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How to build a Room Divider

How to build a Room Divider

From Australian Handyman Magazine

Modify one basic plan to build a room divider, display unit or storage shelving.

Download How to Build a Room Divider Project PDF.

Versatile and movable this basic pine frame costs about $50 and takes less than a day to make. The 1200 x 1200mm cubed shelving unit is built from standard 190 x 19mm pine or 290 x 19mm pine for wider shelves.

Cut the timber using a circular saw or have it cut by the supplier for accuracy and quick, easy assembly.

STEP 1

Mark the shelf supports
On the sides and dividers mark 40mm from the edges, 385mm and 780mm from the top, then 10mm either side of these marks as a guide for the 19mm-thick shelves. Repeat on the reverse side of the dividers.

STEP 2

Add the shelf supports
Position corner brackets below the marks, securing with 16mm x 8g timber screws using a cordless drill and Phillips head drive bit.
TIP: Use metal angle brackets as an alternative to corner brackets.

STEP 3

Drill the holes
On the top and base boards mark the sides and dividers 19mm, 394mm and 413mm from the ends (see Diagram), mark across to guide a 3mm drill bit to make three holes between the lines and countersink.

STEP 4

Assemble the frame
Lay out pieces to butt-join the dividers and sides against the top and base, securing with 50mm x 8g timber screws, using a square and measuring diagonals to check the frame.
TIP: Don’t tighten the outside screws until the frame is checked for square.

STEP 5

Attach shelves, backing
Position the shelves and trim the ends of the centre shelves slightly if they are a tight fi t then secure to the corner brackets from underneath using 16mm x 8g timber screws.
TIP: If attaching a backing secure it to the frame with 16mm x 8g screws.

Finishing the unit
1. Apply timber fi ller to any dents or blemishes and sand all over with 180-grit abrasive paper.

2. For a natural fi nish, sand the completed unit and apply two coats of stain, sanding lightly between coats with 280-grit abrasive paper. Finish with a coat of clear polyurethane to protect the pine. To paint, sand the completed unit, apply a sealer undercoat to prime, then two coats of gloss acrylic.
TIP: Gloss acrylic is better than matt for furniture because it tends to chip less.