How to Make a Wooden Phone Holder for Car Dashboards
A wooden phone holder for a car dashboard is a stylish and functional accessory that keeps your device secure while driving. Unlike plastic or metal alternatives, a wooden holder adds a touch of craftsmanship and natural beauty to your vehicle’s interior. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a durable and elegant wooden phone holder for your dashboard.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before starting, gather the following materials and tools:
Materials
- A small wooden block (preferably hardwood like oak, walnut, or maple)
- Sandpaper (80-grit, 150-grit, and 220-grit)
- Wood glue or strong adhesive (optional)
- Suction cup mount or adhesive pad (for attaching to the dashboard)
- Wood finish (oil, polyurethane, or lacquer)
- Soft cloth or brush for finishing
Tools
- Saw (jigsaw, bandsaw, or hand saw)
- Chisel and mallet
- Clamps
- Drill with a Forstner bit (if adding holes for charging cables)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil for marking measurements
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure Your Phone
Measure the width, thickness, and height of your phone with its case on. The phone holder should be wide enough to accommodate the device snugly but not so tight that it’s difficult to insert and remove.
Step 2: Cut the Wooden Block
Using a saw, cut a wooden block to the desired dimensions. A good starting size is 4-6 inches wide, 2 inches tall, and 1-1.5 inches deep. Adjust the dimensions based on your phone size.
Step 3: Create the Phone Slot
- Mark a straight line along the center of the block where the phone will sit.
- Use a chisel or router to carve out a slot about ½ to ¾ inches deep and slightly wider than your phone.
- Ensure the slot has a slight incline so that the phone can rest at a viewable angle.
Step 4: Smooth and Sand
- Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges.
- Follow with 150-grit and then 220-grit sandpaper for a polished, smooth finish.
- Pay extra attention to the phone slot to ensure the phone slides in and out easily without scratching.
Step 5: Add a Charging Slot (Optional)
If you want to charge your phone while it’s in the holder:
- Drill a small hole or carve out a groove at the bottom of the slot to allow a charging cable to pass through.
- Sand the edges of the hole to prevent wear on the cable.
Step 6: Attach the Mounting System
- Choose between a suction cup mount or an adhesive pad.
- If using a suction cup, attach it to the back of the wooden holder with strong glue.
- If using an adhesive pad, apply it to the bottom of the holder and press it firmly onto the dashboard.
Step 7: Apply Finish
- Apply a wood finish such as Danish oil, polyurethane, or lacquer for durability.
- Use a brush or soft cloth to spread the finish evenly.
- Allow it to dry for the recommended time before handling.
Final Touches and Installation
- Once the finish has dried, test the fit by inserting your phone.
- Adjust the placement on the dashboard to ensure visibility without obstructing driving views.
- Secure the holder using the chosen mounting method and ensure it’s stable.
Conclusion
Building a wooden phone holder for your car dashboard is a rewarding DIY project that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your vehicle. With just a few tools and materials, you can create a stylish and durable accessory that keeps your phone in place while you drive.
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