How to Build a Wooden Laptop Stand with a Foldable Design
Building a wooden laptop stand with a foldable design is a rewarding project that combines both form and function. It can help improve your posture and keep your workspace tidy. The best part? You don’t need extensive woodworking experience to create a functional and stylish stand that you can fold away when not in use. Follow these steps to build your own.
Materials Needed:
- Plywood (preferably ¾ inch thickness)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (fine-grit)
- Hinges (2)
- Screws
- Drill
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil
- Saw (circular saw or jigsaw)
- Clamps (optional, but useful)
Step 1: Plan and Design Your Stand
Before you start cutting and assembling, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the design. You’ll need a stable base, a top surface to support the laptop, and two legs on each side for stability. Since the stand is foldable, the two legs should be hinged to allow for easy folding.
Here’s a simple design:
- Top Surface: This is the part where the laptop will sit. You can make it slightly wider than the laptop for extra stability.
- Legs: The legs should be angled to give your laptop a slight tilt, which helps with ergonomics. These legs will fold in and out of place using hinges.
- Hinges: You’ll attach the hinges where the legs meet the base to allow them to fold flat when not in use.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood Pieces
- Top Piece: Measure and cut the top piece of plywood to your desired dimensions. For most laptops, a size of about 12” x 8” is sufficient, but adjust based on the size of your laptop.
- Legs: Cut four pieces of plywood for the legs. The angle of the legs should ideally be around 70 to 75 degrees for the best ergonomic position. The length of the legs will depend on how high you want the laptop to sit. A typical length is around 8–10 inches, but this can vary.
- Crossbars (Optional): You may want to add crossbars between the legs for extra support and stability. These should be cut to match the width of the stand.
Step 3: Sand the Wood
Once your pieces are cut, sand them thoroughly with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. This is particularly important if you plan on painting or finishing the wood later, as it will help the finish adhere more evenly.
Step 4: Attach the Hinges
- Position the Hinges: Lay the legs out in their desired position. Attach the hinges to the edge of the legs where they will meet the base. Use screws to fasten them securely. The hinges should allow the legs to fold flat when not in use.
- Test the Folding Mechanism: Make sure the hinges work properly by folding and unfolding the legs. The hinges should move smoothly, and the legs should lock into place when unfolded.
Step 5: Assemble the Stand
- Attach the Top Piece: Apply wood glue to the edges of the base and attach it to the top of the legs. You can reinforce this with screws or nails if needed. Make sure the top is centered and stable.
- Add Crossbars (Optional): If you’re using crossbars for extra support, now is the time to attach them. Place them between the legs at a height where they will add stability to the stand without interfering with the foldability. Attach them using wood glue and screws.
Step 6: Finish the Stand
After your stand is assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches:
- Sanding: Sand the entire stand again to ensure a smooth surface, especially where the glue was applied.
- Painting or Staining: If you want to give your stand a polished look, you can stain or paint the wood. Choose a wood stain or finish that matches your style and gives the stand a sleek, professional appearance.
- Sealing: Apply a protective sealant to the surface to protect it from moisture, dust, and wear and tear.
Step 7: Test the Stand
Once everything is dry and fully assembled, test the stand by placing your laptop on it. Make sure the angle feels comfortable and that the stand is stable. Adjust the length of the legs or add additional support if necessary.
Conclusion
With these simple steps, you now have a custom-made wooden laptop stand that can be folded away when not in use, saving valuable desk space. Whether you need it for working from home or as a portable solution for your office, a foldable wooden laptop stand is a practical and stylish accessory.
For more woodworking ideas and expert guidance, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for detailed plans and instructions on a wide range of projects.