How to Build a Laptop Desk

Here is an idea for a combination Laptop Carrying case and Laptop Desk that solves two problems. 1. A way to carry a laptop safely and 2. "Hot Lap" syndrome which comes from too little ventilation of the hard-drive when the laptop is sitting on a lap.

Steps

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    Obtain the needed supplies.
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    Measure your laptop and cut the following from plywood:
    • Two pieces of plywood that are the size of your laptop plus two inches in length and 2 inches (5.1 cm) in width.
    • Two pieces of plywood that are the thickness of your laptop plus two inches and the width of your laptop plus two inches.
    • Four pieces of solid wood. Make these from two pieces of solid wood which are the thickness of your laptop plus 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) and the length of your laptop plus 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Cut them on the diagonal to form four long, narrow, right-triangles.
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    Cut ventilation slots from the two large pieces of plywood.
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    Drill/cut slots in the "top" piece of plywood to allow for a strap to hold your laptop securely in place within the box/briefcase/carrying case.
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    Sand all surfaces and edges smooth.
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    Glue and screw the right-triangles to the edges of each side of your case.
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    Glue and screw the carrying edge to the top.
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    Screw on the handle.
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    Screw on the hinge(s), checking for maneuverability. The hinges must be able to swing 270 degrees back on themselves to form the "desk".
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    After test-fit and adjustments at this point, attach the latches and test how secure it is.
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    Paint / seal the exterior with whatever colors you like or have on hand.
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    Paint / seal the interior.
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    Place padding along the interior - but do not place padding under the computer.
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    Strap the laptop into the case. Check for ability to open the laptop fully.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • A quarter sheet (2 ft x 4 ft) of plywood.
  • 6 feet (1.8 m) length of 1x4 clear lumber
  • Two "piano" hinges or 4 door hinges.
  • 4 latches to hold everything closed. Several types will work well.
  • A handle. May be of rope or from an old cabinet drawer

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About This Article

Lois Wade
Co-authored by:
Lois Wade
wikiHow Crafts Expert
This article was co-authored by Lois Wade, a trusted member of wikiHow's volunteer community. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. This article has been viewed 22,231 times.
3 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: May 6, 2021
Views: 22,231
Categories: Making Tables
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