Stack and Store Lap Desks

Stacking lap desks
Difficulty
Starter Projects
| Print this plan

These stackable lap desks store everything neatly like a bookcase!  Just unstack, flip and use as lap desks.  Free easy plans from Ana-White.com

kids with flip desk
stacking desks
stacking desks diy

Our children have been home from school for a month now.  The papers, the books - it's everywhere.  How to organize and make systems?

My friend has three school aged children in a very small A frame - so adding desks to the slanted walls would have been very difficult (or at the least, very space consuming).  There's also not enough room to add three more desk chairs to her living room. She's been brainstorming ideas on how to create desks for the kids despite these challenges.  Finally, we decided to try something creative.

Together we designed lap desks that stack up like a bookcase when not in use.  Each child has their own lap desk, that holds all their supplies.  When in use, simply flip over and it's a sturdy, perfect sized workspace.  The lap desks are big enough for a child under five feet tall to sit with crossed legs.  

We went simple with our lap desks - but though there could be so many creative ways that these little desks could be modified.  
 

Stack lap desks

This was a very quick and easy build with barely any scraps left over.  This is certainly a project that most any mom or dad could knock out in no time.

Here's the video of us building them:

I did change a few things up in the plans from the video, just to make it easier to build and easier to stack. The free plans follow.  Please do share if you build, we love seeing your completed projects!

Dimensions
stacking lap desk plans
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 4 feet long
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 4 feet long
  • About 15 - 1-1/2" long self tapping screws, I used these
  • wood glue
Cut List
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 11-1/4"
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 22-1/2"
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 25”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Attach the 1x4s to the sides of the 1x12s as shown in the diagram, with two screws per joint and glue. 

Step 2

Apply glue to the top edges of the desk and place the top on, with even overhangs on ends.

Attach top with screws to the sides and 1x4 on back.

Step 3

Mark center location of handle holes and drill out with a drill bit.

Connect holes with a jigsaw cut.

Sand smooth.

Comments

thomatuttle

Mon, 04/13/2020 - 09:13

I think your cut list may be incorrect. The shopping list has 1-1x12 @ 4 feet long, but then your cut list says to cut 2-1x12’s @ 11 1/4” and 1-1x12 @ 48”. Just wanted to double check on this.

Seasonal And Holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!