DIY Stand

Munch · Oct 16, 2013

After exploring countless options for a new stand for my 75 rimless, I decided there was no better way then to build it myself. I needed something cost effective, yet durable and functional. I'm handy with tools but have never built any type of furniture. I figured the worst case is I'd have 75 gallons of water on my floor at some point

I followed the design off Reef Central's DIY Stand:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1169964

It actually started with my basement sump stand. A quick learning experience. It worked, but it was by no means perfect. I learned all wood 2x4's have a slight bend no matter how many you pick thru. Combined with the fact that the edges of 2x4's are slightly rounded, it made for not so perfect seams.

It looked good, but with a little more prep work, it could be better.

I started by running each 2x4 thru a table saw, to square each end up.

With perfectly straight wood, it made the assembly super easy. Wood glue, a quick clamp, then counter-sunk deck screws would keep it all together.

Constantly checking for level and plumbness, things were looking really good.

An afternoon later, it was together.

Munch · Oct 16, 2013

The entire stand was stained with a semi-gloss satin finish. My intention was to tile the exterior completely, so I started skinning with tile board.

The problem was, I hadn't calculated for extra cuts on the tile. So I was precariously low. I had picked up scraps from Floor and Decore and they didn't have extra after my initial purchase. So I opted to do the front doors. I ended up replacing the tile board sides with a nice oak sheets.

I was anxious to get water in the tank, and make sure things were ok.

I didn't want to deal with hanging doors, and wanted something unique. So I went with self closing drawer slides, so each door could slide open. You can see the slides sitting on the bottom of the base area.

Sliding doors ended up being 3/4 oak, with tile board fronts, trimmed with oak on the sides, and a metal tile border to tie it in together. Here's the grouting process, quick, but messy.

And finally a finished stand.

Here you can see the right door slid open, it goes out another 12" or so. They are 24" 75 pound sliders, with two on each door I can support in theory 150 lbs. Each tiled door must weigh 40 pounds.

And that's it, my DIY stand. Anyone can do it!!

I figure I am about $300 in materials into the stand. It could have been done for much less had I not tiled it, but I wanted to try something new!