Making a Lap Desk

	Tools & Materials
	Lumber
	The Basic Desk
	Custom Touches
	Make the Desk

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Tools Tape measure Jig saw Palm sander Sandpaper Paintbrush Router (optional) Dust mask Goggles Hearing Protection

Materials Lumber of your choice Finishing materials as needed Wood glue

You can use faced plywood, MDF, pre-glued pine boards or glue up your own boards. If you want to add a small lip to the bottom of the desk, you'll need a 1" by 1/4" strip that you can glue just above the lower edge of the desk.

The basic desk should have a comfortable shape.

The exact dimensions of the desk depend on your individual preferences, but there are a few basic guidelines you should keep in mind when designing your desk.

• Most desks are 30" to 40" wide and 14" to 24" deep.
  
  
• It's a good idea to put a slight curve in the lower edge of the desk so the ends wrap around the users torso.
  
  
• A groove routed in the top face of the desk makes a convenient place keep a pen or pencil.
  
  
• A small lip at the lower edge of the desk helps hold books, papers and laptop computers in place.
  
  
• All of the desk's edges should be rounded over and sanded smooth for greater comfort

Your lap desk can be as detailed and stylized or as simple as you like. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• For a natural finish, simply apply a clear topcoat, either oil- or water-based.
  
  
• For something a little more challenging, add your own design with a stencil or paint it on freehand before applying the topcoat.
  
  
• Prime and paint the desk in your school colors or to match your décor.
  
  
• Rout your name, nickname or some other design into the desk. Stain or paint the design so it stands out.

After you decide which features you want on the desk, it's time to put it all together.

1. If you've decided to glue up your own boards, then that should be your first step. Glue the boards so that your final board is slightly larger than the finished size of the desk.
   
   
2. Measure the desk and size to fit the user. With the desk in the users lap, determine where and what size to make the torso arc, the location of the pen/pencil holder and any other accouterments that you will be adding.
   
   
3. Use a jig saw to cut the desk to the approximate shape determined in step #2. Keep the saw blade just outside of the lines you have drawn for the top.

   A pen/pencil holder is a convenient addition to the desk.

   A small strip at the bottom of the desk keeps papers in place.

   
   
   
4. Use a palm sander to sand the board down to size. Using the sander to remove the last of the stock gives you more control and ensures that the desk has smooth edges.
   
   
5. Round over all edges with the palm sander or, for more uniform edges, use a router and round-over bit.
   
   
6. Use a router and a round nose or V-groove bit to rout the pencil holder groove in the top face.
   
   
7. Cut the 1/4"x1" strip for the lower edge lip to size and glue it to the desk. Drive 1" brads through the lower lip into the desk. If the brads come through the bottom of the desk, bend them over and set the ends below the surface of the board. Fill the holes with putty.
   
   
8. Sand the desk as needed. You can finish the desk in any manner you choose, using paint, stain and a clear topcoat or with an oil finish. For more decorative finishing ideas visit the finishing projects section in Lowe's Woodworkers.