This project was built and designed by Chris from A Glimpse Inside. It’s a versatile and portable laptop stand that helps improve comfort and posture whether you’re sitting, standing, working, or gaming.
If you’re into functional woodworking projects, this build offers a clean design with practical use for home or office setups. Chris shares his step-by-step process, refined through several prototypes to achieve a balance of adjustability and simplicity.
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Why Build a Laptop Stand?
Many people work from different locations throughout the day, and a laptop stand makes it easier to maintain good ergonomics. Instead of slouching at a desk or craning your neck at a table, this stand brings the screen to eye level and improves posture.
This project is also a great solution for anyone switching between sitting and standing during work. It’s lightweight, folds flat, and stores easily when not in use, making it ideal for compact spaces or mobile setups.
Materials and Design Breakdown
Chris built the stand using three-quarter inch plywood, chosen for its strength and stability. You can experiment with other sheet materials as long as they have a similar thickness and hold up well under weight.
The stand is made up of three main parts: two side supports and one horizontal platform that cradles the laptop. This minimal approach keeps the design simple and helps make assembly easier for all skill levels.
Preparing the Cut Files
Chris provides digital plans available for download, which include formats for both CNC and laser cutters. The files are designed without tabs, making it easier to cut and lift out the parts once complete.
Because the cuts rely on the friction of dust and tight clearances, the pieces stay snug during the test fitting process. This makes assembly more manageable even without glue during the early build stages.
Building the Stand
The first step is to connect the vertical supports with the horizontal panel. Chris demonstrates a friction-fit approach, but recommends wood glue or CA glue for a permanent bond if you’re building it for long-term use.
Once the pieces are aligned, countersink holes are added for screws, ensuring they sit flush and keep the surface clean. Drilling by hand helps avoid overdriving the screws and damaging the plywood edges.
Joinery Options
Standard wood screws work well for this project, but the design can easily be adapted for other fasteners. Chris notes that bolts, threaded inserts, or even brass rods could be used to enhance the look or fit a specific build style.
The flat panels provide plenty of room for experimentation, making this a great project for customizing joinery. Whether you want a utilitarian finish or something more polished, the structure is flexible enough to support different techniques.
Adjustable Features and Use
A key feature of this stand is its adjustable arm, which allows you to change the height and angle of the laptop. The mechanism is similar to a folding beach chair, offering multiple locking positions depending on how you want to work.
This adjustability makes it easy to go from a seated position to standing without changing your workspace layout. It’s especially useful for anyone spending long hours at a laptop and looking for more ergonomic flexibility.
Finishing and Final Thoughts
Once assembled, you can leave the stand raw, apply a clear coat, or add paint to match your workspace. Chris kept the finish minimal to emphasize portability and simplicity, but there’s room to personalize the final look.
The end result is a functional, durable laptop stand that folds flat when you need to put it away. It’s a thoughtful build that addresses a real need for flexible workspace setups.
Build Your Own Stand
Please support Chris by visiting his website here: https://www.aglimpseinside.org.