An easy space-saving DIY computer monitor stand idea made with scrap wood and repurposed chair spindles.

I am so excited about today's post because my desk finally has a more functional workspace thanks to our monthly Power Tool Challenge. The theme this month is to create something for $10 or less using at least one power tool.

How To Build A Computer Monitor Stand With Scraps

Building the computer monitor stand cost me absolutely nothing to make by using scrap wood. By raising my large computer monitor off of your desk, you are opening space on your desktop for stationary accessories, a calendar planner, storage potential for your keyboard or laptop when not in use.

What You'll Need To Make It

Building the computer monitor stand cost me absolutely nothing to make with salvaged materials found in my workshop. Pictured below are the scraps I used to build the computer monitor stand.

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from any qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Supply List

Scrapwood
Recycled Chair Spindles or Small Furniture Legs
5/64 Pilot Hole Drill Bit
Countersink Drill Bit
Tape Measure
Wood Screws
Wood Filler
Frog Tape Painter's Tape
White and Black Chalk Paint

Power Tool List

Compound Sliding Miter Saw
Cordless Drill
Mouse or Palm Sander

Here's How I Made It

The scrap wood lumber I'm using for the top of the computer monitor stand is a salvaged piece of an old footboard leftover from the outdoor headboard garden bench that I made. I love how it already has a nice profile along the edge.

It's built much the same as the DIY farmhouse table riser that I made for our dining room table. Which by the way, is another functional use for this computer monitor stand.

Cutting Scrap Wood To Size

Thankfully the salvaged footboard piece is already the perfect size so no cutting is required. The dimensions for the top of my computer monitor stand are 11" x 30" x 1 1/2".

If you don't have a piece of scrap wood, check your local home improvement store in their offcut lumber section. Most stores will cut it to size for you if you don't have a table saw or sliding compound miter saw.

Cutting Chair Spindle Feet

I'm using spindles from an antique wooden chair to make the computer monitor stand feet. It's the chair that keeps on giving and you can see why from all the projects I've made from the chair so far on my repurposed antique chair page.

But if you don't have an old wooden chair that you can salvage for the spindles then small furniture legs would be perfect too.

Alternatively, visit your local architectural salvage yard or Habitat ReStore for inexpensive wooden spindles.

First cut the antique chair spindles in half with a compound miter saw. Then cut the pieces into 3 3/4-inch lengths.

Assembling Computer Monitor Stand

Assembling the computer monitor stand is relatively easy once you have the scrap wood and wooden spindles cut.

1. Find the center of the top of each spindle and mark with a pencil.
2. On the top side of the scrapwood board place a spindle on each corner and trace with a pencil.
3. Find the center on both the top of the spindle leg and the circle on the stand. Drill a pilot hole on the top of the stand with a power drill and a 5/64 pilot hole bit. 
4. Switch the drill bit to a countersink bit and drill so the head of the screw on the top of the stand will rest below the surface.
5. Drill a wood screw from the top until it pokes through the bottom of the stand.
6. Line up the screw to the center mark on the spindle leg and tighten the screw. Repeat the previous steps for all four feet.
7. Fill in the holes on the top of the stand with wood filler or a non-shrinking filler compound.
8. After the wood filler is completely dry, use a mouse or palm sander to smooth the filler and lightly sand the scrap wood to give the paint some bite.

Now that the computer monitor stand is built, it's time to add the finishing touches.

Painting Computer Monitor Stand

I painted the entire computer monitor stand with a thin coat of pure white Annie Sloan Chalk Paint that I had on hand. I let it dry for around an hour and gave it a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper before applying the second coat.

You could stop here but I took it a step further by adding stripes.

How To Paint Perfectly Straight Stripes

It's so easy to paint perfectly straight stripes following the tips outlined below with painter's tape.

1. Find the horizontal center on the top of the computer monitor stand and mark each end with a pencil.
2. Run a piece of painter's tape so it's centered with the marks from the previous step.
3. Lay a strip of painter's tape on either side of the center tape. 
4. TIP: Make sure the tape is not overlapping but butted right up against the previous row of tape.
5. Continue laying strips of painter's tape to the edges of the stand.
6. For narrower stripes remove every second piece of tape. For double-wide stripes, remove every third strip of painter's tape.
7. Unlike pictured below, I decided (after taking the photo) to get all fancy and do both narrow and double-wide stripes.
8. Run your finger along the edges of the tape for a tight seal to help eliminate any paint from bleeding underneath the tape.

1. Stencil the stripes with a 6-inch sponge roller and a thin coat of black chalk paint.
2. TIP: To avoid paint bleed under the painter's tape, offload the excess paint by running the roller onto a piece of cardboard or paper towel first. Less is more when it comes to stenciling.
3. Once the first coat is dry, repeat the previous step for the second coat of black paint.
4. TIP: It's important to remove the painter's tape while the paint is still wet. 
5. Slowly remove the painter's tape by pulling it at a 45-degree angle.

I wanted a time-worn patina on my computer monitor stand so I lightly sanded the stripes and the edges of the wooden top with a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper. To protect the paint finish on both the top and the legs, I applied clear wax with a clean lint-free rag.

So what do you think? I'm thrilled to have my computer monitor at eye level with room to tuck the laptop or keyboard underneath. It's opened up so much more functional workspace on the top of my desk.

Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by this computer monitor stand idea.

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If you enjoyed this computer monitor stand tutorial, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your favorite board on Pinterest.

Now let's go see the DIY projects for $10 or less that the talented members of our Power Tool Challenge team made by clicking the links below.

Double Pedestal Scrap Wood Table | My Repurposed Life
Hexagon and Triangle Shelves | My Love 2 Create
DIY Window Box | Dogs Don't Eat Pizza
DIY Blanket Ladder | Domestically Speaking
DIY Wood Centerpiece Box | Virginia Sweet Pea
Easy DIY Shelves | Create and Babble
Vintage Peg Blanket Ladder | H2O Bungalow
Computer Monitor Stand | Interior Frugalista (that's me)
Wood Slice Plant Stand | Designed Decor
DIY Video Game Organization Station Holder | Kim Six Fix

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.