Introduction: DIY Laptop Stand

Laptops are increasingly important devices utilized by individuals in a variety of settings. Proper laptop care is also important, and one such aspect to note is that laptops often need to be elevated above the resting surface. Building a DIY laptop stand is easy, inexpensive, and effectively provides a solution. The PVC pipe DIY laptop stand is a self-assembled laptop stand that provides angular elevation for a laptop computer to increase usability and safety.


The task presented requires assembly of the DIY laptop stand using the materials provided. The instructions presented inform users in preparing the materials for assembly, but these steps have already been completed. The process of prototype troubleshooting begins with step 10 of the accompanied instructions and concludes after the completion of step 12.

Step 1: Gather Materials

1X 5' length of 0.75" PVC Pipe

6X 90-degree PVC Elbows (0.75")

Hack Saw or Jigsaw

Can of Spray Paint, any color

Permanent Marker

Tape Measure

Sand Paper

Damp rag

PVC Glue (optional)

Step 2: Measure and Mark Appropriate Segment Lengths Along the PVC Pipe

  1. Align tape measure along the length of the PVC pipe, beginning with the left edge
  2. Use permanent marker to mark PVC pipe at the following distances along the tape measure: 10", 17", 24", 26.5" and 29"

Step 3: Cut Segments

  1. Hold the pipe flush against a table with your left hand
  2. With your right hand, cut the pipe at the designated locations using the saw of your choice

Step 4: Lay Out Cut PVC in Order

  1. Once cut, organize the segments in order of smallest to largest

Step 5: Assembly Part A

  1. Starting with the 10-inch length of pipe, attach one elbow to each end as depicted
  2. To attach an elbow, insert one end of the cylindrical pipe into one orifice on the elbow
  3. Twist to ease insertion until the pipe can't be inserted any further
  4. Ensure that both elbows are pointing in the same direction, like the corners of a picture frame

Step 6: Assembly Part B

  1. To the free end of each of these two elbows, attach one of the 2.5-inch lengths of pipe
  2. Use the technique described in step 5.2 and 5.3

Step 7: Assembly Part C

  1. To each of the free ends of the 2.5-inch segments, attach another elbow
  2. Use the technique described in steps 5.2 and 5.3
  3. Align the elbows such that the free ends are pointing out of the plane of the table
  4. Set this structure aside

Step 8: Assembly Part D

  1. To each of the 7-inch segments, attach one of the two remaining elbows
  2. Use the technique described in steps 5.2 and 5.3

Step 9: Final Assembly

  1. Attach one of the 7-inch, elbowed segments to the free orifice on one of the elbows of the 3-sided original structure
  2. Repeat the previous step with the other segment and elbow piece
  3. Orient the free faces of the elbows towards you

Step 10: Troubleshooting

  1. Twist each elbow-pipe junction to ensure full insertion
  2. Align angles: Flip entire structure upside-down. gently tap along the perimeter of the structure to note stability of the four contact points between the structure and the table

Step 11: Fold for Easy Storage

  1. Fold the two 7” pieces of PVC pipe inward until they form a rectangular structure as shown

Step 12: Optional Finishing Steps

  1. Glue pieces together using PVC glue
  2. Clean structure using the damp rag to remove extraneous debris
  3. Decorate structure using spray paint