Base
Now, let’s mount the folding mechanism to the base.
Position Assembly:
Place the main support (34.5-inch board) between the uprights, resting on the main support braces.
Test arm movement to ensure smooth folding.
Secure Assembly:
Attach the main support to the braces using 2.5-inch screws (four total).
Step 6: Add Shelves
The shelves form the workbench surface and storage.
Cut Shelves:
From 3/4-inch plywood, cut three 28.5x21.75-inch pieces and one 28.5x23.75-inch piece.
Attach Shelves:
Place the 28.5x23.75-inch shelf over the main support (non-moving shelf). Align edges flush with the arms’ square edges.
Secure with 1.25-inch screws (six to eight screws).
Attach the three 28.5x21.75-inch shelves to the remaining arms, aligning flush and securing with 1.25-inch screws.
Step 7: Install Support Legs and Locking Pin
These keep the table stable when extended.
Cut and Drill Support Legs:
From 2x4s, cut two 25.75-inch boards.
Drill a 3/8-inch hole 1.75 inches from one end on each.
Attach Support Legs:
Remove the 3.5-inch bolts from the back arms’ bottom holes.
Replace with 5.5-inch bolts, sliding the support leg onto each bolt, followed by a washer and lock nut.
Test leg movement and adjust as needed.
Add Locking Pin:
With the table extended, drill a 3/8-inch hole through one upright and arm support at the top.
Insert a 3.5-inch bolt to lock the table in place.
Step 8: Final Touches
Add strength and convenience.
Install Lag Screws:
Insert 2.5-inch lag screws into pre-drilled holes in the uprights (four total).
Optional Gas Struts:
Install gas struts on both sides for easier lifting (use two side pivots per strut). Follow manufacturer instructions for placement.
Optional Chain Stopper:
Attach a 2-foot chain or rope to prevent legs from swinging too far. Secure to the leg and base with screws.
Step 9: Test and Load
Test the folding mechanism. It should extend to an 8-foot table and collapse to a 2x3-foot shelf.
Place the heaviest item on the second shelf from the floor (non-moving shelf) for stability.
The design supports one-handed operation, even with heavy tools.
Pro Tips
Use straight, knot-free lumber for arm supports to prevent twisting.
Double-check bolt holes for straightness to ensure smooth pivoting.
If using as a planer stand, the shelves act as infeed/outfeed tables.
Ready To Build?
You’ve got a folding workbench that saves space and handles heavy-duty tasks. Use it as a workbench, storage, or whatever your shop needs.
Whether you’re new to woodworking or a seasoned pro, this project offers the perfect mix of functionality and creativity. If you’re a more “plans in the hand” person, click “Get Plan” down below for downloadable instructions. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into woodworking, check out my new course, “Woodworking Kickstart” (which is also linked below). It’s packed with step-by-step lessons to help you build confidence and skills, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced DIYer. You’ll be building with confidence in no time.
Remember, creativity doesn’t have to be expensive; all you need is a little inspiration and a willingness to try.
Get Easy Step-By-Step Directions to build this by clicking the button below
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