Creating a wooden tablet docking station with storage is a fun and functional DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build one. The design will allow you to dock your tablet and store small accessories like chargers, headphones, and pens.
Materials Needed:
- Wood: Choose hardwood like oak, walnut, or plywood. The thickness should be around 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch depending on the look and sturdiness you want.
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional for extra stability)
- Finishing oil (e.g., linseed oil, Danish oil, or polyurethane)
- Drawer slides (if you want sliding storage)
- Sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grit)
- Wood finish (varnish, stain, or paint, depending on your preference)
- Saw (circular or miter saw)
- Drill and drill bits
- Clamp (optional, to hold pieces together while glue dries)
- Measuring tape or ruler
Tools Needed:
- Saw (circular or jigsaw)
- Drill
- Screws & screwdriver
- Clamps (optional for the gluing process)
- Sandpaper (or a power sander)
- Finishing materials (e.g., wood finish, oil)
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Plan and Design the Dimensions
- Base: Consider a length of 10–12 inches and a width of 8–10 inches, depending on the tablet’s size.
- Height: For docking, the height of the station should be around 4–5 inches to comfortably hold the tablet.
- Storage Compartment: This can be at the back or underneath, with dimensions suited for the accessories you want to store (about 1–2 inches deep for a small storage area).
Sketch out a design with your tablet’s dimensions in mind. If you want to add extra features, like cable management or custom slots for pens, incorporate those into your design.
2. Cut the Pieces
- Docking area: Cut a piece of wood for the base (e.g., 12 inches x 8 inches). This will be the main docking platform.
- Storage compartments: If you want a drawer, cut wood pieces for the sides (2 pieces), bottom, and front. The compartment can slide in and out with the help of drawer slides, or you can create a simple open storage shelf.
- Tablet holder: For the tablet stand, cut a vertical piece to act as the back support. You can angle the back piece (e.g., 70–80 degrees) so your tablet leans back slightly. The width should match the tablet’s width plus a little extra for stability.
3. Assemble the Dock
- Tablet Slot: On the docking piece, use a jigsaw or router to cut a narrow slot where the tablet will rest. The slot should be slightly wider than the tablet’s thickness to allow for easy docking.
- Back Support: Attach the back support piece to the base at an angle. Use wood glue and screws for extra strength. The angle is essential to keep the tablet in a visible, easy-to-use position.
4. Build the Storage Compartment
- If you’re building a drawer: Attach the sides to the bottom piece, ensuring you leave space on the sides for the drawer slides. You can either create a pull-out drawer or a simple open compartment.
- For a sliding drawer, attach the drawer slides to the inside of the compartment and to the sides of the drawer.
5. Smooth the Edges
- Sand all the edges and surfaces using sandpaper, starting with coarse grit (80) and moving to finer grits (120, then 220) for a smooth finish. This step is crucial to avoid splinters and to make the docking station feel polished.
6. Finish the Wood
- Apply a wood finish to enhance the appearance and protect the wood. You can choose a natural wood finish (e.g., linseed oil or Danish oil) for a rustic look or go for a varnish or polyurethane finish for added durability.
7. Final Assembly
- After the finish dries, assemble all parts together. Secure the storage compartment (drawer or open shelf) to the docking base using screws or wood glue.
- If you used screws, make sure they are countersunk so they’re not visible.
8. Test and Adjust
- Insert your tablet into the slot to see if the angle and size are right. You may need to adjust the slot width or back angle slightly to ensure your tablet sits securely and is easy to access.
- Ensure the storage area can hold your accessories.
Optional: Custom Features
- Cable Management: Drill small holes in the back of the docking station to feed your charging cables through. You can also add a cable organizer at the bottom of the station.
- Personalization: Stain the wood a different color or paint the docking station to match your decor. You could also add a logo, name, or design with a wood-burning tool.
This docking station will give you a stylish, functional piece of furniture to keep your tablet and accessories neatly organized. The best part is you can customize the design to suit your needs, making it unique to your space!