This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes.
It’s a rustic-style cookbook or tablet stand made from construction lumber, built to replicate high-end versions that often retail for hundreds—even though the actual materials cost under $20.
Billy explores why this simple item sells for such a high price and shows how it can be replicated at home using basic tools and common materials.
The result is a functional, great-looking kitchen accessory with surprising market value.
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What Inspired the Project?
While browsing online, Billy noticed a simple wooden cookbook stand with a surprisingly high price tag.
Despite being made from basic materials, it was selling for hundreds of dollars based on branding and aesthetics alone.
That led to the idea: could a similar stand be made using construction lumber and offcuts?
The answer was yes—and in doing so, Billy highlighted just how much value is placed on handmade items, regardless of material cost.
Materials and Initial Prep
The main material used was a two-by-six board—an inexpensive, readily available piece of construction lumber.
Since lumber like this tends to be rough and uneven, Billy began by flattening and planing the board for a cleaner, more polished appearance.
Two boards were laminated together to create enough thickness for the project. This step not only increased the strength of the piece but allowed extra room for shaping and refining the final design later.
Cutting the Dovetail Groove
The defining feature of the stand is a large dovetail groove across the face, which serves as a resting place for cookbooks or tablets.
To create this, Billy first removed most of the material using the table saw, then refined the shape at the router table using a dovetail bit.
Measurements were taken by eye, loosely based on photos of retail versions.
That’s intentional—this is a rustic project, and slight imperfections are part of the design’s charm.
Building the Base and Support
To keep the stand upright, Billy added a support arm to the back. Bevels were cut into both the back of the main panel and the arm to ensure they sat flush together when unfolded on a countertop.
The exact angles were dialed in by test-fitting and adjusting as needed.
This trial-and-error method worked well here because precision wasn’t the top priority—what mattered most was function and overall balance.
Installing the Hinges
Rather than overcomplicate the hinge mechanism, Billy used simple store-bought hinges.
Only two screws per hinge were used to maintain a clean look and keep the installation process fast and straightforward.
The hinges allow the support arm to fold flat against the back when not in use.
It’s a small detail that adds both function and convenience, especially for storage.
Creating the Front Lip
To hold books and tablets in place, a small lip was added to the front of the stand.
Billy glued together a few pine offcuts to form this part, then attached it to the base using only wood glue.
This was enough strength for a kitchen tool that doesn’t see heavy stress. The height of the lip was estimated based on images of the original product, ensuring it was deep enough to work without being too bulky.
Finishing and Appearance
Billy stained the main body with a black wood dye to emphasize the grain while giving the piece a bolder, more modern rustic look.
Other parts were left lighter to create contrast and visual interest.
After staining, he applied a water-based topcoat to protect the surface from moisture and splashes.
This finish gives the stand a low-sheen, kitchen-friendly coating that keeps it looking clean and polished over time.
Total Cost vs Retail Price
One of the most interesting parts of this project is the price comparison.
All in, materials cost under $20—including the wood, hinges, and finish.
Yet similar stands on the market routinely sell for $100 to $300 or more.
Some go for over $1,000 if featured by a major brand or influencer. The takeaway?
Perceived value matters, especially with handmade items.
Why This Project Works
This build is perfect for beginner woodworkers or anyone wanting a quick, rewarding project.
There’s room for creativity, it doesn’t require fancy joinery, and it’s forgiving of small errors.
It also teaches useful techniques like gluing boards, routing a groove, cutting bevels, and applying a clean finish. These are foundational skills that apply across many woodworking builds.
Plus, it’s a genuinely useful item that works great in any kitchen—for cookbooks, tablets, or even phones while following recipes.
Customization Ideas
There are plenty of ways to adapt the project depending on your shop setup and style.
Billy used construction lumber and oak offcuts, but hardwoods like cherry or walnut could give the stand a more polished, modern look.
Dowels or biscuits could be added during glue-up for additional strength. Decorative hinges or inlays could elevate the piece even further.
The rustic look is part of the appeal, but the design can easily shift toward modern or farmhouse depending on the finish.
Final Thoughts
Billy’s cookbook stand project is a great reminder that woodworking doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to be satisfying.
With basic materials and a bit of time, he recreated a high-value item and had fun doing it.
This is the kind of project that looks great, functions well, and offers a surprisingly high resale potential.
Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to someone else, it’s sure to get compliments.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.