Creating a wooden desk organizer with a phone stand is a rewarding project that will help you keep your workspace neat and functional while providing a dedicated spot for your phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own.
Materials Needed:
- Wood (Preferably plywood or hardwood like oak, maple, or pine)
- Sandpaper (Medium and fine grit)
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional)
- Saw (Hand saw, jigsaw, or table saw)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil
- Drill with bits for screws or dowels
- Clamps
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Phone holder template or design (optional)
Step 1: Planning and Design
Before you begin cutting the wood, sketch out the design of your desk organizer. It’s essential to plan where the phone holder will be placed and how much storage space you’ll need for pens, paper, or other desk accessories.
Here’s a simple layout:
- Phone Stand: Create a slot or cradle that will hold the phone vertically or horizontally.
- Storage Compartments: Include slots for pens, pencils, paperclips, or other small items.
- Dimensions: Keep the size compact, about 8-10 inches wide and 5-7 inches tall, with individual compartments sized appropriately for your needs.
Step 2: Measuring and Cutting the Wood
Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure and mark the dimensions of your organizer on the wood. Use a pencil to outline the cuts, making sure each part fits well together.
- Base Piece: Cut a piece of wood that will serve as the base. Typically, a piece measuring 10 inches by 5 inches works well.
- Side Pieces: For the sides, cut two pieces, each around 5 inches tall and 3 inches deep. These will form the walls of the organizer.
- Phone Stand Piece: For the phone stand, cut a piece about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. Then, cut a groove in the middle of this piece to fit your phone snugly.
- Compartment Dividers: If you plan to add dividers, cut these pieces according to your desired compartments. These can be smaller pieces, like 3 inches by 2 inches.
Once you’ve marked all the pieces, use a saw to carefully cut them out.
Step 3: Sanding
Smooth the edges of each cut piece using sandpaper. Start with medium grit (around 100) and then finish with fine grit (around 220) for a smooth, polished surface. Sand the edges of your cuts, especially on the phone stand groove, to avoid any rough spots that could damage your phone.
Step 4: Assembling the Organizer
Begin assembling the pieces of the organizer.
- Attach the Side Walls to the Base: Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and press them against the base. You can also reinforce with small screws, but the glue should suffice for most small projects.
- Install the Phone Stand: Apply glue to the edges of the phone stand piece and attach it to the center of the back of the organizer base. If you have cut a groove for the phone, make sure it’s positioned at the right height to cradle the phone securely.
- Add Compartment Dividers: If you’re adding dividers, glue them into place, making sure they are square and positioned evenly. You can use clamps to hold them until the glue dries.
- Reinforce with Screws (Optional): If you want extra durability, add screws to the joints of the base, side pieces, and dividers. Be sure to drill pilot holes first to prevent the wood from splitting.
Step 5: Finishing the Organizer
Once your desk organizer is assembled, you can finish it to give it a smooth, professional look.
- Staining or Painting: Apply a wood stain or paint to the organizer. Choose a color that complements your workspace. Make sure to apply an even coat, and let it dry thoroughly before handling.
- Sealing: Once the stain or paint has dried, apply a coat of wood sealer to protect the surface. This will give your organizer a durable finish and prevent damage from spills or scratches.
Step 6: Adding Personal Touches
To personalize your desk organizer, consider engraving or painting your name or a design on the front. You could also add felt pads to the bottom to protect your desk surface.
Step 7: Final Assembly and Enjoying Your Desk Organizer
Once everything is dry and set, your wooden desk organizer with a phone stand is ready to be used! Arrange your pens, paper, and phone neatly, and enjoy the functionality of your new creation.
This project is a great way to add a custom touch to your workspace while ensuring everything is within reach and organized.
If you’re looking for more woodworking projects like this, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course to access a wide variety of detailed woodworking plans and step-by-step instructions! Ted’s Woodworking Course