DIY Phone Stand For Desk – Using Scrap Wood
Learn how to make a DIY phone stand with space to add a quote or photograph using scrap wood. It’s a great DIY gift idea and the perfect desk accessory.
You will also like easy DIY scrap wood projects and Last minute DIY gifts for him.
When Father’s Day was just around the corner, I asked my daughter what she wanted to give daddy.
She said, “something to keep his phone on.”
With more brainstorming, we decided we wanted to make something for his desk.
This DIY phone holder is what we came up with. 
It holds up your phone even while it’s charging and you can add a quote or picture next to it.
What is cuter than seeing your kids’ faces every time you glance at the phone – which we all know happens a lot 😉
The best part!
You guessed it! It is that it is made from scrap wood and the only thing I had to buy was the clip for holding the picture.
DIY Phone Stand
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Materials needed for DIY phone holder and photo display –
- 1″ x 12″ board cut at 10″
- Â 1″ x 2″ cut at 1.5″ Â – 2 of these – phone rest
- 1″ x 2″ cut at 5″ – back stand
- Mini hinged clip
- wood glue
- 1 ¼” spax wood screws
- Super Glue
- Kreg jig and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws (optional)
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DIY Phone Stand and picture holder plans
Grab a copy of the updated printable plans to build this DIY phone stand by clicking the button below.
How to make a DIY phone stand –
UPDATE: I made a new version of this DIY phone holder with some improvements. Be sure to download the plans for the updated version by clicking the button above.
Step by step tutorial for the DIY phone holder
Step 1 – Attach back supportÂ
- Start with the 5″ long 1″ x 2″ board for the back support.
- Make pocket holes and attached it 1″ from the bottom of the 1″ x 12″ using wood glue and 1¼”pocket hole screws.
Note – If you do not have a Kreg Jig, you could simply use countersink wood screws from the front and fill the holes. Or you could even use a brad nailer and attach using finish nails.
Step 2 – Attach the phone rest
- Attach the two 1″ x 2″ for the phone rest on the front using wood glue and 1 ¼” spax screws from the back. HERE
- Keep a spacing of 1″ between them to allow for the charging cord to go through. Since the screws were on the back, I didn’t bother to countersink them.
Step 3 – Finish the phone stand
- Lightly sand your piece and finish it using your choice of stain or paint.
I used weathered grey stain followed by a whitewash with thinned white paint.
Step 4 – Add interest (optional)
To add some interest to the piece, I drew imperfect lines to create a “framed” look for the photograph using a silver poster paint pen.
You could write a message or paint patterns…
Step 5 – Add a clip.
- Glue the mini hinged clip. I used super glue.
That’s it!
The DIY phone stand and photo display ready!
Add your favorite picture or an inspirational quote to have at your desk!
A few months later, I decided to re-design this project and make an updated version. The back stand is a designed differently and it a little bit more stable. 
Get the plans for the updated DIY cell phone holder by clicking on the button below.
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Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
I love the use of the clip to hang the photo – great idea!
Thank you Emma!!
I like the fact that you can change the picture so easily. I’m sure your husband will love this!!
It’s really creative and simple! Functional and cute! A gift that every DAD would LOVE to show off at their office…yeah, my kid made that for me…(proud dad).
Thank you Debbie! I now need to make one for my desk too… because who else will make it 😉
Love this idea! Thanks for linking up at Talk DIY to Me!
Thanks Jes!
What a great and cute idea!
Thank you Marjan!