Making a wooden tablet stand for kitchen use is a practical and rewarding woodworking project. A custom-made stand can hold your tablet at an ideal angle for viewing recipes, following cooking tutorials, or watching videos while you work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own wooden tablet stand.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wood: Choose a sturdy and attractive wood like oak, maple, or walnut. For this project, a piece that’s 12-15 inches long, 4-6 inches wide, and about ½ inch thick should suffice.
- Saw: A hand saw or circular saw to cut the wood to the desired lengths.
- Drill: To create holes for screws and for the pivot mechanism (if desired).
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the edges and surfaces.
- Wood Glue: For joining parts of the stand.
- Screws: For securing pieces of the stand together (optional).
- Varnish or Wood Finish: For sealing the wood and giving it a professional look.
- Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate cuts.
- Clamps: To hold pieces in place while the glue dries.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Planning and Measuring
Start by planning the size of your tablet stand. Measure the dimensions of your tablet to make sure the stand will be the right size. Generally, the stand should be wide enough to accommodate the width of the tablet and should hold it at an angle for comfortable viewing.
Here’s a simple design:
- Base: 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- Backrest: 4-5 inches high (depending on the angle you want the tablet to sit at), 4 inches wide.
- Front Support: A piece of wood about 3-4 inches long, cut at a 30-45 degree angle to hold the tablet at the right incline.
2. Cutting the Wood
Using a saw, cut the following pieces from your wooden board:
- Base Piece: 12 inches by 4 inches.
- Backrest Piece: 4 inches by 4 inches (or slightly taller for more tilt).
- Front Support Piece: 4 inches long with a 30-degree angled cut on one edge.
If you want a more custom design, you can cut a decorative curve or design along the top edge of the base or backrest, but this is optional.
3. Shaping and Sanding
Once you’ve cut the pieces, use sandpaper to smooth all the edges and surfaces of the wood. This is especially important for the angled parts, as rough edges could damage your tablet or be uncomfortable to handle. Aim for a smooth, polished finish.
4. Assembling the Stand
- Base and Backrest: Position the backrest at a 90-degree angle to the base. Apply wood glue along the edge of the backrest and press it against the base. Clamp it together and allow the glue to dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add a small screw or nail for extra security, but glue is usually sufficient for a sturdy bond.
- Front Support: Attach the front support to the base. This piece should be glued and secured at an angle that will hold the tablet up at a comfortable viewing angle. You may want to use a small screw or dowel to reinforce the joint.
5. Adding a Pivot Mechanism (Optional)
If you want to add flexibility for adjusting the angle, you can drill small holes at the top of the backrest and the front support, then use a bolt, screw, or a dowel pin to allow the front support to pivot. This will enable you to adjust the angle of your tablet as needed.
6. Finishing Touches
Once the stand is assembled, you can apply a varnish or wood finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. This will give the stand a polished look and also protect it from kitchen moisture or spills.
Let the finish dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dried, your wooden tablet stand is ready for use!
7. Using Your Tablet Stand
Place the stand on your kitchen counter or work surface. Simply place your tablet on it, adjust the angle as needed (if you’ve added a pivot), and enjoy hands-free recipe reading or video viewing while cooking.
Additional Tips:
- Personalize: You can add personalized carvings, patterns, or woodburning designs for a unique touch.
- Size Variations: If you have a larger tablet, adjust the dimensions of the stand to accommodate its size.
- Rubber Pads: To prevent your tablet from slipping, you can add rubber pads or strips to the surface that holds the tablet.
This project can be completed in a weekend and adds a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen while being functional and helpful during cooking.
For more woodworking projects and tips, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.