Woodworking Projects to Build Phone Stands: Genius Designs

Build your own custom phone stand with these genius woodworking projects! Easy designs for beginners will transform leftover wood into beautiful, functional stands for your desk or nightstand. Learn how to make a stylish and practical accessory in no time.

Ever found yourself juggling your phone while trying to follow a recipe, watch a video, or join a video call? It’s a common frustration, isn’t it? Your phone slides, it falls, and you end up with a sore hand. Well, my friends, there’s a much simpler and more stylish solution waiting in your workshop (or even just a small corner!). Building your own phone stand from wood is a fantastic beginner woodworking project. It’s quick, rewarding, and you end up with something super useful. Forget those flimsy plastic stands; a solid wood one adds a touch of artisan class to your space. Let’s dive into some brilliant designs that are perfect for anyone just starting out.

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Why Build a Wooden Phone Stand?

As a woodworker, I love projects that are both practical and beautiful. A wooden phone stand ticks both those boxes perfectly. It’s a project that doesn’t require a massive workshop or a pile of specialized tools, making it ideal for beginners. Plus, you can truly make it your own!

Customization: Choose your wood, your finish, and your design.
Functionality: Keep your phone stable and accessible.
Aesthetics: Add a natural, warm touch to your workspace or home.
Sustainability: Great for using up scrap wood.
Skill Building: Perfect for practicing basic cuts and assembly.

Let’s face it, our phones are practically glued to our hands these days. Having a dedicated spot for them is not just convenient, it’s almost a necessity. A well-made wooden stand can prevent scratches, keep your devices charged and at eye level for video calls, and generally declutter your life. It’s a small project with a big impact!

Essential Tools for Your Phone Stand Project

You don’t need a professional-grade workshop to build a fantastic phone stand. Many of these projects can be tackled with just a few basic tools. Here’s a rundown of what you might need. Depending on the complexity of the design you choose, you might not need all of them, but it’s good to know what’s available.

Must-Have Tools:

Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements. Precision is key!
Pencil: To mark your cut lines.
Hand Saw or Jigsaw: For cutting your wood. A simple hand saw works fine for softer woods and straight cuts, while a jigsaw offers more versatility for curves. If you’re just starting and want more power, a miter saw is excellent for precise angle cuts and is a solid investment for many projects to come.
Sandpaper (various grits, e.g., 120, 220): To smooth out rough edges and prepare for finishing.
Wood Glue: For strong, lasting bonds.
Clamps: To hold pieces together while the glue dries. C-clamps or bar clamps work well.

Optional (but helpful) Tools:

Drill (with bits): For creating pilot holes and any necessary screw connections.
Orbital Sander: Makes sanding much faster and easier.
Power Miter Saw: For quick and accurate angled cuts.
Rasp or File: For shaping and smoothing curves.
Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes!
Hearing Protection: Especially important if using power tools.
Dust Mask: Keep those lungs clear.

Safety is always my number one priority. Always wear your safety glasses when cutting or sanding. If you’re using power tools, make sure you understand how they work and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a successful and safe project. For more on basic woodworking safety, you can check out resources from organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provides guidelines on workplace safety, including tool usage.

Genius Design 1: The Simple Slotted Stand

This is the absolute easiest design and a perfect starting point for anyone. It relies on just a few pieces of wood and some simple cuts. It’s elegant in its simplicity!

Materials:

Two pieces of wood (e.g., 1×2 or 1×3 lumber, or even scraps from another project).
Wood glue.

Tools:

Saw (hand saw, jigsaw, or miter saw).
Measuring tape & pencil.
Sandpaper.
Clamps (optional, but helpful).

Steps:

Cut Your Base: Cut one piece of wood to your desired base length. A good starting point is about 5-6 inches. This will be the bottom of your stand.
Cut Your Upright: Cut another piece of wood that will serve as the upright support. This one can be a bit taller, say 4-5 inches.
Create the Slot: On the upright piece, you need to cut a slot for your phone to rest in. Measure the thickness of your phone (or its case). You want the slot to be slightly wider than the phone. Mark a line about 1 inch down from the top edge of the upright piece, centered horizontally. Then, measure your phone’s thickness and make two parallel lines for the slot.
Cut the Slot: Carefully cut out the slot. If you’re using a hand saw, you can make several closely spaced cuts and then chisel out the waste or tap it out carefully. A jigsaw is great for this – drill a starter hole inside the slot line, insert the blade, and cut along your lines.
Shape the Slot (Optional but Recommended): Use sandpaper or a rasp to slightly round the bottom inside edges of the slot. This prevents the phone corner from bumping.
Assemble: Apply wood glue to the bottom edge of the upright piece. Position it on top of the base piece, ensuring it’s centered or placed to your aesthetic preference (usually a little back from the front edge).
Clamp and Dry: Use clamps to hold the pieces firmly together while the glue dries. Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out with a damp cloth. Refer to the glue manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
Sand and Finish: Once the glue is dry, sand all the surfaces until smooth. Start with a coarser grit like 120 and move to a finer grit like 220. Apply your choice of finish – wood stain, paint, or a clear protective coat like polyurethane.

This design is versatile. You can make the base wider for more stability or add a small lip at the bottom of the slot to prevent the phone from sliding out too far. It’s a project you can complete in an afternoon!

Genius Design 2: The Angled Support

This design is another simple yet effective option, perfect for giving your phone a comfortable viewing angle. It often involves just two pieces that interlock.

Materials:

Two pieces of wood (e.g., 3/4 inch thick hardwood or plywood, around 3-4 inches wide).
Wood glue (optional, depending on joint).

Tools:

Saw (miter saw is ideal here for precise angles, but a hand saw and protractor can work).
Measuring tape & pencil.
Sandpaper.

Steps:

Determine Dimensions: Decide on the height and depth of your stand. Let’s say you want a stand that’s 5 inches tall at the back and 3 inches deep.
Cut the Back Piece: Cut one piece of wood to your desired width (e.g., 3 inches) and height (e.g., 5 inches). This will be the back support.
Cut the Base Piece: Cut the second piece to be your base. Make it wide enough to support the phone and give it a good angle. For a 3-inch wide upright, a 4-inch wide base might be good. For the depth, consider how far you want the phone to lean. A 3-inch depth is usually sufficient.
Mark the Angle Cuts: This is where it gets clever. You’ll create a slot that allows the two pieces to slot together like puzzle pieces. On the back piece, mark a line about 1 inch from the bottom edge. On the base piece, mark a line about 1 inch from the back edge.
Create the Interlocking Joint (Table Saw method recommended for beginners):
- Set your table saw blade to a 45-degree angle.
- On the back piece, make a 45-degree cut going into the wood from the top of the line you marked, stopping halfway through the thickness of the wood. This creates a “male” dovetail-like notch.
- On the base piece, make a 45-degree cut going into the wood from the bottom edge of the line you marked, also stopping halfway through the thickness. This creates a “female” corresponding notch.
- Safety Note: When using a table saw for dados or half-lap cuts like this, use a push stick and be extremely mindful of kickback. Ensure the wood is held firmly against the fence and the blade. If you’re unsure, practice on scrap wood first! YouTube channels like Steve Ramsey – Woodworking for Mere Mortals have excellent beginner guides on table saw safety and techniques.
Alternative Joint (Hand Saw/Jigsaw method): If you don’t have a table saw, you can achieve a similar result by marking your wood more carefully. On the back piece, mark a rectangular section to remove, going halfway through the wood’s thickness. You can cut this out with a hand saw and chisel, or a jigsaw. Do the same on the base piece, but remove the wood from the opposite edge so they fit together. This is often called a “half-lap joint”.
Test the Fit: Slot the two pieces together. They should fit snugly. If they’re too tight, shave a little material off with sandpaper or a rasp. If too loose, you might need to redo the cuts or use wood glue to secure them.
Sand and Finish: Sand all surfaces and edges smooth. Apply your preferred finish.

This interlocking design provides great stability and looks quite impressive. The angle is usually perfect for watching videos or reading emails. You can experiment with different angles (e.g., 30 or 60 degrees) to find what works best for you.

Genius Design 3: The Curved Cradle

This design is a bit more artistic and often uses just one piece of wood, showcasing curves and smooth lines. It feels more fluid and can be a real eye-catcher.

Materials:

One piece of wood (e.g., a hardwood plank about 3/4 inch thick, 3-4 inches wide, and 6-8 inches long, or even a nice piece of plywood).
Wood glue (if joining multiple pieces for width).

Tools:

Saw (jigsaw is excellent for curves, bandsaw is ideal if you have one).
Measuring tape & pencil.
Sandpaper (lots of it!).
Jigsaw or coping saw.
Drill with large bit (e.g., 1-inch or larger) or hole saw, for starting curves.
Clamps (for gluing if needed).

Steps:

Design Your Shape: Sketch out the shape of your stand onto paper or directly onto the wood. It should have a base, an upright support, and a cradle to hold the phone. Think of a gentle curve swooping up from the base to cradle the phone. Many designs involve cutting a slot or a curved notch into a single piece that extends upwards.
Transfer Design to Wood: Trace your design onto the wood. Ensure the width of the wood is sufficient to support your phone.
Cut the Outline: Using a jigsaw or bandsaw, carefully cut along your traced lines to create the basic shape of the stand. Take your time, especially on the curves.
Create the Phone Slot/Cradle: This is where the magic happens. You need a curved indentation or a slot where the phone will sit.
- Curved Notch Method: Using a drill with a large bit (or a hole saw), drill a hole near the top edge where you want the cradle to start. Then, use your jigsaw or coping saw to cut a smooth, curved line connecting this hole to the top edge, creating a natural cradle.
- Slotted Method: Similar to Design 1, you can cut a slot, but here you’d use rounded cuts for both the top and bottom of the slot to give it that “cradle” feel.
Refine the Curves: Once the rough cuts are done, use sandpaper, rasps, or files to smooth out all the cut edges, especially the cradle. You want it to feel comfortable and look seamless.
Sand Everything Smooth: This design relies on smooth, flowing lines. Spend extra time sanding. Start with 120 grit, then 180, and finish with 220 or even higher for a silky-smooth finish.
Finish: Apply your desired finish. Oil finishes like Danish oil or Tung oil look fantastic on wood grain and are easy for beginners to apply.

This type of stand often feels more organic. You can even incorporate a small notch or hole at the bottom of the cradle for your charging cable to pass through.

Genius Design 4: The Minimalist Block

This design is for those who appreciate clean lines and robust simplicity. It’s incredibly stable and requires very few cuts, often just one or two.

Materials:

A solid block of wood (can be pre-made, like a 4×4 inch cut, or glued up from smaller pieces).
If cutting your own block: wood glue and clamps.

Tools:

Saw (miter saw or hand saw for straight cuts).
Drill with a Forstner bit or spade bit (around 1 inch diameter is good).
Measuring tape & pencil.
Sandpaper.

Steps:

Prepare Your Block: If you don’t have a pre-made block, create one. Glue several pieces of equal thickness together to achieve your desired width and depth. Clamp them tightly and let the glue cure. Then, cut to your final dimensions (e.g., 4 x 4 x 4 inches, or 5 x 3 x 3 inches).
Mark the Phone Slot: On one face of the block, measure and mark where you want the phone to sit. You’ll be drilling out a section to create a cradle. A good placement is about 1 inch down from the top edge, centered.
Drill the Cradle: Using a Forstner bit or spade bit, drill a hole into the wood. You want to drill deep enough to hold your phone securely, but not all the way through. A depth of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch usually works well. The diameter of the drill bit will determine the width of the cradling slot. You can then use a rasp or sandpaper to slightly widen or shape it if needed.
Add a Charging Notch (Optional): Using a smaller drill bit or a rasp, create a small notch or channel on the bottom edge of the drilled cradle. This allows a charging cable to pass through and keep your phone powered up.
Sand and Finish: Thoroughly sand the entire block, paying attention to the drilled cradle. Make sure all edges are smooth and comfortable to the touch. Apply your finish.

This design is wonderfully stable, essentially an evolution of the simple block with a cleverly drilled hole. It’s very forgiving and can be made almost entirely with a drill.

Advanced Designs and Customizations

Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can start thinking about more complex and personalized phone stands. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Multi-Device Stands: Design a stand that can hold both a phone and a tablet, or even a phone and a stylus.
Integrated Storage: Add a small drawer or compartment to hold earbuds, a USB drive, or other small items.
Adjustable Angles: Explore designs that allow for adjustable viewing angles, perhaps using simple hinge mechanisms or slotted adjustments.
Cable Management: Incorporate clever channels or holes to route charging cables neatly from the back to the front of the stand.
Combination of Materials: Mix wood with other materials like metal or even resin for a modern hybrid look.
Engraving or Carving: Personalize your stand with laser engraving, wood burning, or simple carving.

Remember, the beauty of woodworking is in personalization. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wood types. Walnut offers a rich, dark color, maple is bright and clean, and oak provides a classic, strong grain. Even simpler woods like pine can look great with the right finish. The key is to match the wood’s properties with the design you choose. For instance, softer woods like pine are easier to cut and carve but can dent more easily, while hardwoods are more durable but can be harder to work with initially. Choosing the right wood can be a project in itself!

Table: Wood Types for Phone Stands

Here’s a quick rundown of some popular wood choices, along with their pros and cons for a project like a phone stand:

Wood Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Pine	Inexpensive, lightweight, easy to cut and sand, readily available.	Soft, dents and scratches easily, knots can be tricky to work around.	First-time projects, painted finishes.
Oak	Strong, durable, beautiful grain, good resistance to dents.	Can be heavy, slightly harder to cut and sand than pine, more expensive.	Stained finishes, sturdy designs.
Maple	Hard, dense, very smooth grain, takes finishes well, durable.	Can be more challenging to cut and sand, moderate price.	Fine detail, modern or minimalist designs, natural finishes.
Walnut	Rich, dark color, beautiful grain, relatively easy to work with, durable.	Expensive, can be harder to find in consistent widths.	High-end finishes, classic or modern pieces.
Plywood (Baltic Birch)	Stable, strong (especially Baltic Birch), uniform grain, good for veneered looks.	Edges can be rough, requires careful finishing to hide plies, can delaminate if wet.	Interlocking designs, modern geometric stands.

Tips for a Professional Finish

Even the simplest woodworking project can look stunning with a little attention to detail in the finishing stage. Here are some tips:

Sand, Sand, Sand: This is crucial. Start with a medium grit (120) to remove saw marks and shape edges. Then move to a finer grit (180 or 220) to make the surface smooth to the touch. For an ultra-smooth finish, you can go to 320 or even higher. Always sand with the grain.
Ease All Edges: Slightly rounding over sharp corners with sandpaper makes the piece feel much more comfortable and professional. No one likes sharp edges!
Cleanliness is Key: Before applying any finish, wipe down your project with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove all dust. A speck of dust can ruin an otherwise perfect finish.
Apply Finish Evenly: Whether you use stain, paint, oil, or polyurethane, apply it in thin, even coats. Brushes, rags, or foam applicators all work. Read the product instructions carefully.
Multiple Thin Coats: It’s always better to apply two or three thin coats of finish than one thick coat. This will result in a more durable and attractive finish. Allow adequate drying time between coats as recommended by the manufacturer.
Consider the Purpose: If your stand will be near a kitchen sink or in a bathroom, you might want a more water-resistant finish like polyurethane. For a desk stand, a natural oil finish that highlights the wood grain might be preferable.

A good finish not only makes your project look great but also protects the wood from moisture, dirt, and wear. It’s the crowning touch that elevates your handmade item from a simple craft to a piece of functional art.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What kind of wood is best for making a phone stand?

For beginners, pine is a great choice because it’s inexpensive and easy to work with. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut are more durable and look beautiful with a natural finish, but they are pricier and a bit harder to cut. For intricate designs, dense plywoods like Baltic Birch can also work well.

Q2: Do I need a lot of expensive tools for these projects?

No, not at all! Many simple designs can be made with just a hand saw, sandpaper, and wood glue. A jigsaw helps with curves, and a drill is useful for more advanced designs. Power tools like miter saws or table saws make cuts faster and more precise, but they aren’t strictly necessary for starting out. Safety glasses are essential regardless of the tools you use.

Q3: How wide should the slot for the phone be?

It’s best to measure the thickness of your phone while it’s in its case, as most people use a case. Aim for the slot to be just slightly wider than your phone’s thickness – about 1/16th of an inch extra clearance is usually enough. This ensures a snug fit without being too tight.

Q4: How do I prevent my phone from sliding out of the stand?

For slotted designs, you can add a small retaining lip at the bottom of the slot. For carved cradles, ensure the curve is deep enough. You can also consider angling the phone slightly backward, or adding a subtle textured finish to the cradle itself. For most stable designs, gravity and a good fit are enough.

Q5: Can I make a phone stand that also charges my phone?

Absolutely! Many designs can incorporate a notch or channel at the bottom of the cradle to allow charging cables to pass through. You can route the cable from the back of the stand to the front, keeping your workspace tidy. Some advanced designs might even involve drilling to hide a charging puck or wireless charger, but that’s a more complex project.

Q6: How durable are wooden phone stands?

Durability depends on the type of wood, the thickness, and how well it’s finished. Hardwoods will generally be more durable than softwoods like pine. A good finish (like polyurethane) will add a protective layer against scratches and moisture, significantly increasing the stand’s lifespan. Treat it with reasonable care, and your wooden phone stand will last for years.

Conclusion

There you have it – a guide to building your own unique phone stands through some genius woodworking projects! From the ultra-simple slotted design to slightly more intricate cradles and minimalist blocks, there’s a project here for every skill level and aesthetic. These projects are fantastic for testing out your skills with basic cuts, joinery, and finishing without the commitment of a large build. They’re also brilliant for using up those leftover scraps of beautiful wood that have been sitting around. So, grab your tools, pick a design that speaks to you, and start creating. You’ll end up with a functional, stylish piece that not only solves your phone-juggling woes but also adds a personal touch to your space. Happy building!