My mother’s old chair side table gave out and she decided that a lap desk would be nice to have. After a little research I decided that I would need to design my own.

I used 1/2 inch oak for everything except the bottom which is 1/2 oak plywood. The sides are dovetailed and the bottom is rabbitted in.

The top piece is secured with dowels and surrounded with Padauk. The main body uses a Honey Oak stain with the writing surface treated with a Red Oak finish. A piano hinge holds the writing surface to the body and allows access to the inside storage area. A satin polyurethane protects all surfaces (except the red velvet).

I only found one detailed plan for a lap desk and didn’t care for a number of the design choices so was forced to design my own. I am sure the design could stand some improvements but I am happy with the end results. And, based on the numbers of letters I am now receiving from my mother, so is she.

Launch Gallery