You can build a working tablet stand from materials you likely have in your house right now

A tablet stand does not need to be expensive or complicated. The simplest versions use a single piece of material bent or propped at an angle, and you can make one in under five minutes with a paperback book, a wooden spoon, or a piece of cardboard. If you want something sturdier that holds your tablet at a specific angle for cooking, video calls, or reading, you can build a stand from wood scraps, PVC pipe, or even a wire coat hanger—all without special tools or woodworking experience.

The key is matching the stand design to how you plan to use it. A stand that works for propping a tablet on a kitchen counter while you follow a recipe is different from one that holds it steady during a video call or one that lets you adjust the angle. This guide covers the easiest builds first, then moves to sturdier options if you want something that lasts.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest tablet stand uses a paperback book or wooden spoon as a prop—it takes no tools and works when ready.
  • A cardboard stand can be cut and folded in minutes and holds most tablets at a comfortable viewing angle.
  • A wood-scrap stand requires only a saw, drill, and sandpaper, and is strong enough for daily use.
  • PVC pipe stands are lightweight, adjustable, and work well if you need to change the angle often.
  • All of these designs work better if you add a small rubber mat or grip tape to prevent the tablet from sliding.

The five-minute book or spoon stand

The simplest stand is not a stand at all—it is a prop. Lean your tablet against a closed paperback book, a wooden spoon, or a rolled-up magazine at the back of a table or counter. Angle the book or spoon so the tablet leans back at about 45 degrees. This works for watching videos, reading recipes, or holding a video call if your tablet is within arm's reach.

The advantage is speed: there is nothing to build. The disadvantage is that the tablet can slide forward if you bump the table, and the angle is fixed once you set it. If you need the tablet to stay in one place during a meal or a long video, tape the back of the tablet to the book with painter's tape, or use a non-slip mat under the tablet to grip the surface better.

A folded cardboard stand

If you have a cardboard box, you can cut and fold it into a stand in about ten minutes. Cut a piece of cardboard roughly 8 inches wide and 12 inches tall. Score a line (cut partway through, not all the way) about 3 inches from the bottom, parallel to the bottom edge. Fold the cardboard at that line so the top 9 inches lean back at an angle. The bottom 3 inches become the base that sits flat on the table.

Slide your tablet into the fold at the top. If the cardboard is too loose, wrap painter's tape around the outside to hold the fold tight. You can adjust the angle by changing where you score the fold line—score closer to the bottom for a steeper angle, further from the bottom for a shallower one. This stand is free, takes no tools, and works for most tablets. It will eventually soften or bend if you use it every day, but it lasts several weeks with normal use.

A wooden stand from scrap lumber

If you have two pieces of scrap wood—a base and a back support—you can build a stand that lasts years. You need a piece about 10 inches long and 6 inches wide for the base, and a piece about 8 inches long and 3 inches wide for the back. A saw, a drill, and sandpaper are the only tools required.

Cut the base piece so it is flat and stable. Cut the back piece at a 60-degree angle at the top (this is the angle that will hold the tablet). Sand both pieces smooth so they do not splinter. Drill two holes through the back piece, about 2 inches from the bottom, and screw it to the base at an angle. The angled top of the back piece should lean away from you at about 30 degrees from vertical—this angle holds most tablets comfortably. Glue a strip of rubber or cork to the top of the back piece so the tablet does not slide.

This stand is heavier and more stable than cardboard, and it looks finished. It takes about 30 minutes to build if you have the wood and tools on hand. If you do not have scrap wood, a hardware store will cut pieces to size for a small fee.

A PVC pipe stand with adjustable angle

PVC pipe is cheap, lightweight, and straightforward to cut. A stand made from PVC can be adjusted to different angles by loosening a bolt, which is useful if you use your tablet for different tasks. You need about 10 feet of half-inch PVC pipe, two T-fittings, two 90-degree elbow fittings, a bolt and wing nut, a saw, and a drill.

Cut the pipe into four pieces: two pieces 6 inches long for the base legs, one piece 8 inches long for the back support, and one piece 4 inches long for the tablet holder. Assemble the base by connecting the two 6-inch pieces to a T-fitting with a 90-degree elbow at each end, so the base looks like an upside-down U. Connect the 8-inch back support to the top of the T-fitting with another 90-degree elbow. Drill a hole through the 4-inch tablet holder piece and through the back support, and bolt them together so you can rotate the tablet holder to change the angle.

This stand takes about an hour to build and requires a drill and a PVC saw (a regular handsaw works, but a PVC cutter is faster). The advantage is that you can adjust the angle by loosening the bolt, tightening it in a new position, and tightening it again. The disadvantage is that it is more complex than the other options and requires more tools.

Adding grip and preventing slides

Whatever stand you build, the tablet will slide forward if the surface is smooth. Add grip by gluing a strip of rubber shelf liner, cork, or grip tape to the surface where the tablet rests. You can buy grip tape at a hardware store or online for a few dollars. Cut it to size and peel off the backing to stick it to the wood or cardboard.

If your tablet has a case with a smooth back, the grip tape will help, but a textured case grips better. If the tablet still slides, use a small rubber wedge or a folded rubber mat under the front edge of the tablet to tilt it back slightly and increase friction.

When to call in help or buy instead

If you do not have basic tools like a saw or drill, or if you do not feel comfortable using them, a store-bought stand is faster and safer. A basic plastic or metal tablet stand costs between $10 and $30 and requires no assembly. If you want an adjustable stand that rotates or changes height, a commercial option may be worth the cost.

If you are building a stand for a very heavy tablet or a large one (over 12 inches), test the design with weight before you rely on it. A cardboard stand may not hold a heavy device, and a wooden stand may need thicker wood or additional bracing. If you are unsure whether your design is strong enough, build it and test it before you use it in a situation where it could fall and break.

Frequently Asked Questions

What angle is best for a tablet stand?

Most people find 30 to 45 degrees comfortable for reading and video calls. A shallower angle (closer to flat) works better for cooking or following recipes, because you can see the screen from above. A steeper angle (closer to vertical) works better for video calls. If you are not sure, build an adjustable stand or test different angles with a book prop first.

Can I use a tablet stand for a phone too?

A stand built for a tablet will be too large for most phones. If you want to hold both, build a smaller version of the same design scaled down for a phone, or use a phone-sized prop like a small book or a dedicated phone stand. Some adjustable stands have clips that fit both sizes.

Will a cardboard stand hold a heavy tablet?

Cardboard works for tablets up to about 2 pounds. If your tablet is heavier, use wood or PVC instead. You can test a cardboard stand by loading it gradually and watching for bending or softening. If it bends, reinforce it with extra layers of cardboard glued together, or switch to a sturdier material.

Do I need to seal or finish a wooden stand?

No, but a finish makes it look better and protects the wood from moisture. If you want to finish it, sand it smooth first, then explore wood stain or paint. Let it dry completely before you use it. If you skip the finish, just sand it smooth so it does not splinter.

Can I make a stand that holds the tablet in portrait mode instead of landscape?

Yes. Rotate the design so the back support is wider than it is tall, and adjust the angle so the tablet leans back at a comfortable viewing angle in portrait orientation. Test the angle before you commit to it, because portrait mode changes how the weight sits on the stand.