How to Make a Small Podium Top

Cutting Your Wood Pieces

• 1

  Cut a 10 inch by 18 inch piece from your 27 inch length of wood.

• 2

  Find the center point on the 18 inch length of wood. Measure and mark 3 inches to one side of this mark on one 18 inch side, and 3 inches to the other side of the mark on the opposite 18 inch side. Using the straight edge, draw a line diagonally from one mark to the other.

• 3

  Use your saw to cut along your pencil line to create the angled sides of the podium.

• 4

  Cut the remainder of your 27 inch piece of wood into two pieces, one measuring 11 inches by 2 inches for your brace piece and one measuring 16 inches by 1.5 inches for your lip piece.

• 5

  Sand all pieces until smooth.

Assemble the Podium

• 6

  Run a thin line of glue along one of the 3/4 inch long edges of your lip piece. Attach to the flat surface of the 12 inch by 16 inch plywood piece along the 16 inch length and clamp into place.

• 7

  Flip over the podium top, and use two 1 1/2 inch wood screws to secure the lip to the podium top from the bottom.

• 8

  Miter cut the 18 inch sides of your side pieces as well as your podium front to fit together in a U shape. Test the pieces to ensure a snug fit.

• 9

  Use a tape measure or ruler to find the center point on the bottom piece of each inner side; the angled sides are the tops of the side pieces. Measure up 3 inches from your center points, or higher if you selected a large handle, and mark the place on both sides.

• 10

  Run a line of wood glue along the short 3/4 inch sides of your brace piece. Attach the brace so it is centered on your marks with the wider, flat side facing down. Use two 1 1/2 inch screws to secure the brace from each side. Allow all glue to dry before proceeding.

• 11

  Apply wood glue to the mitered edges of your podium side pieces. Attach podium front piece using four 1 1/2 inch wood screws on each side. Use particular care to be straight and steady with this step so screws do not puncture flat surfaces.

• 12

  Center your podium top over the base and measure to ensure proper centering. Mark the bottom of your podium top to ensure proper placement.

• 13

  Run a line of wood glue along the angled tops of your side pieces and attach your podium top. Clamp into place. Secure with six 1 1/2 inch wood screws, screwing down from the top of the podium. Allow all glue to dry before proceeding.

Finishing Your Podium

• 14

  Miter saw your baseboard pieces to fit around the bottom of your podium. Attach with finishing nails. The heavier the baseboard is, the more stability it will add to your podium.

• 15

  Fill all holes, knotholes, cracks and imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth.

• 16

  Flip your podium upside down. Find the center point of your brace piece and place your drawer pull in the center, perpendicular to the side pieces and parallel with the brace length. Mark the holes in the drawer pull.

• 17

  Pre-drill holes for your bolts. Attach your drawer pull with bolts and secure with matching nuts. This will create a secure handle to make your podium portable.

• 18

  Apply paint or polyurethane finish to your finished podium.