Traditional Lap Desk
An elegant design featuring classic techniques makes this both a skill-building project and a functional piece of furniture.
Do you know someone who loves to write handwritten letters on nice stationery? Those writers deserve some special attention in return. Modeled on examples of antique lap desks, this modern version should prove every bit as useful. The hinged top opens to reveal plenty of storage for paper and stamps. It even has a small drawer on the side for pens or other items.
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What You Get:
- 10 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
- More than 50 full-color photos and illustrations
- Retail sources for hardware and supplies
- Shop-tested guarantee from the editors of Woodsmith and ShopNotes magazines
Product Recommendations
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Imperial Plans
The United States Customary System of Units (USCS or USC), more commonly referred to as the English or Imperial system, is the standard set of units for our plans. It uses inches and feet for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are in the United States, and it is the one we have traditionally offered on this website.

Metric Plans
The International System of Units (SI), more commonly referred to as the metric system, is the alternative set of units that we have available for some of our plans. It uses millimeters, centimeters, and meters for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are outside the United States. These plans are provided by our business partner, Australian Woodsmith, and are based on the original Woodsmith plan. However, dimensions and other elements of the plan may vary between the metric and standard versions. Be sure to double-check the plan before building.


Premium Plans
All of the information that you need to build our plans can be found in the standard plan. However, if you want even more granular detail to make your job easier, you should consider our premium plans. These come with additional shop diagrams that we drew when creating the prototypes. Shop drawings are not available for every plan.