How to make a wooden file sorter for an office

How to Make a Wooden File Sorter for an Office

Creating a wooden file sorter is a great way to keep your office organized while adding a touch of craftsmanship to your workspace. A custom file sorter can help you stay organized by separating documents into different categories or clients. Plus, it’s a fun woodworking project that will enhance your skills and give you something functional for your office.

This project requires basic woodworking tools and materials, but the final result will be a durable, stylish piece of office furniture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a wooden file sorter.

Materials Needed:

• 1/2” or 3/4” plywood (for the main body)
• Wood glue
• Wood screws or nails
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Pencil
• Saw (circular saw or table saw)
• Drill
• Wood finish or paint (optional)
• Clamps
• Wood filler (optional)

Tools Required:

• Saw (Circular or Table Saw)
• Drill with bits for pilot holes
• Screwdriver or hammer
• Sanding block or electric sander
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Wood clamps (optional)
• Paintbrush (for finishing)

Step 1: Plan and Measure

Before cutting any wood, decide on the size and style of your file sorter. The most common file sorter holds letter-sized documents (8.5″ x 11″), but you can adjust the dimensions based on your needs.

For a basic file sorter, you’ll need:

• Two side pieces (approximately 10” x 12” each)
• One back piece (approximately 10” x 12”)
• Two front pieces (each about 10” x 5”)
• One bottom piece (approximately 12” x 12”)

Adjust these dimensions based on how many slots you want or how large the files are.

Step 2: Cut the Wood

Once you have your measurements, carefully cut the wood pieces using a saw. If you’re using plywood, be sure to follow the grain of the wood to avoid rough edges. You can use a circular saw or table saw for straight cuts.

Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or surfaces from the cutting process.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Start by assembling the basic structure of the file sorter:

1. Take the two side pieces and attach them to the bottom piece using wood glue and screws. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
2. Once the sides are attached to the bottom, attach the back piece. Again, use wood glue and screws for a secure hold.
3. Make sure everything is square by measuring the angles before fastening the pieces.

You can use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue sets.

Step 4: Install Dividers (Optional)

If you want multiple slots to organize files, you can add vertical dividers inside the frame. To do this:

1. Measure the space between your dividers to ensure they’re evenly spaced.
2. Cut the divider pieces to match the height of your file sorter.
3. Attach the dividers to the inside of the sorter using glue and screws. Make sure they’re straight and evenly spaced.

Step 5: Attach the Front Pieces

Now, attach the front pieces to the frame. These will serve as the walls that hold the files in place. Secure them with wood glue and screws, making sure they’re flush with the edges of the side pieces.

If you want to add a more decorative touch, consider rounding the corners of the front pieces for a smoother look.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

After the frame and dividers are assembled, it’s time to sand the entire file sorter. Start with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough areas and finish with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Sand the edges to make them rounded and smooth.

If you plan to stain or paint your file sorter, this is the time to apply your finish. Use a wood stain for a natural, polished look or paint it to match your office décor. Apply multiple coats if necessary, letting the finish dry between applications.

Step 7: Final Assembly and Touch Ups

Once the finish is dry, give your file sorter a final inspection. You can fill in any small holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand them smooth once dry.

Make sure the sorter is stable and that all pieces are securely fastened. You can now place the sorter on your desk or office shelf and begin organizing your files.

Additional Tips:

• Customization: You can add handles to the sides of your file sorter to make it easier to move around. Just attach small metal or wooden handles with screws.
• Size Adjustments: Modify the dimensions if you need a sorter that holds legal-sized documents or larger files.
• Finish Options: If you want a natural wood look, use a clear polyurethane finish. For a more modern touch, you can paint the sorter with a bold color or neutral shade that complements your workspace.

By following these steps, you’ll create a functional and attractive wooden file sorter that will help keep your office organized and professional. Not only is it a great way to declutter your workspace, but it also adds a unique touch to your office décor.

If you’re looking to expand your woodworking projects, you might want to explore Ted’s Woodworking Course for more detailed plans and tutorials. It offers thousands of woodworking plans that cater to all skill levels and can help you build even more practical and decorative pieces for your home or office.

Click here to check out Ted’s Woodworking Course.