How to Make a Wall Organizer // DIY Woodworking | I Like To Make Stuff

To help clean up my kids' desks, I designed and built some simple wall organizers. There are plans linked below for both projects! Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video, click here to explore your creativity and get 2 free months of Premium Membership: skl.sh/iliketo...
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The frame for the wall organizer is made from some simple 1x2, pre-primed pine lumber I found at Lowe's. Using the measurement from the kids' desk top, I cut the frame pieces on the miter saw at 45 degree angles. I used glue and brad nails to connect the pieces together. Alone, this joint may not be that strong, but the interior panels will be glued in place and will add strength and support to the whole unit.
To divide the wall organizer into two separate sections I added a 1x2 divider using some glue and pocket screws. I now had a simple rectangular frame, but because we want panels to sit in those openings I added a 1/4" rabbet to the back. The depth of those rabbets was based on the material being put in those spaces; one side had a piece of 26 gauge sheet metal and a thin luan backer, the other side was just a piece of luan. Next, we need to cut down these sheets and added them to the frame.
Like I previously mentioned, we have to cut down the sheets to fit the open frame spaces. I used an angle grinder to cut the sheet of metal I purchased from Lowe's. I matched this size with a sheet of 1/8" luan and cut a second one for the other open space, matching those dimensions. When you use a rabbetting bit, it leave a circular cut in the wood. You absolutely could use a chisel and square up those rounded cuts so the square sheets would just drop in. In this case, I am making three of these wall organizers, so it is actually quicker to just use a sander and round the corners of the sheets to fit into the rounded rabbets.
I used some spray adhesive to affix the metal sheet to the luan backer and glued the panel into the larger frame opening. The remaining sheet of luan was glued into the smaller space. This sheet will serve as the backer for the french cleat system that we'll install later.
If you just wanted a wall organizer for an entry way or another space that necessitates a flat unit, then you could stop here. Because these are going over our kids' desks, I wanted to add an additional shelf with a light mounted underneath. Because the organizers are 42 inches wide, I wanted to use material that was thicker than common 3/4". A rule of thumb is that if a 3/4" shelf is longer than 36 inches, it needs to be supported in the center. At Lowe's, I found some prefab pine stair treads that are 1 inch thick. I cut these planks down to size and used the cutoff to act as a front lip to hid the LED light strip.
To add support to the front of the shelf, I traced out some diagonal braces and cut them out of the 1x2 material I used for the frame. Using some glue and screws, I attached the shelf and the braces to the top of the frame and added the LED light strip to the underside. I then painted the whole assembly white, added some metal flush-mounted hangers to the back, and began the process of adding the french cleats.
Beside the magnetic panel, I wanted to give the kids some mini shelves they could arrange and perhaps a way to add pencil cups or other specialized items. The best way I know to add this capability was a french cleat system. You accomplish this by taking a strip of lumber, ripping it down at a 45 degree bevel and using the two separated pieces to nest together. One piece is attached to the smaller frame opening and backer sheet while the other piece is attached to the mini shelf. The shelf can them be moved and locked into another cleat on the frame. I gave each wall organizer 5 cleats on the frame and two small shelves that the kids could move around.
In conclusion, this wall organizer is simple, customizable, and works great! If you're interested in making one for yourself or if you'd like to build one of the desks we have plans available above!
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How to Make a Wall Organizer // DIY Woodworking | I Like To Make Stuff
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I Like To Make Stuff
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[@marcelenaw]

This could be a perfect setup for a sewing table - you could use the shelves for sewing notions and the magnetic board to hold pattern pieces or notes!

[@caseya3579]

I think im going to do this for my mom! Great idea!

[@jukkasaarinen35]

I love how he explains it like I'm going try and do that.

[@ThatBossSina]

no-peas haha! Yh same

[@Pancak3trap]

same. i just like watching people cutting wood and putting it together

[@diamondperidot]

Same here, but it is fun to watch Mike Make It.

[@harsevsingh6596]

@@diamondperidot Who's Mike?

[@williamkarels4402]

@@diamondperidot his name is Bob...

[@xdivineHART]

Dang, your children are lucky to have a dad like you

[@rcwheeler34]

Bob: I like miters because it's easy to get the length right Also Bob: So I got the length wrong 😂 Hey it wouldn't be a shop project without something going wrong. Nice recovery

[@LuisCasstle]

Don't know where he got that miter cuts are easier, there's additional math to do with them than regular cuts.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

That's a seriously strong dad move not going with remote LEDs. You've saved yourself from countless arguments I'm sure. 3 minutes after install my boys would be changing each other's lights and wrestling each other to the ground by minute 4 😂😂😂

[@Whistlingduckpro]

Literally thought "To immediately have that thought...That's the kind of wisdom that comes from experience" 😂😂😂

[@MakersLane]

Wow Bob great STUFF!! You are a huge inspiration for me starting my own channel! Thank you Makers community for all your support!

[@jessicamckinney5248]

Makers Lane great channel keep up the great work!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much! Keep it up!!

[@aidan6623]

Him: I like to make stuff Me: I like to watch stuff

[@DistractedDaisy]

I like to buy stuff.. He needs to sell these.. love them.

[@marcobellina3696]

Me: I like to upvote stuff

[@JavierGonzalezM]

I like to watch people making stuff that I would like to do but probably never will.

[@tanstaafl5695]

I am actually MOST impressed with the idea of having your pocket jig on a hinged board. My first thought was to face palm and say "why didn't I think of that!!???" Great job on the video, btw.

[@JoshMakesStuff]

I like those a lot. I want one for my desk. But first I need to build a real desk. FIRST!

[@Wordsnwood]

Let me guess, it'll be a WALNUT desk... ;-)

[@SpecificLove7]

I wonder if your kids know just how lucky they are to have most of their bedroom furniture made by their dad.

[@RenewedLifeMedia]

I highly doubt they think about it that much which is really sad.

[@satxsatxsatx]

I like the minimal damage to the wall. BUT LOL cutting up a big white board for the metal plate would give both magnetic and writing/drawing ability thanks for good work

[@doubledarefan]

Or paint the metal with whiteboard paint.

[@bigfoot286]

I was considering chalkboard paint.

[@TheDarlingLuna]

@@bigfoot286 if you use chalkboard paint, make sure to season it heavily

[@ronnyvallejo4376]

Absolutely love the flip-top Kreg Jig, Definitely adding this to my shop!

[@pulsehead]

“My 3 boys will mess with each other so we’ll make individual switches” This guy parents.

[@ryelor]

I love how on your videos you show how you problem solve. I love that you'll reach a point and say, "Okay, here is something that I overlooked/didn't expect/failed to plan..." and then how you figure out a solution. Best part of the vids, in my opinion.

[@CCSandSonsWorkshop]

I like the trend of moving french cleats inside the house! Great work as always.

[@1959ticktock]

Consistently great music on your videos Bob. Always fresh and never on an endless loop like so many channels. Whoever does the music in your team, thanks.

[@jlarts]

Nice idea. My daughter wanted something somewhat similar for the desk under her bed I built for her but I was lazy and we just used the modular pegboard system from Ikea, which she likes.

[@HanDIYman007]

I always love to watch (and learn) these diy vids from Bob! I wish I had some of the cool equipment he has, would make my own diy projects move a lot faster 🤗

[@FigmentsMade]

I haven't figured out all my shop organization yet, but narrow shelves for small things is a good idea. And I don't think I can pick up a thin sheet of metal and not make funky noises with it. ;)

[@cprooks]

Another Amazing Build Bob. I Love It!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much!

[@ahmedshakir6967]

We need a shop tour bob :D

[@audioengu87]

My wife just asked me to build a Front Door organizer and this is a great idea if I modify it a bit smaller. Thanks Bob and Team for this!! Also I think this would work great above the Murphy desk I am going to build for the two littlest kids this Spring!!!

[@vinceearl4240]

Bob: I'm giving my boys more shelf space so they can put the things on their desks onto the shelves and actually use the desks. Me: My boys would just fill up the shelves with the stuff they can't fit on the desk. Let's get rid of some of the extra stuff first.

[@jonwills1957]

I think it’s a rule that we have to play with sheet metal before actually working!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Of course!! It's a great way to waste 10 minutes :)

[@kevinvitale8980]

Very good video. No fluff, and detailed. Little disappointed you didn’t hide or disguise the wiring on such a nice build.

[@AaronSchmidt52]

3D printed "upside down glue holder" I need me one of those! Why have I not thought of this before?

[@OutcastAngelV]

I built my drawing desk and find myself in the same situation. I know what I'm building to fallow it up!

[@mjsimunovich013]

Hey Bob a great addition to add to your boys desk is filing shelves that are labeled, “homework, projects, etc.” that way it can help them organized things or you can make wall organizing shelves for art supplies, toys, etc.

[@mattsnyder4754]

You’re a better man than I, Bob. I would’ve just run the frame through the table saw and hope no one noticed the widths of the stiles being off. 😂

[@BentonLastinger]

Love the Classic Space Lego Shirt!!! Throw back to my childhood days!

[@OutcastAngelV]

Without an instant of hesitation I would have intentionally bought the LED strips that do interfere with each other, hahah.

[@rosysh.131]

God bless you and your family ❤

[@rainmannoodles]

Great idea with the sponsor read (putting it in a PiP overlay while playing content in the background). It makes it a lot less annoying and I didn't even bother skipping it. :)

[@Lightingcap]

One tip on the LED tape is to put a strip of aluminum tape down and then put the LED tape on top of that. It can function a little bit as a reflector depending on how you stick it down, but primarily it functions as a heat sink to dissipate the heat from the LEDs.

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

Thanks Bob!!!

[@origamikira]

Man, that pocket hole table system blew me away, just slide it from under the table on the table, drill whatever and put it back, that's GENIUS .

[@danthemakerman]

Very clever I like the two sides bulletin board/shelves setup. Nicely done fellas.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@TheOtherTeam1]

I'm only about 30 seconds in and I see the Bridgeport in the background. I fully endorse anyone buying more tools and am excited to see what he makes with it.

[@emilyeldridge4213]

Absolutely love it when you build things for kids, Bob.

[@stanleyshostak2737]

There is paneling at the big box stores that is ultra smooth and it’s white. I have used it for that kind of thing as a white board. You could spray paint the sheet metal with the chalkboard paint too to get two uses out of the space.

[@theTobytheTitan]

Gusset on small shelves- maybe make slightly taller so the bottom can rest on the lower cleat to avoid the shelf tipping forward? Just a thought. Cool shelf. I think I’m going to need to adjust it to fit what we have but definitely doing one of these!

[@sarahhancock848]

AHHH! This is probably my favorite thing you've made!! That could be so helpful in so many places in my home! My 9 year old daughter also said that you are "such a caring father" after Bob said how he was putting up the lights to be be "locally controlled" in order to keep the boys from messing with each other.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

:)

[@onebackzach]

I've built a shelf that was very similar to this for my grandparents entry way, but instead of putting French cleats and a metal plate, I left it as wood and attached coat hooks. I made the gussets out of plywood with a sort of decorative swoopy shape and used molding around the top of the shelf to dress it up and make it fit in with the interior styling of the house

[@EudaemoniusMarkII]

What a great project for your kids!

[@shockdocracing]

A stiff putty knife is the best tool for driving glazing points. Did thousands of them in the glass shop.

[@audienorman66]

Oy my gosh! Just moved into a new house, and trying to setup my office space, and this just gave me ideas! Probably won't do as much construction, but still giving me things to think about.

[@funkytreefarms4529]

I'm totally using that cleat idea to make small boxes for my screws, nuts and bolts

[@bobwiken3305]

I have struggled with glazing points forever. If I don't stick the wood with the screw driver, I stick my hand. Using a hammer on the screw driver is a wonderful tip. Thanks Bob

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic job, Bob!!! 😃

[@willybaetens4648]

Hi, This is not negative, but you should put a spacer on the back of the supports. Just to level them. Willy from Belgium. 🙏🙏🙏

[@ericjsilva]

A smaller version would be great for my kitchen or entry way. Fantastic design.

[@nadiaazmi6]

I think all university dorm should have this wall organizer for each students!!!

[@reillypruitt7696]

Hey bob I ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ your videos you’re a huge inspiration to me !!!!!!!!great job

[@jodyfrasnelli8928]

I'm gonna add this above my work bench and my floating electronic desk but I'll be adding French cleats across both sides to facilitate rulers small squares small jewelers pliers and screw drivers as well as an exacto set and my small dremel

[@PaiviProject]

Hey I think those turned out fantastic !! i could use one of those in my entry room for jackets & whatnot's + storage on top = perfect. I would customize a bit. I'm loving the center finding jig, dowling centers & those flush mounting brackets 💗 I didn't even know there is such a things. Very nice job 👍 Thanks for the tips 👍

[@smarkalet9078]

Wes Borland makes shop shelves. Nice.

[@Juke-Redlin]

More and More creators have found the method that really resonated and made HGTTV and DIYNetwork great. We want to see the work happen. We like explanation, but don't want to listen to a monologue. We do, however, need something to listen too. So. Music over Montage, explanations every minute or two. Good clean camera work, a basic understanding of sound editing, and boom. A literal TV quality production made for likely less than any one shows actor budget. I love this.

[@SouthernStyleDIY]

Love bringing french cleats in for desk organization! Great idea and awesome build.

[@kennethgreer]

Look at that Bridgeport! I'm excited to see you get that thing going.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Me too! Thanks 👍🏼

[@DenAndMug]

We loved this project! Great way of making some space and it looks awesome! We love your videos Bob and we always take note of your useful tips and tricks for when we get stuck!! 😊 thank you!

[@masterofnone]

Tip: Put silicone on the Led strips (every 3-4 inches , where there is no LED chip) to hold better and longer. Double sided tape almost always gives up after a while.

[@ilive4livemusic]

Nice project and well done video. I like your flip up pocket hole jig.

[@korishan]

I really dig your choice of music. 👍😎🎶 So many tubers use the same ol music it's annoying. I enjoy your videos even more for not using the generic stuff. Keep up the good work!

[@robertmills4298]

As ever, inspirational, thank you Bob

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much!

[@rtaga78]

Man this will be great for my 3 boys as well. Thank you

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Excellent!!

[@JkCanvas]

Great video and a really simple build. Thank you for sharing

[@Iliketomakestuff]

👍🏼

[@mkegadgets4380]

Love the use of the glazing points. Would have never thought of use then.

[@tbdwoods]

best idea in this video was the pocket jig on a hinge under the work bench...couldnt think of anything else after that

[@cpirius]

Cool idea :) Tip with the cleats: cut strips of plywood twice as wide as one cleat, then cut the 45 down the middle, two for one ;) More efficient material usage and fewer cuts.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

👍🏼 Excellent

[@satxsatxsatx]

hmm, instead of galvanized steel plate, how about buying a big white board, cutting it to fit, providing both magnet stuff and write-ability?

[@ragnkja]

Len Conrad Or painting it with blackboard paint would also be nice.

[@deetoher]

@@ragnkja you can also use whiteboard paint (chalk can get everywhere, which is why universities are phasing out chalkboards, much to the consternation of the mathematicians)

[@Tikorous]

Hmmmmmmm

[@asssssssssso]

I really like your channel and one of the videos I enjoyed most was the one with the secret door. Make some more secret compartments / doors with clever mechanisms please!

[@bigairfilms9140]

Love your videos you’ve inspired me to start building stuff

[@Brandanscho]

Great build Thanks for the video, as always!

[@mounirhachem8733]

What I don’t understand is the thumbs down. Why do people have to be such haters. Also if they want to criticize because they think they can do better or are such experts then leave a comment so we know which kind of sucker, one is dealing with. Dude your videos are great 👍🏻 keep up the good work and your community hopefully will support you as much as they can.

[@JohnMadeit]

I just built a desk and shelf for my kids I just need to finish it of with some LEDS and magnetic board. My kids also just dump everything on the desk also.

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

Great video! Enjoyed it!

[@bengilles]

Bob, you and your team are awesome. Thank you for the great content

[@MegaEricPham]

I swear, you make the most amazing things for us and your boys!

[@rickculpepper709]

Nice job ...we like your work here in South Georgia

[@MESTER47]

Maybe adding a little mirror and also veneering the metal sheet! Maybe youll have a new project in mind! 😉

[@papasmurf9146]

Your in video Skillshare advertisement as a picture-in-picture with the main window still showing the woodworking is the best way of doing those advertisements. Normally I have an instant negative reaction to KZbin advertisements. That was the first one that I didn't because there was still something of value (besides the advertisement) occurring.

[@TheWoodLab]

Nice Bob! They go well with the desks for sure. I really like the French cleat system - it's how I organize many of my hand tools in the shop. - Jim

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Jim! Yeah, they're handy in so many different places 👍🏼

[@solephillips]

I love you! And love your workspace too!

[@garethsharp4039]

This is a great idea! I'm going to be setting up a home office in the next few weeks, so will hopefully make something similar to this.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for the knowledge on how to build my own Wall Organizer !!!!!!!!!

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Those look great Bob 👍

[@Gresyr]

Do not install the led strip directly on the tree. This will cause it to overheat and quickly lose brightness. The led Strip should be installed on an aluminum base.

[@noahlaizer7434]

You should do a vinyl storage table!!!

[@bendoodson5208]

Awesome Bob, thanks for the video! This was exactly what I have been after for my Daughter's room. Another thing added to the ever expanding projects list haha!

[@JoelAaargh]

Great job, Bob!

[@InformantNet]

Cool. I want to see more of your R2-D2 build. Get on that. :)

[@Vanillachica17]

This would be awesome for a craftroom. Switch out the metal for pegboard. Add some hooks at the bottom of it for tools! Great idea! Love this shelf!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Definitely!!

[@JS-gk9et]

I’d love to see your take on a Murphy Bar - fold down wall mounted table. I’m thinking I need one so I can have a clear horizontal surface when I need it, that won’t automatically get covered with other things.

[@MikeTheMaker1]

Putting a light it that is genius and I need to make this.

[@karenalefounder4083]

Great looking shelves. You thought of everything.

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

Cool project, but I'd have suggested making the gussets out of steel in a contrasting color as another design feature. They'd have also been a bit less bulky.

[@RSST662]

Great video . Thanks .

[@kareemahchowdhury7485]

Started this journey with Bob at 200k now he’s almost at 3 million 🥳 feel like a proud dad 🥰

[@DicitAmos]

Good job, Bob!

[@jeaguilar]

Do the cleated shelves tip forward?