Keep your favorite recipe open and easy to read with a simple wooden cookbook stand. This beginner-friendly project combines a back panel, a narrow bottom, a front lip and two rear supports.
Below you’ll find the planned parts and an illustrated assembly guide. Choose your wood and measure its actual thickness before cutting.
Parts and materials
Use ¾-inch-thick boards and cut the five pieces to the dimensions below.
| Part | Quantity | Planned size |
|---|---|---|
| Back panel | 1 | 11¼ × 12 in |
| Bottom board | 1 | 11¼ × 3 in |
| Front lip | 1 | 11¼ × 2½ in |
| Rear support blanks | 2 | 5 × 3 in before shaping |
Board thickness: ¾ in. You will also need four 10 × 40 mm wooden dowels, wood glue, clamps, sandpaper, clear finish, a 10 mm drill bit, a drill guide and a depth stop.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Cut the five blanks
Measure and cut the back panel, bottom board, front lip and two matching rear support blanks. Check their widths and thicknesses before moving on.
IRWIN 12-Inch Combination Square
Use a combination square to mark straight lines and check the alignment of your boards.
View on Amazon →Step 2: Shape the rear supports
On each 5 × 3-inch support blank, mark a 20° cut for the lower edge to give the stand its backward tilt. Mark a 45° decorative cut on the opposite side, keeping a small flat section at the rear. Cut both supports to matching profiles. Leave the three main boards square-edged.
Step 3: Sand the parts
Smooth the faces and edges. Keep the surfaces that will be glued flat, and remove sanding dust before assembly.
Fandeli Sandpaper — 25 Sheets
Smooth the wooden parts with sandpaper before assembly, keeping the glue surfaces flat.
View on Amazon →Step 4: Mark the panel and base
On the bottom edge of the back panel, mark two holes centered in its ¾-inch thickness, each 2 inches from the nearest side. On the upper face of the bottom board, mark the corresponding holes ⅜ inch from its rear edge, also 2 inches from each side. Keep the pieces aligned as you transfer the marks.
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Explore TedsWoodworkingStep 5: Mark the front lip
On the front edge of the bottom board, mark two holes centered in its ¾-inch thickness, each 2 inches from the nearest side. On the inside face of the front lip, mark the matching holes ⅜ inch above the lip’s lower edge and 2 inches from each side. The lip attaches against the front edge of the bottom board.
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Send Me the Free Guide →Step 6: Drill the dowel holes
Using a 10 mm bit, drill guide and depth stop, drill the marked holes perpendicular to each face. For 10 × 40 mm dowels, drill 30 mm deep into the narrow edges and 12 mm deep into the broad faces. Test the depth stop on scrap wood and remove dust from the holes before gluing.
Step 7: Glue the back panel to the base
Apply wood glue and insert two dowels into the prepared joint. Set the back panel on top of the bottom board, align the edges and clamp the joint. Follow the glue manufacturer’s instructions for clamping and curing.
Titebond II Premium Wood Glue — Two 8 oz Bottles
Use wood glue for the dowel joints and rear supports. Follow the label for clamping time and full cure.
View on Amazon →Step 8: Attach the front lip
Apply glue and fit the remaining two dowels. Attach the front lip against the front edge of the bottom board, leaving space between the lip and back panel for the book. Align and clamp according to the glue instructions.
WORKPRO Bar Clamps — 6-Piece Set
Choose a clamp with enough opening and reach for the joint. Check the exact product dimensions before use.
View on Amazon →Step 9: Attach the rear supports
Apply wood glue to the contact edges and position the two matching supports behind the panel. Align their bottom edges so the stand leans back evenly, and hold the supports firmly while the adhesive cures according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 10: Sand and finish
After the glue has cured, smooth any remaining rough edges and remove dust. Apply a clear finish suitable for your project, following the product instructions, and allow it to dry completely.
Step 11: Your finished cookbook stand
Once the finish is dry, check that the stand is stable and the joints are secure before placing a cookbook on it.
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