How to Build a Church Pulpit

A church pulpit is the focal point for any congregation during services. How the podium is designed can be a reflection of the church itself. A simple pulpit can be ideal for congregations that want to convey a sense of modesty or simplicity, as well as moving the focus from the pulpit to the person who is speaking. A simple, single-post pulpit has the added benefit of being easily moved. This can be especially useful for churches that meet in halls, schools or other temporary locations for services.

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-4 wood post
• 2-by-4 lumber
• 1/2-inch wood panel
• 3/4-inch wood trim
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Miter saw
• Power drill
• Hammer
• Nails
• Screws

Instructions

Pulpit Post and Base

1. Cut a 4-by-4-post to a length of 45 inches using a skill saw.

2. Measure 1 1/2 inches down from one end of the post. Mark this measurement on both corners of one side. Draw a diagonal line from that mark to the top corner on the opposite end of that side.

3. Turn the post over onto the opposite side and draw a diagonal line parallel to the first. Put on your safety glasses, then cut along the diagonal line with a miter saw. This will give the top of the post a slant.

4. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 to a length of 32 inches each.

5. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 to a length of 8 inches each. These will be the feet for the base.

6. Place one 8-inch board on top of the end of a 32-inch board so it is flush. Mark the placement of the smaller board by drawing a line on the larger piece. Place the other 8-inch board on the other end in the same way and mark its position as well.

7. Apply a thin layer of white glue onto the bottoms of the smaller boards and onto the end of the large board up to the lines you marked.

8. Place the smaller boards back onto the 32-inch piece, make sure the edges are flush, then screw them into place using three screws on each end.

9. Place the assembled piece onto the middle of the other 32-inch board so they form a cross. Use a metal square to make sure they are at right angles to each other. Mark the placement of the boards by tracing both with a pencil.

10. Put a thin layer of white glue onto the two boards where they meet, between the lines you marked in the previous step. Then reassemble them, using your square to make sure they are at right angles. Screw the two boards together using two screws.

11. Put the post on a workbench or other elevated surface. Apply white glue to the bottom of the post and the top middle of the base. Ask a friend to hold the base in position, then screw the base to the bottom of the post using three 6-inch screws. Carefully place the pulpit in an upright position on the floor.

The Pulpit Reading Ledge

1. Cut a 1/2-inch wood panel to a size of 16 by 20 inches to make a reading ledge for the pulpit.

2. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch wood trim to a length of 20 inches. Apply glue to the bottom of the trim and to the top of one edge of the wood panel. Place the trim on the panel and then nail it in place with finishing nails.

3. Turn over the ledge, then measure and mark its center. Apply white glue to the center of the ledge and the top of the pulpit post.

4. Place the ledge onto the post. Then screw it to the top of the post using three 1 1/2-inch screws. Paint or stain the pulpit as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• For even more portability, wheels can be screwed to each of the podium's legs.

References

• Tony's Woodshop: How Am I Going to Make a Pulpit
• Woodworking Corner: How To Build Wooden Book Stands
• Ergo In Demand: Single Post Wood Lectern Dark Oak

Resources

• The Love of Wood: Church Project