How to Build a Laptop Stand

Using a laptop is generally not as ergonomic as operating a desktop computer. People often suffer from neck and back strain when using laptops, because they are seated in a position that does not promote good posture and is not conducive to long periods of typing. For these reasons, many people opt to use laptop stands, which significantly improve user comfort. The following steps will instruct you on how to build a laptop stand at home.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard at least 1/4-inch thick Pencil Ruler or measuring tape Box cutter

Instructions

How to Build a Laptop Stand

1. 

   Use a ruler to measure the desired height of your laptop screen. Do this by propping the laptop to the correct height and measuring the distance between a flat surface and the bottom of the laptop's rear crease.

2. 

   Calculate the length of the laptop stand by measuring the bottom of the laptop diagonally. Position the ruler slightly off-center to avoid the nonskid feet which may protrude from the bottom.

3. 

   Use a pencil to draw a horizontal line the length of the diagonal measurement on a piece of cardboard. This will be the length of the leg for the laptop stand. At the rear of the leg, draw a vertical line the length of the measurement from step one. This will be the height of the leg for the laptop stand.

4. 

   Create a "grip" at the front of the laptop stand to keep the laptop from sliding out of place. Do this by drawing a rectangle 2 inches in height at the front of the leg and 1 1/2 inches in from the front of the leg. Sketch a line that drops down from the 1 1/2-inch vertical line of the rectangle and stops 1 inch from the bottom of the leg. Draw a straight line from this point back to the top of the leg. Cut out the pattern with a box cutter.

5. Use the leg pattern from step one to trace a second leg on the cardboard. Cut out the second leg with a box cutter.

6. 

   Cut out niches on each leg so that they can be hooked together to form the stand. Do this by measuring the halfway point of the bottom of the leg and marking it with a vertical line. Repeat this step on the other leg, except mark the line along the half way point on the top of the leg.

7. 

   Mark the niche lines at their midway point. This mark will be the bottom of the niche. Cut the niches to be 1/4 inch wide.

8. 

   Connect the legs together at the niches. Check that the laptop stand is even. Cut down to desired size if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• If a wood stand is desired, the cardboard legs may be used as a tracing pattern.