Building a wooden magazine rack is a simple and rewarding woodworking project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a functional and stylish rack for your magazines. The design is straightforward, and the materials and tools needed are minimal, making it perfect for both beginner and intermediate woodworkers.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
- 1 piece of plywood (3/4 inch thick) for the base and sides
- 2 pieces of hardwood (1/2 inch thick) for the front and back of the rack
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional for extra stability)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Wood filler (if needed)
- Wood stain (optional)
Tools:
- Saw (circular saw or jigsaw)
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Wood clamps
- Paintbrush (if finishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Design Your Magazine Rack
Before cutting the wood, you need to decide on the dimensions of your magazine rack. A standard size might be around 12 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. You can adjust these dimensions depending on the space where you intend to place the rack or the number of magazines it should hold.
- Base: 16 inches wide x 10 inches deep
- Sides: 12 inches high x 10 inches deep (cut two pieces)
- Front and Back Panels: 16 inches wide x 12 inches high (cut two pieces)
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Using a saw, carefully cut the plywood and hardwood according to the dimensions you’ve chosen for the base, sides, front, and back panels. You’ll have four pieces in total:
- 2 pieces for the sides (12 x 10 inches)
- 1 piece for the base (16 x 10 inches)
- 2 pieces for the front and back (16 x 12 inches)
Step 3: Sand the Edges
Once all your pieces are cut, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. Start with 120-grit sandpaper, and then finish with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface. This step will ensure that your rack looks professional and feels smooth to the touch.
Step 4: Assemble the Rack
Attach the Sides: Begin by gluing the two side pieces to the base. Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and position them at the ends of the base. Use clamps to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes before continuing.
Attach the Front and Back Panels: Apply glue to the edges of the front and back pieces, and attach them to the sides of the rack. Again, use clamps to hold everything securely while the glue dries.
Step 5: Reinforce the Rack (Optional)
For added strength, you can drive screws through the sides into the base and panels after the glue has dried. Pre-drill small holes to avoid splitting the wood. If you’re looking for a more rustic finish, you can leave the screws visible.
Step 6: Fill Any Gaps
If there are any visible gaps between the wood pieces or screw holes, you can fill them with wood filler. Allow the filler to dry and then sand it smooth.
Step 7: Finish the Rack
To protect the wood and give it a finished look, apply a coat of wood stain or paint. If you choose to stain, ensure you do so in a well-ventilated area and allow the stain to dry completely before applying a clear finish like polyurethane for protection.
If you prefer a natural look, a simple wood finish like beeswax or linseed oil will highlight the wood grain.
Step 8: Enjoy Your New Magazine Rack
Once your rack is fully assembled, dried, and finished, you’re ready to start organizing your magazines. You can also customize the rack by adding additional decorative features such as handles or even a coat of paint to match your decor.
Tips for Personalization:
- You can modify the design to add dividers if you want to separate the magazines into different sections.
- For a more contemporary look, you can add metal legs to elevate the rack off the ground.
- Consider using a combination of wood finishes or paint colors for an extra pop of style.
Building a wooden magazine rack is a rewarding project that doesn’t require advanced woodworking skills. With a few materials, the right tools, and a little creativity, you’ll have a functional and attractive rack in no time.
For more woodworking ideas and detailed plans, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.