A wooden lectern is often used in classrooms, courtrooms, on stage and events area where important speaking functions are held. It has a slanted table top to hold lecture notes, books or gadgets needed by the speaker.
A wooden lectern would normally cost around $200 when bought, but with adequate carpentry skills and the right tools, one can make a customized lectern for half the price or retails cost or even less.
The average height of a lectern podium is around 46-48 inches. The great thing about making your own is that you can adjust the height to your preference.
Here are the basic tools needed but would probably be a good idea to have the tool box nearby in case there will be other things required:
• Small table saw
• Drills
• Orbital sander
• Counter sink bits
• Jig saw
• Miter saw
• Sandpaper
• Hammer
• Clamps
• Biscuit joiner
• Straight edge
• Nails
Materials needed:
• Oak veneered plywood ¾ inches thick, size 4’ by 8’
• Veneer trim rolls
• 2×4 scrap woods for the base
• Wood for shelf cleats, about an inch wide
• For finishing: damp rag, paint brush, wood finish, or paint of preferred
Take note that the measurements can be adjusted depending on preference, but this is just a general instruction on building and assembly.
Step 1
Slice up 3 sheets of oak veneered plywood. These will be used for the two sides and the front panel. The two sides would be 22” wide and the one that goes in the front would be 24” wide. On the top side of the two 22” plywood, draw a slanted diagonal line and then cut neatly with a saw. Use a sandpaper to smoothen it. This will hold the base of the table top.
Step 2
Cut up the pieces for the bookrest top and the inner shelves. These could be cut up 22” in width. Make runner/cleats from pieces of wood about an inch wide. The cleats should be glued and tacked into place on the inner sides of the panel. The inner shelves will then be glued into the cleats. The bookrest top will be glued slanted on top. Use nails in areas you deemed is necessary.
Step 3
The base is built using 2×4’s with the edges rounded. Dry wall screws should be able to hold the sides together at the base. Make sure everything is aligned and sturdy before screwing or nailing it down.
Step 4
To polish, sandpaper with 120, 200 and 400 grit can be used. For finishing, a waterproof exterior stain can be used. Some may even prefer to use paint for a smoother finish or to match interior designs and furnishings.
Depending on its use, some podium tabletops might have extra shelves or side tables. Some may have a movable white board which can be placed or removed when necessary. The good thing about a DIY lectern project is that it can be customized to whatever the user needs, whether in the classroom, inside the church or during special events.
Please Share This Article 🙂
