Real Wooden Phone Case That Is Completely Real Wood

Did you just buy a brand new phone? Has it been more than a month, and suddenly people aren’t acting as impressed as they used to be? Or maybe you’re just looking for a timeless look for your obsolete device.
Nothing to worry about. With just a few simple tools and a few minutes time, you can spruce up your handset into a classic that will always be in style.

Supplies

Materials

Veneer sample of quality exotic hardwood. (Like spalted mahogany)
Glue - PVA works well
Clear phone case

Tools

Pencil - marks out a pattern
Ruler or straightedge - keeps those lines straight
Bandsaw - makes wood smaller
Drill - makes room for the camera and fingerprint sensor
Sandpaper - slowly makes wood smaller

Step 1: Outline the Pattern

Place the target phone face down on your wood of choice, being careful to line up the grain just how you like it. Trace the outline of the phone onto the veneer.

Step 2: Cut Out Basic Shape

Now, using a saw with a fine-toothed blade, carefully cut the outline of the shape. You can use a fence to help keep things straight. First edges, then corners.

Step 3: Trace Holes

You’ll probably need to make holes for a camera, flash, or fingerprint sensor. I found the case makes a great template for all needed holes. If your wood isn’t fitting quite right at this point, try sanding the edges just a bit. Line up the material in the case (being sure to get the right side out), and trace through the openings.

Step 4: Cut Holes

This part is pretty straightforward, although you might want to deliberately go a size small and sand for a cleaner edge. A good, sharp step bit is helpful here. For slots, try drilling two holes and filing between them.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Test-fit the wood in the case, and trim up around the edges. Beveled and colored edges on the case can help hide mistakes.

Step 6: Glue Down Wood

Now, lining up the phone and the wood is the hardest part on this whole project. I suggest fitting the case around your phone and marking the openings with something non-permanent. A dry erase marker works well on glass.

Once you know where everything should go, put some sticky stuff on the material and carefully install it on your high-end, crazy expensive cellphone.