DIY Adjustable Wooden Lectern: Easy Plans

Build Your Own Adjustable Wooden Lectern: A Simple DIY Project

Tired of hunching over notes or struggling with unstable lecterns? Building your own adjustable wooden lectern is easier than you think! This project offers a rewarding experience, resulting in a custom-designed piece perfectly suited to your needs. With readily available materials and straightforward instructions, you’ll soon be presenting with confidence and comfort.

Gathering Your Materials: A Simple Shopping List

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials. This project emphasizes simplicity and uses common lumber readily found at most home improvement stores. Precise measurements will depend on your desired lectern size, but here's a general list:

Lumber:

• Two pieces of 1x4 lumber (for the upright supports), approximately 36 inches long each. Adjust this length based on your desired height.
• One piece of 1x6 lumber (for the top reading surface), approximately 24 inches long. Adjust length based on your preferred surface area.
• Two pieces of 1x2 lumber (for the support braces), approximately 18 inches long.
• One piece of 1/2 inch plywood (for the bottom shelf, optional), cut to roughly 18x18 inches.

Hardware:

• Wood screws (1 1/4 inch and 1 1/2 inch lengths)
• Wood glue
• Four adjustable feet (for stability and leveling)
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

Constructing Your Adjustable Lectern: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to build your own personalized lectern:

Building the Frame:

Begin by assembling the main frame. Use wood glue and 1 1/4 inch screws to attach the two 1x4 upright supports to the ends of the 1x6 top surface. Ensure the supports are perfectly square and the screws are countersunk to prevent damage to the top. Then, attach the 1x2 support braces across the back of the uprights for added stability and rigidity. These braces should be positioned roughly 12 inches below the top surface and secured with wood glue and 1 1/4 inch screws.

Adding the Adjustable Feet (Optional Bottom Shelf):

Attach the adjustable feet to the bottom corners of the upright supports for easy leveling on uneven surfaces. If you're adding the optional bottom shelf, secure the plywood shelf to the bottom of the uprights using wood glue and 1 1/2 inch screws. This shelf provides extra storage for notes or other materials.

Finishing Touches:

Once the lectern is assembled, sand all surfaces thoroughly to remove any splinters or rough edges. Start with coarser grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits for a smooth finish. Then, apply your chosen wood stain or paint for a personalized aesthetic. Allow ample drying time before using your new lectern.

Enjoy Your Custom-Built Lectern!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own adjustable wooden lectern. This project offers a fantastic blend of functionality and style, providing a comfortable and stable platform for your presentations. Remember to adjust the height to suit your needs and enjoy the pride of crafting something beautiful and useful with your own hands. Now go share your knowledge and stand tall!