If you've built up a pile of scraps, this is the perfect project to take on. Perfect for your teen's room or even as a occasional work surface on the living room floor, this lap desk features sturdy construction and lift top storage.
Preparation
Standard Hinges
A) 1 – 1×12 @ 19 1/2″ (Bottom of the top storage compartment)
Start by cutting all your boards. Use 2 3/4″ screws and 2″ nails unless otherwise directed. Always use glue. Predrill and countersink all screw holes.
Instructions
Step 1
Nail boards B to board A, keeping outside edges flush, as shown above.
Step 2
Nail boards C to boards A and B as shown above.
Step 3
Screw the legs to the top storage compartment, as shown above.
Step 4
The Top Trim, E, is screwed to the top storage compartment with 2″ screws (you can also use 2″ nails). Make sure you also screw through the legs into the end edges of the Top Trim, E.
Step 5
Step 6
Add the plywood to the backs of the side storage compartments with nails.
Step 7
Then plywood the front, as shown above, again with nails and glue.
Step 8
Add the dividers, I and J, to the storage compartment as shown above, using nails through the sides of the top storage compartment. You can adjust the dividers to suit your needs.
Step 9
Nail the top back piece, K, to the top of the lap table, as shown above. Keep outside edges flush.
Step 10
Use hinges to attach the hinged top, L, to the top back, K.
Comments
J (not verified)
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 19:27
We're in the process of
We're in the process of making this and I think there might be an error in the materials listing:
21" 1x12 should be 24" for the hinged top.
The other 1x12 should be a 24" 1x2 for the fixed top.
Other than that it was great! Can't wait to try more of your cool plans!
Janine
AshleeDunlap (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 21:01
Do you have the shopping list
Do you have the shopping list for this project?! I can probably figure it out, but thought I'd ask. Thankyou for all your hard work!
smcswillis
Wed, 07/06/2011 - 05:05
Shopping List
The shopping list is located at the top of the plans.
smcswillis
Wed, 07/06/2011 - 05:04
INCORPORATING THE C TABLE
I would like to incorporate this desk with the C table plans on this site. I also would like to turn the table top sideways to where it is 20 inches wide vice long. The only problem is that it is only going to be 11 inches from back to the front and I don't know if that is going to be enough to pull it close enough.
here are my questions.
If I made the compartment a 20"x20", would the 1x6 still support the weight of a laptop computer and misc stuff stored in the compartment.
Would I need to shorten the height? Do I need to strengthen the base any?
If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 12/07/2011 - 13:24
this is awesome i'm gonna
this is awesome i'm gonna make it
Kassi (not verified)
Sun, 05/06/2012 - 17:04
Modifications
The second I saw this I thought "this would make an amazing conductor's podium" I am a band director and I have fiddled for years to create an organized space around my podium. This year I decided my only options were to pay hundreds for the custom systems (which are really cool) or make it myself. You've inspired me. I will make it myself this summer.
I will be making a few changes to your awesome plans to make this lap desk into a conductor's podium:
- taller legs (waist high)
- put the storage compartments within reach while standing
- enlarge the actual desk to hold full sized music scores
- change the configuration of the interior dividers
- small shelf under the desk top.
- Make the desk top an incline with a little band of molding to hold the music on the desk top.
Thank you SO much!
Jil (not verified)
Sat, 01/12/2013 - 12:13
Legs that fold under?
I would love to make this with legs that fold under. My hubby and I travel a lot (we just bought an rv!) and would love to be able to easily store this in a closet on the road. Any ideas? Thanks!
Ps. LOVE your blog!