Build a DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan

Clear the clutter with this DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan. With a simple spinning base and compartments for supplies, organizing becomes a cinch. And while the Pottery Barn inspiration for this project retails at $49, my DIY version comes in under $20.

TIP: Click the image above to reveal the free building plans. Click the tabs below to see the tools, materials and cut list.

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Cost: $20
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy. Just cut the pieces with a jigsaw, and then assemble with glue.

Note: This list may contain affiliate links
Tape Measure

Miter Saw

Jig Saw

drill/driver

Random Orbital Sander or Sanding Sponge

Hand Clamps

Box Cutter

Metal Ruler or Straightedge

Drawing Compass

Painters Tape

Note: This list may contain affiliate links

(1) ¼” x 2′ x 2′ Plywood Project Panel

(1) ¼” x 1½” Hobby Board

(2) ¼” x ½” Trim (found at Michael’s Arts and Crafts)

(1) 3″ Lazy Susan Bearing

(2) Acrylic Panel

(1) Wood Knob

Wood Glue

Glue rated for wood and metal

Paintable Adhesive Caulk

¼” Plywood Wall – 3 @ 8″W x 7½”H

¼” Plywood Base – 2 @ 8½” Diameter

¼” Plywood Base – 1 @ 9″ Diameter

¼” Plywood Cap – 1 @ 2½” Diameter

¼” x ½” Trim – 6 @ 7½”

¼” x 1½” Glue Blocks – 6 @ Cut to 1″ triangles with 60-degree angles (See Step 8 and 9 for easy instructions)

Acrylic Panels – 6 @ 4″H x Cut to Fit

Steps

1. Mark the Circular Bases

The circular Base is made up of three-layered discs. Using a drawing compass, outline a circle with a radius of 4¼ inches, and a second circle with a radius of 4 inches, and a third circle with a radius of 1¼ inches.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 1

2. Cut the Bases

Using a jigsaw cut out the circle with the 4¼-inch radius—this is the bottom layer of the Base. Set it aside. Cut the circle with a radius of 1¼-inches—this is the Cap. Now stack the outline of the circle with a 4-inch radius onto another square of plywood. Tape the two pieces of plywood together with painters tape. Cut the two pieces of plywood together to create the top two layers of the Base.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 2

3. Mark the Discs

To ensure the top two layers of the base can be realigned, make registration marks along the edge of the discs. Set the top disc aside.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 3

4. Prep the Middle Layer of the Base

On the middle layer of the Base, outline a smaller circle with a radius of 3 inches in the center of the disc. Using a drill/driver, create a hole inside the circle for the jigsaw blade to enter. Starting from the hole, cut out the center circle using a jigsaw.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 4

5. Cut and Mark the Slots on the Walls

Using the cut list above, cut the Walls to size. Using a ruler, mark a 3/8-inch wide slot down the center of each Wall.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 5

6. Mark the Depth of the Slots

Mark the top edge of each Wall. Using the drawing provided, mark the depth of the slots to be cut from each Wall.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 6

7. Cut the Slots

Clamp a Wall off the edge of the work surface. (Tip: I have mine propped up on two 4 x 4 posts.) Using a jigsaw, cut the slot from the Wall. Repeat this process to cut the slot(s) from each remaining Wall.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 7

8. Cut the Glue Blocks – Part One

To create triangular blocks that will evenly space and position the Walls, you’ll need a miter saw. Place a ¼” x 1½” board on the saw, and clip the end at 30 degrees, as shown.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 8

9. Cut the Glue Blocks – Part Two

Twist the saw blade to the opposing 30-degree miter. Make a mark 1-inch from the point along each edge. Connect the marks with a line. Using the miter saw, cut along this line to create a perfect triangular Glue Block. Cut the end of the board straight (zero degrees) and then repeat the process to create five additional Glue Blocks.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 9

10. Sand the Parts

Using a random orbital sander or sanding sponge, sand the faces, edges, and slots of all the pieces.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 10

11. Assemble the Base

Flip the top and middle layers of the Base upside down. Apply wood glue to the middle layer of the Base—the disc with the cut out center. Place the middle layer onto the top layer of the Base, using the registration marks to realign the edges. Allow the glue to dry.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 11

12. Dryfit two Walls

Slide the slots of two Walls together. Using the Glue Blocks as spacers position the Walls.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 12

13. Add the Third Wall

Slide the slot of the remaining third Wall into place, using the Glue Blocks to position the Wall. If the Walls aren’t quite twisting into place, use the jigsaw to slightly open the width of the slots. Likewise, if the Walls aren’t dropping to place so that their top edges set flush, you may need to adjust the depth of the slots. Lastly, apply wood glue to the inside edge of each slot, and permanently assemble the Walls.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 13

14. Add the Glue Blocks

Apply glue to the bottom edge of the Walls, and then set them in place, centered on the Base. Apply glue to the underside and two edges of each Glue Block, and them firmly insert them in place on the Base between the Walls.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 14

15. Attach the Edge Molding

Using the cut list above, cut the ¼” x ½” Trim to length. Apply a bead of wood glue to the outside edge of each Wall. Place a piece of Trim along each edge, centered on the thickness of the Wall’s edge. Use a piece of painters tape to hold the Trim in place until the glue dries.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 15

16. Caulk the Joints

To create a seamless look and fill and gaps in the joints, apply a thin bead of paintable adhesive caulk along the joints where the Walls meet.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 16

17. Add the Cap and Knob

Apply wood glue to the top edge of each Wall, extending 1¼-inch from the center point. Center the circular Cap on the Walls, and then press it into place. Apply a dab of glue to the base of the Knob. Press the Knob onto the center of the Cap, and then allow the glue to fully dry.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 17

18. Add the Lazy Susan Bearing

Center the Lazy Susan Bearing on the layers of the Base, and mark its location. Apply glue rated for wood and metal like THIS to the corners of the top and bottom of the hardware. Place the Lazy Susan Bearing onto the bottom layer of the Base, and then press the assembled top of the Base into place. Allow the glue to fully dry.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 18

19. Cut the Acrylic

Place the acrylic panel on a scrap board or cutting mat. Mark a centerline along the width of the 8-inch-wide panel. Using a metal straightedge and a box cutter, score the line several times. Place the acrylic over the edge of the board or work surface, and break it along the scored line. Now cut the 4-inch-tall panels to the width of the openings between the Walls, behind the Trim.

DIY Desk Supplies Lazy Susan by Build Basic - Step 19

20. Insert the Acrylic Panels

With the factory edge facing upwards, place the acrylic behind the Trim at the top of the Wall. Slide the acrylic down the Walls behind the Trim until it rests level on the Base. Apply a bead of adhesive caulk or glue behind the Acrylic to hold the panels in place.