How to attach folding table to brick wall?

[CROBBO]

Hi there,

I'm going to install a folding desk on the inside brick wall of my garage. I will be using a drill with hammer mode. I also have a level. The desk will be used for light craft applications and won't be exceeding 20kgs of items on it at a time. When upright, I want the surface to be roughly 80cm up from the ground so that it can be used from a seated position.

I'm looking to purchase the following –

Carinya Folding Spring Loaded Bracket x2
https://www.bunnings.com.au/carinya-315-x-145mm-white-folding-spring-loaded-bracket_p3970376

Specrite 1200 x 600 x 18mm Golden Teak Acacia Panel

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1200-x-600-x-18mm-golden-teak-acacia-multi-use-panel_p0456528

I have a few questions and would be grateful for any help before I get started –

• Will the Carinya brackets be sufficient for holding up the desk? The panel used for the desk weighs 7.6kg. The bracket length is 315mm and will be running along the 600mm side of the panel. 
• What type/size of screws/bolts will I need to attach the Carinya brackets to the brick wall? I'm unsure if anchors or dynabolts are suitable.
• What size screws will I need to attach the desk to the brackets?
• Any advice for how best to go about this task?
  – Do I attach the desk first to the brackets, then mount to the wall?
  – OR do I attach the brackets to the wall first before mounting the desk?
• Anything else I've missed! 😀

Thank you!

[CROBBO]

Hi @JacobZ 

Thanks for your reply. This sounds like a good solution! Would it be possible to provide a rough sketch of the design please?

[JacobZ]

Hi @CROBBO,

There's not much to it; you'd just measure the distance between the brackets and build the frame so that it comfortably fits between them and extends to around 100mm from the front and back edge. Screw it all together, then screw it to the underside of the panel.

By screwing it together before attaching it, pressure applied to the long piece at the front would be transferred through the screws into the three shorter pieces, which would distribute the load over a wider area and more material.

Let me know what you think and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[CROBBO]

Hi @JacobZ 

Nice, thank you! That makes a lot of sense. 

Once I've done the measurements, would I be able to get the timber cut to spec at Bunnings?

Thanks,
Rob

[JacobZ]

Hi @CROBBO,

The minimum length we can cut to instore is 600mm, so unfortunately, it would not be possible.

I'd suggest grabbing a Craftright Mitre Box And Saw Set, which will make it easy to cut the timber to size yourself.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[CROBBO]

Hi @JacobZ 

Great, I'll look into it thanks.

Do you think long-term I'll be OK with a bit of flex on the panel? I don't really want to warp it or apply too much pressure on the brackets if that's avoidable.

Thanks,

[JacobZ]

Hi @CROBBO,

I don't think it is a huge issue as long as it gets folded down when not in use, and you don't put a heap of weight on it. If you left it unfolded for long periods of time, there's a good chance it would sag, so folding it down when not in use would be the best thing you can do in its current state.

Adding that little bit of reinforcement should stop it from sagging, so it's probably the best thing you can do.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Thanks so much for the update and very glad our advice helped along the way @CROBBO That bench looks awesome.

I guess you could consider a 3rd bracket if you're finding the sag a little too much. Alternatively you could simply have a removal centre leg to take that weight on projects needing more stability.

One thing I learnt decades ago, is that the accessories that come with DIY powertools are often of a low grade, especially masonry bits. I was given a small box of 6mm masonry bits and would you believe I cooked all of them before drilling one 40mm hole in to solid brick. So, I went down to Bunnings, bought one for about $7 and that same bit lasted me for dozens of future holes. That one you bought will do the same. But it is important to not just lean on them for extended periods causing even the best to over heat. Drill a little bit, pull the bit out to clear the debris and repeat. This will allow the bit to drill faster holes, with less heat build up from the dust its already drilled through.

Nailbag