Stack and Store Lap Desks

Screw and glue the two 1x4 rails across the 1x12 sides per the diagram — one high at the back, one low at the front — two screws per joint. Keep the assembly square; the desks only stack straight if each box is.

Glue the top edges of the sides and back rail, set the top with even end overhangs, and screw down into the sides and the back 1x4. If you're building the fleet, use the first desk as the pattern for the rest — matching footprints are what make the stack.

Mark each handle slot, drill a starter hole at both ends, connect them with the jigsaw, and sand the opening genuinely smooth — fingers wrap this edge every single carry.

Round all the outer corners, paint each desk its owner's color, topcoat with something scrubbable, and stack the finished fleet by the couch. Homework has no excuses left; that part's not the desk's fault.