Elevate Your Workspace with a Custom DIY Wooden Monitor Stand
Creating an ergonomic setup for your computer or laptop doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With this straightforward woodworking project, you can craft a stylish and functional monitor stand that not only raises your screen to eye level but also adds a practical shelf underneath for storage. Made from simple scrap wood pieces, it’s perfect for repurposing leftover materials and customizing your workspace seamlessly.
Why Opt for a DIY Monitor Stand?
Many standard monitors sit too low on your desk, forcing you to hunch over and strain your neck. An improperly positioned monitor can lead to discomfort, poor posture, and even long-term neck or back issues. By elevating your monitor to the ideal height—where the top third aligns with your eye level—you promote better posture and reduce fatigue. This DIY stand allows you to easily adjust the height by modifying the length of the legs during construction, ensuring an ergonomic fit tailored to your needs.
Adapting the Stand for Laptop Use
This versatile monitor riser can also serve as a laptop stand. If your device is larger or smaller, simply modify the dimensions accordingly. The current design uses a 1×8 inch board, which measures approximately 7 1/4 inches in depth, making it suitable for most laptops. For larger laptops, opt for wider boards to maintain stability and support. The stand’s height is approximately 3 3/4 inches, but you can increase this by lengthening the legs. Expert Tip: For every additional inch you add to the leg length, expect an increase of about 7/8 inch in overall height, allowing for precise customization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Monitor Stand
Tools Required:
- Sliding miter saw (or alternative cutting tool such as a circular saw or table saw with guide)
- Brad nail gun
- Sander
- Clamps
Materials Needed:
- 24 inches of 1×8 lumber
- 5/8 inch brad nails
- 1 1/4 inch brad nails
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood sealer or finish
Step 1: Precise Cutting of Boards
Start by setting your miter saw to cut at a 30-degree angle. If your saw cannot handle the full length of the board (8 inches or more), you can make the angled cuts using a circular saw with a guide track or a table saw. Carefully position the board, ensuring the blade remains straight during the cut. Measure 15 inches from the long end of the angled cut and mark a perpendicular line across the board. Flip the board to align your line with the blade, then cut along this mark to create the angled top piece. For the legs, measure 3 1/4 inches from the short side of the angled edge, draw a line, and make a parallel cut without flipping the board, ensuring the legs are identical and aligned properly.
Expert Tip: To enhance safety when cutting small pieces, use a longer scrap board to hold the piece steady, keeping fingers away from the blade.
Step 2: Attaching the Legs and Assembly
Apply a generous amount of wood glue to the top of each leg piece. Position the legs so that the outside edge aligns flush with the sides of the top panel, then secure them with 5/8 inch brad nails, spacing the nails about half an inch apart. Repeat for both legs, then flip the assembled top over and attach the legs from above using 1 1/4 inch nails, angling the nails inward to embed into each leg securely. A typical configuration involves about 9 nails per leg, but feel free to add more for increased stability.
Step 3: Clamping and Letting the Glue Cure
To ensure a tight bond, clamp your monitor stand firmly while the glue dries. Due to the shape, use a longer clamp to hold the top and support the splayed legs. Carefully tighten the clamps to keep all parts aligned and flush. Leave the clamps in place for the recommended drying time to achieve a sturdy construction.
Step 4: Finishing Touches – Sanding and Sealing
Once the glue has dried, remove the clamps and fill any visible nail holes with wood filler. Sand all surfaces smoothly, focusing on removing rough edges and rounding over the top edges for a softer feel. Apply a coat of sealer, stain, or paint to match your decor—if using a natural wood finish, a clear sealer enhances the wood’s beauty. For example, if your wood is maple, a simple sealer is sufficient to highlight its grain. Now, your custom monitor stand is ready to transform your workspace into an ergonomic and organized environment!
Inspiration for Scrap Wood Projects
Is your scrap wood collection getting out of control? Now’s the perfect time to craft unique and practical projects from those leftover pieces. Collaborating with my friend Shara from Woodshop Diaries, we’ve planned a series of creative scrap wood projects every Tuesday this August under the hashtag #scrapwoodsummer. Explore a variety of ideas, including:
- Simple DIY monitor stand from wood scraps
- Footed tray with rustic charm
- Decorative cake plate with a glass dome
- Geometric wooden art pieces
- Custom bookends from reclaimed wood
- Double-sided shelves for versatile storage
- Easy curtain rod brackets from scrap
- Festive fall pumpkin signs
Enjoy the process of building, customizing, and transforming your space with these fun and eco-friendly projects. Happy woodworking!