Transform leftover wood scraps into a practical phone stand in about 30-45 minutes. This beginner-friendly woodworking project requires basic tools and creates a sturdy stand that holds your phone at the perfect viewing angle. Great for anyone wanting to organize their desk or learn fundamental woodworking skills.
Find a piece of scrap wood at least 4 inches wide, 6 inches long, and 3/4 inch thick. Check that it's free from major cracks or splits. Hardwoods like oak or maple work best, but pine or plywood will also work fine.
Use a pencil and ruler to mark a rectangle 3.5 inches wide by 5 inches long on your wood. This will be the base of your stand. Make sure your marks are clear and straight.
Using a hand saw or miter saw, carefully cut along your marked lines to create the base piece. Take your time and let the saw do the work. If using a power saw, always keep your fingers clear of the blade.
Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth all surfaces and edges of the base piece. Pay special attention to the edges where you cut. Follow up with 220-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish. Wipe away dust with a cloth.
On one of the 3.5-inch ends, measure up 1.5 inches from the bottom and make a mark. From the top edge on the same end, measure down 0.75 inches and mark. Draw a line connecting these two points - this creates your angled slot.
From the angled line you just drew, measure in 1 inch toward the center of the wood and draw a parallel line. This creates a slot that's 1 inch deep - perfect for holding your phone securely.
Using a 3/8-inch drill bit, drill two holes along the inner parallel line (the 1-inch depth line). Space them about 1/2 inch apart. These holes will make it easier to cut out the slot. Drill straight down, not at an angle.
Insert a coping saw or jigsaw blade into one of the drilled holes. Carefully cut along your marked lines to remove the wood and create the angled slot. Work slowly and follow the lines as closely as possible.
Wrap sandpaper around a small dowel or your finger and sand the inside of the slot until smooth. Make sure there are no rough edges that could scratch your phone. Use 120-grit first, then 220-grit.
Cut a piece of scrap wood 3.5 inches wide by 3 inches tall. Sand it smooth. Position it at the back edge of the base (opposite the phone slot) and attach with wood glue. Let it dry for 30 minutes, or secure immediately with 2-3 small nails or screws.
Once the glue is dry, give the entire stand a final sanding with 220-grit sandpaper. Round over any sharp corners slightly. Wipe away all dust with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry.
If desired, apply a wood finish like Danish oil, polyurethane, or even just some furniture wax. This protects the wood and brings out the grain. Apply with a clean cloth following the product directions, then let it cure completely before use.
Once everything is dry, test the stand with your phone. It should sit securely in the angled slot at a comfortable viewing angle. If needed, you can adjust the slot slightly with more sanding.