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DIY Laptop Stand Hacks

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published November 25, 2024

A laptop stand elevates the laptop for less strain and provides greater comfort and productivity. Creating a custom one helps you get a DIY laptop stand that meets all your specific needs. Explore both simple and complex DIY projects to make your own laptop stand.

Considerations for Your DIY Laptop Stand

When you’re the one calling all the shots, it’s important to consider key factors that contribute to optimal comfort and functionality.

Ergonomics

This is essential to prevent any strain on your neck, shoulder and back. Ergonomics come into play when deciding the height and position of your DIY laptop stand. Make sure that your laptop screen is positioned at eye level to avoid any strain. A well-adjusted stand can help you achieve an ideal posture that reduces discomfort. 

Stability

Make sure that your DIY laptop stand has a sturdy base to prevent your laptop from tipping over. Materials like wood and metal should be used for a stable base since they can support the weight of your laptop.

Portability

This is a factor to consider if you require a DIY laptop stand that can be moved around or stored and carried. For this purpose, laptop stands that are foldable, collapsible or lightweight might be better.

Functionality

While a DIY laptop stand in itself is a practical solution, consider adding extra features that add to its functionality. Features like a built-in storage or cooling fans can provide more benefits than a regular stand.

7 DIY Laptop Stand Ideas for Increased Convenience

Now that you have a clear idea of what you want in your laptop stand, we can explore some ideas that will help you work more comfortably.

DIY Laptop Side Table

A side table with the ideal height and surface for your laptop can be used as a DIY laptop stand. It’s a stable option and provides enough space to keep your keyboard, mouse and other items handy. A side table made from wood, metal or even repurposed furniture can be a good option.

After you get a readymade side table, you can adjust its height based on your requirements. Adding a slope to the top of the table can make it ergonomic and more comfortable to use. You can add storage compartments to the side table as well. Lastly, paint or stain the side table to give it a more personal touch.

DIY Notebook Stand with Wood

If you have woodwork experience, this might be an easy and simple project for you. All you need is a sturdy wooden board, a saw, a  sander and some screws and glue.

Start by cutting the wooden board into the desired height and weight of your DIY notebook stand. Next, make an angled cut on one side of the board to give your notebook a slight incline. Attach a small wooden block to the base for better stability. Finish by sanding the edges for a smooth finish and apply your desired finish.

Caution
When using a saw, make sure the workpiece is secure and in place.
Caution

Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from possible injuries. 

DIY Laptop Lap Desk

A DIY laptop lap desk is the perfect companion if you frequently work on your bed or couch. You need a sturdy wooden board or cardboard along with padding for comfort. Cut the wooden board to the desired length and width. Secure the foam padding to the base with wood glue or a staple gun. Proceed to cover the padded base with any fabric with a staple gun. You can then attach a small laptop stand to the front of the lap desk.

Caution

Be careful while using the staple gun to avoid any accidents.

Folding DIY Laptop Stand

If you prefer to work on-the-go, a portable and space-saving laptop stand might be the best solution. Based on your preferences, you can use hinges or a simple folding mechanism for your stand.

The first step is to create a design considering the height, width and folding mechanism for your laptop stand. Cut the wooden boards based on this design. Attach hinges at the correct locations for smooth folding. Secure the joints of the board in place with screws and ensure that the stand is sturdy when folded and unfolded. Sand the edges for a clean look and apply paint or stain as per your preference.

Caution

When you drill into the wood, make sure that you use the correct size for the drill-bit.

Multifunctional DIY Laptop Stand

A laptop stand that just serves one purpose is good, but one that can be used for various jobs is even better. A laptop stand can also be used as a tablet holder or a storage solution. This can increase the value of your workspace and reduce the clutter.

Adding storage compartments to a readymade laptop stand is an easy job. Start by deciding the location and size of your storage compartments by measuring the laptop stand. Cut wooden or metal strips for the compartments. Attach these strips below or on the side of the laptop stand with screws or wood glue. Make sure the strips are securely attached and make the compartments. Sand the compartments to remove splinters and apply your desired finish or stain.

Cardboard DIY Laptop Stand

This DIY laptop stand is great if you want a quick and easy project. This idea isn’t too fancy, all you need is a cardboard box or sheet to create a functional stand. A wood or metal stand might be more durable, but a cardboard one can be used as a temporary solution or a project for beginners.

Make a plan for the design of your laptop stand and cut it in the desired size using scissors.  Fold the cardboard appropriately to create the base and sides of the stand. Secure the pieces together with tape to make sure they stay in place. Adjust the angle of the stand to make sure it provides comfort while you operate your laptop.

Shoe Box DIY Laptop Stand

Repurposing an old shoe box is one of the many unique laptop stand ideas. Go all out by decorating it with paint and stickers to add a personal touch. This is also a budget-friendly project and doesn’t require too much time to create.

Start by cutting a rectangular opening on the top of your shoe box. The opening should be the size of your laptop. To create a stand for the back of the laptop, cut a piece of cardboard and attach it to the inside of the box with tape. Your shoe box laptop stand is now ready to decorate to your heart’s content.