DIY iPad Stand: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Own!

In today’s digital age, iPads have become indispensable tools for work, entertainment, and everything in between. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working on a project, or video calling loved ones, having a reliable and comfortable viewing angle is crucial. While there are countless iPad stands available for purchase, nothing beats the satisfaction of creating your own, customized to your exact needs and style. This guide will walk you through various DIY iPad stand projects, catering to different skill levels and budgets. From simple cardboard creations to more elaborate wooden structures, you’ll find the perfect project to elevate your iPad experience.

Why Build Your Own iPad Stand?

Before diving into the projects, let’s consider the advantages of building your own iPad stand:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Store-bought iPad stands can range from affordable to quite expensive. DIY options can often be made using materials you already have at home, saving you money.
• Customization: You can tailor the stand’s angle, height, and overall design to perfectly suit your viewing preferences and workspace.
• Sustainability: Repurposing materials reduces waste and gives new life to items that might otherwise end up in the trash.
• Personalization: You can decorate and personalize your stand to match your style and personality.
• Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a unique satisfaction in creating something useful with your own hands.

Project 1: The Cardboard iPad Stand (Beginner-Friendly)

This project is perfect for beginners and requires minimal materials and tools. It’s a great way to recycle cardboard boxes and create a functional stand in minutes.

Materials:

• Cardboard (a sturdy piece from a box is ideal)
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pencil
• Scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision recommended for children)
• Hot glue gun (optional, but recommended for added strength)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cardboard: Flatten your cardboard piece. You’ll need a piece large enough to cut out the necessary shapes. Aim for a piece at least 12 inches wide and 8 inches tall.
2. Draw the Base: On the cardboard, draw a rectangle that is approximately 8 inches wide and 4 inches tall. This will be the base of your stand.
3. Draw the Back Support: Above the base, draw another rectangle that is 8 inches wide and 6 inches tall. This will be the back support for your iPad.
4. Draw the Support Flap: At the top of the back support rectangle, draw a flap that extends forward. This flap should be about 2 inches wide. This will hold the iPad in place.
5. Draw the Side Supports (Optional): For added stability, you can draw two triangles on either side of the base, connecting it to the back support. The base of each triangle should be along the base rectangle, and the tip of the triangle should touch the back support. Each triangle should have its base along the long side of the rectangle.
6. Cut Out the Pieces: Carefully cut out all the shapes using scissors or a craft knife. If using a craft knife, place the cardboard on a cutting mat and use a ruler as a guide to ensure straight lines.
7. Assemble the Stand: Fold the cardboard along the line where the base meets the back support. This will create the angle for your stand.
8. Secure the Stand: Use hot glue or strong tape to secure the base and back support at the desired angle. If you added side supports, glue or tape them in place as well. Ensure that all joints are secure.
9. Test and Adjust: Place your iPad on the stand and adjust the angle as needed. If the stand feels unstable, add more glue or tape for reinforcement.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the Angle: Experiment with different angles by adjusting the fold between the base and the back support.
• Add Decorations: Decorate your cardboard stand with paint, markers, or stickers to personalize it.
• Reinforce the Stand: For added durability, use multiple layers of cardboard or reinforce the joints with additional tape or glue.
• Cut a Charging Port: Cut a small hole in the back support to allow for charging while the iPad is on the stand.

Project 2: The Wooden Dowel iPad Stand (Intermediate Skill)

This project requires basic woodworking skills and provides a more elegant and durable iPad stand. It’s perfect for those who want a more permanent and stylish solution.

Materials:

• Wooden dowels (approximately 1/2 inch diameter)
• Small piece of wood (for the base, approximately 4×6 inches)
• Wood glue
• Saw (hand saw or power saw)
• Drill (with drill bits appropriate for the dowel size)
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dowels: Cut the wooden dowels into the following lengths:
   • Two dowels: 6 inches (for the back support)
   • Two dowels: 4 inches (for the front support)
   • One dowel: 2 inches (for the iPad rest)
2. Prepare the Base: Sand the edges of the wooden base piece to make them smooth.
3. Drill Holes in the Base: Drill four holes in the wooden base, two towards the back and two towards the front. These holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the dowels to ensure a snug fit. Space the holes evenly, allowing enough room for the iPad to sit comfortably between the front supports.
4. Drill Holes in the Back Supports: On each of the 6-inch dowels, drill a hole near the top. This hole will be used to attach the iPad rest.
5. Assemble the Frame: Apply wood glue to the ends of the 6-inch dowels and insert them into the holes at the back of the base. Do the same with the 4-inch dowels and insert them into the holes at the front of the base.
6. Attach the iPad Rest: Apply wood glue to the ends of the 2-inch dowel and insert them into the holes you drilled in the top of the back support dowels. This will create a horizontal bar to rest your iPad on.
7. Secure and Let Dry: Ensure that all the dowels are securely in place and let the glue dry completely, according to the glue manufacturer’s instructions. This may take several hours or overnight.
8. Sand the Stand: Once the glue is dry, sand the entire stand to smooth out any rough edges or glue residue.
9. Finish the Stand (Optional): Apply wood stain or paint to the stand to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Allow the finish to dry completely before using the stand.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the Angle: You can adjust the angle of the stand by varying the length of the front and back support dowels.
• Add a Charging Port: Cut a small notch in the front support dowels to allow for charging while the iPad is on the stand.
• Personalize the Base: Engrave or paint a design on the wooden base to personalize your stand.
• Use Different Wood: Experiment with different types of wood for the base and dowels to create a unique look.

Project 3: The PVC Pipe iPad Stand (Budget-Friendly and Versatile)

This project utilizes PVC pipes and fittings, making it a cost-effective and versatile option. PVC is durable, lightweight, and easy to work with.

Materials:

• PVC pipes (1/2 inch diameter)
• PVC fittings (1/2 inch, including elbows and tees)
• PVC pipe cutter or saw
• PVC cement (optional, for a permanent bond)
• Sandpaper
• Measuring tape
• Spray paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Plan Your Design: Before cutting any pipes, sketch out your desired iPad stand design. Consider the angle, height, and overall stability of the stand. A basic design might include a rectangular base with two upright supports and a top bar to hold the iPad.
2. Cut the PVC Pipes: Based on your design, cut the PVC pipes into the following lengths (adjust these lengths as needed for your specific design):
   • Four pipes: 4 inches (for the base)
   • Two pipes: 6 inches (for the upright supports)
   • One pipe: 8 inches (for the top bar)
   • Four pipes: 2 inches (for connecting pieces)
3. Assemble the Base: Connect the four 4-inch pipes using four 90-degree elbow fittings to create a rectangular base. If desired, use PVC cement to permanently bond the pieces together.
4. Attach the Upright Supports: Attach the 6-inch pipes to the top corners of the base using tee fittings. These will be your upright supports. Use PVC cement if desired.
5. Attach the Top Bar: Connect the 8-inch pipe to the top of the upright supports using tee fittings. This will be the bar that holds your iPad. Use PVC cement if desired.
6. Secure the Connections: Ensure that all the connections are secure and that the stand is stable. If you didn’t use PVC cement, you can use strong tape or clamps to hold the pieces together.
7. Sand the Edges: Sand any rough edges or sharp corners on the PVC pipes and fittings.
8. Paint the Stand (Optional): If desired, spray paint the stand to give it a more polished look. Choose a color that complements your iPad or workspace.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the Angle: You can adjust the angle of the stand by using different fittings or by cutting the upright supports at an angle.
• Add Padding: To prevent scratches on your iPad, add padding to the top bar using foam tape or felt.
• Create a Foldable Stand: Use slip fittings instead of cement to allow the stand to be disassembled for easy storage.
• Add a Charging Port: Cut a small notch in the top bar to allow for charging while the iPad is on the stand.

Project 4: The Repurposed Hanger iPad Stand (Quick and Easy)

This project is incredibly simple and uses a common household item: a wire coat hanger. It’s a great option for a quick and temporary iPad stand.

Materials:

• Wire coat hanger
• Pliers (optional, for easier bending)

Instructions:

1. Straighten the Hanger: Using your hands or pliers, straighten the wire coat hanger as much as possible.
2. Bend the Base: Bend the hanger into a U-shape to create the base of the stand. The width of the U should be slightly wider than your iPad.
3. Bend the Support Arms: Bend the two ends of the U upwards and outwards to create the support arms for your iPad. These arms should be angled slightly to hold the iPad securely.
4. Adjust the Angle: Adjust the angle of the support arms to achieve your desired viewing angle.
5. Test and Refine: Place your iPad on the stand and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is stable and secure.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Rubber Tips: Cover the ends of the wire hanger with rubber tips (from old pens or pencils) to prevent scratches on your iPad and improve stability.
• Use a Padded Hanger: A padded hanger will provide a softer surface for your iPad to rest on.
• Paint the Hanger: Paint the hanger to give it a more polished look.
• Secure the Base: If the base is unstable, use tape or glue to attach it to a small piece of cardboard or wood.

Project 5: The Book Stand iPad Conversion (Creative Reuse)

This project repurposes an old book stand or cookbook stand to create a stylish and functional iPad stand. It’s a great way to give new life to an item you no longer use.

Materials:

• Old book stand or cookbook stand
• Felt or foam padding
• Glue (fabric glue or hot glue)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Clean the Book Stand: Clean the book stand thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
2. Add Padding: Cut pieces of felt or foam padding to fit the areas where your iPad will make contact with the book stand. This will protect your iPad from scratches and provide a more secure grip.
3. Glue the Padding: Apply glue to the back of the felt or foam padding and attach it to the book stand. Ensure that the padding is securely attached and that there are no exposed edges that could scratch your iPad.
4. Test and Adjust: Place your iPad on the converted book stand and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is stable and at the desired angle.

Tips and Variations:

• Choose a Sturdy Book Stand: Select a book stand that is sturdy enough to support the weight of your iPad.
• Adjust the Angle: Many book stands have adjustable angles, allowing you to customize the viewing experience.
• Add Decorations: Decorate the book stand with paint, stickers, or other embellishments to match your style.
• Create a Charging Port: If desired, cut a small hole in the back of the book stand to allow for charging while the iPad is on the stand.

General Tips for Building Any iPad Stand

• Safety First: Always use caution when using tools, especially sharp knives or power tools. Adult supervision is recommended for children.
• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accurate measurements are essential for a successful project. Take your time and double-check your measurements before cutting any materials.
• Use the Right Glue: Choose the appropriate glue for the materials you are working with. Wood glue is best for wood, PVC cement for PVC, and hot glue or fabric glue for fabric and padding.
• Allow Ample Drying Time: Allow glue and paint to dry completely before using your iPad stand.
• Test for Stability: Before entrusting your iPad to the stand, test its stability by placing a similar-sized object on it.
• Protect Your iPad: Add padding or rubber grips to prevent scratches and ensure a secure hold.
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, designs, and decorations to create a unique iPad stand that reflects your personality.

Conclusion

Building your own iPad stand is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance your iPad experience. Whether you choose a simple cardboard creation or a more elaborate wooden structure, the possibilities are endless. By following these step-by-step guides and incorporating your own creative touches, you can create a personalized iPad stand that perfectly suits your needs and style. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start building your own DIY iPad stand today!