This little kitchen hack turns two everyday pieces—a wooden cutting board and a small metal letter holder—into a sturdy tablet stand that looks right at home on the counter. I love projects like this because they take all of ten minutes, cost very little, and make cooking feel smoother, especially on busy nights when I’m bouncing between a recipe, a timer, and helping somebody set the table.
If you cook from digital recipes, stream a video while meal prepping, or just want your tablet up off the counter and easier to see, this is such a worthwhile DIY. I designed this version to look polished and intentional, not like a last-minute prop, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants a useful kitchen piece that still feels warm and pretty.
Materials
1 wooden cutting board, 8 to 10 inches wide by 12 to 15 inches tall, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
Instructions
1. Test-fit the cutting board inside the metal letter holder and make sure it slides in snugly with the board standing at a comfortable reading angle. The handle should stay at the top so the board still clearly reads as a cutting board.
2. Wipe down both pieces with a dry cloth, then lightly sand any rough spots on the cutting board edge if it feels too tight in the holder. You want an easy slide-in fit without forcing the metal wider.
3. Add two felt pads under the front corners of the letter holder base and two under the back corners to protect your countertop. This also helps the stand sit evenly and keeps it from scooting while you tap the screen.
4. Place two clear rubber bumpers on the front inside wires or edges of the letter holder wherever the tablet will rest. These little cushions keep the tablet from slipping and prevent metal from scratching the device.
5. If the cutting board wiggles inside the holder, add a tiny dab of clear adhesive at the lower contact points where the board meets the metal. Keep the glue minimal so the board still looks clean and the metal holder shape stays visible.
6. Let the adhesive set according to the package directions, then rub the cutting board with a light coat of food-safe wood conditioner. Buff off the excess so the wood looks rich and finished, not greasy.
7. Set your tablet on the stand to check the angle and balance, then adjust the board placement if needed so the base feels steady. The tablet should sit high enough for easy reading and low enough to stay secure while you cook.
8. Place the finished stand on a kitchen counter, island, or coffee station and use it for recipes, video calls, or a music playlist while you work. I like keeping mine near the backsplash so it’s easy to glance at while my hands are busy mixing or chopping.
Variations & Tips
For larger tablets: Choose a wider metal letter holder with a heavier base and pair it with a cutting board closer to 10 inches wide. That little bit of extra width makes a big difference in stability.
For small kitchens: Use a shorter cutting board so the stand tucks neatly under upper cabinets. I’ve found this especially helpful when my counters are already crowded with mixing bowls and snack plates.
For picky splash zones: Keep the stand a little off to the side of the stove instead of directly beside it. Your tablet stays cleaner, and you won’t be wiping grease off the screen nearly as often.
For extra grip: If your tablet has a slick case, add one or two more clear bumpers where the bottom edge rests. It’s a simple fix that helps everything stay put when you tap or scroll.
To match your kitchen: Swap in a black, brass, or white metal letter holder as long as the base is sturdy. The rustic wood plus metal combination works with farmhouse, modern, and classic kitchens alike.
To make it giftable: Tie a ribbon through the cutting board handle and tuck in a printed recipe card or wooden spoon. It makes such a thoughtful housewarming or holiday gift for anyone who loves to cook.
Care tip: Reapply cutting board oil whenever the wood starts looking dry, and wipe the metal holder with a barely damp cloth. That quick upkeep keeps the stand looking intentional and pretty instead of worn out.