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Stack and Store Lap Desks

Open-sided lap desks that nest into a stack when the crew's done — five cuts from a 1x12 and a 1x4 each, with jigsawed grab handles. Build one per kid.

Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 45–90 min per desk, plus paint
Cost: $

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Sides	2	3/4" × 11 1/4" × 11 1/4"	1x12	☐
Rails	2	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 22 1/2"	1x4	☐
Top Even overhang at each end — it's also the stacking registration.	1	3/4" × 11 1/4" × 25"	1x12	☐

Materials

Item	Qty	✓
1x12, 4 ft Sides and top for one desk.	1 each	☐
1x4, 4 ft The two rails.	1 each	☐
Self-tapping screws, 1-1/2"	15 each	☐
Wood glue	2 oz	☐
Paint and wipeable topcoat A different color per kid ends the whose-is-whose debate.	8 oz	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.