Most lecterns are made of wood, lightweight metals or acrylic; on rare occasions, stone or marble are used. Portability and practicality are major considerations in lectern construction, as lecterns are often used in classrooms, board rooms, churches and rented facilities and need to be moved easily.
A commonly used type of lectern is the simple stand type, which is similar to a music stand, but has a larger, more sturdy platform and an adjustable height. Stand-type lecterns take up little room, are easily stored and are made of metal or wood. Another common type of lectern is the pulpit stand, which features an x-shaped base, is made of wood, and does not have an adjustable height.
In situations where a lectern needs to be moved often, a table top lectern is ideal. These types of lecterns are collapsible and store conveniently in a case for easy mobility. Often, table top lecterns come with other accessories, such as a portable public address system or microphone, that all fit into a briefcase-sized container.