Introduction: Cardboard Laptop Dock

Creating a laptop stand from cardboard is easy. It only takes about 20 minutes. This ugly yet functional stand can be taken apart and stored flat for travel or saving space when not in use.


Materials needed

  • cardboard
  • popsicle sticks
  • binder clips
  • hot glue

Tools

  • box knife
  • ruler
  • hot glue gun

Step 1: Cut Cardboard

  1. Cut three pieces of cardboard 12"x6" each
  2. Bend the pieces according to the diagram above
  3. Cut a slot in the two side pieces wide enough to hold you laptop. A 1 inch slot works well for an older non-retina Macbook pro. Adjust the width of this slot to fit your machine.

Step 2: Glue Popsicle Sticks

To reinforce the cardboard and prevent it from bending, glue popsicle sticks to the inside of the side pieces.

  • Place on stick directly below the slot to prevent the laptop from ripping through the slot
  • Place one on each side of the slot to prevent the sides from bending inward
    • Don't put the sticks right up against the fold line. You won't be able to bend the top properly if you do this.

Step 3: Clip the Sides Together

  1. Clip the bottom piece to one of the sides, keeping the bottom flap on the inside of the triangle
  2. Clip the side pieces together, keeping the flaps together on the inside
  3. Clip the loose side to the other bottom flap, keeping the bottom flap on the inside of the triangle

Step 4: Done

Enjoy your new laptop stand. Buy yourself dinner with the money you didn't spend buying a real laptop holder.

Pro tip: If you don't have binder clips or you think they look ugly, you can glue the sides in place instead. Just be sure to dry fit it first so the end result sits flat.