Metal Stand Skin

[hubble]

I would like to do a metal stand for my next build but don't know anything about covering it. As in how it works and what are my options for materials and colors. I really like the looks of wood stands and canopies but with my next build I won't have access to the back or sides. With metal stands they have the largest access in the front. I really like Framing Tech stands (aluminum extrusion) just don't know how to cover it and what I could do for a matching canopy.

 

[blaxsun]

Marine-spec plywood is what my Red Sea cabinet panels are constructed of. They're sprayed with a waterproof (or at least water resistant) coating.

 

[edd59]

i think they sell brackets for attaching plywood skin to aluminum extrusion material from the same company.

 

[KStatefan]

I used painted PCV woodgrain sheet material for mine. Held on with magnets so it is easy to remove three sides

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

i use steel stands and magnets to hold panels to the stands

 

[3429810]

I am also interested in this. Was thinking of marine ply and doing magnets to attach the panels to the frame.

 

[hubble]

Using plywood just seems like it would look really cheap and not have the look of a real wood stand. I guess I could get creative with stain or paint and yea I would like to know how to attach panels to the aluminum.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

harbor freight has stron cheap magnets for hanging tools . i use them to hang all kinds of things in my morton building right to the walls too

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

Using plywood just seems like it would look really cheap and not have the look of a real wood stand. I guess I could get creative with stain or paint and yea I would like to know how to attach panels to the aluminum.

just fir out with wood and use traditional materials, have seen several stands skinned in flooring materials that look really good.

 

[jmichaelh7]

I used rustic wood planks from Home Depot then glued them on a board. I used magnets from Amazon . Makes them easy to remove and put back on

 

[Tamberav]

Sooo.. I live in an apartment with no way to cut wood... soo.. I bought some cabinet doors at Ikea and some powerful magnets to screw to the back. Bonus is cabinet doors are water resistant/proof. They were cheap as hell too. Since they are magnets you just pull em off. They have a bunch of sizes... just happen to fit I guess.

 

[edd59]

Using plywood just seems like it would look really cheap and not have the look of a real wood stand. I guess I could get creative with stain or paint and yea I would like to know how to attach panels to the aluminum.

it would look like a regular wood stand if you add doors. wouldnt look any different from outside. as i mentioned they sell the brackets for skinning the stand

 

[hubble]

Ok, sounds like this isn't as difficult as I was thinking it was going to be. I didn't know Framing Tech sold brackets for attaching panels. Since its aluminum magnets are a no go.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

There are many ways to do this and magnets are one of them. Check the following thread for a few ideas,

Need help to wrap aluminum t slot with acrylic panel

Building a 60 gallon rimless.. Got my aluminium t slot frame today.. Need ideas to wrap it up with acrylic. I have gone though Alot of similar stand builds, but none gave me a brief idea. I want a clean look hence decided to wrap it from the out side. I want to magnetically mount 3/8 inch...

www.reef2reef.com

Same thing can be done with wood panels.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Sooo.. I live in an apartment with no way to cut wood... soo.. I bought some cabinet doors at Ikea and some powerful magnets to screw to the back. Bonus is cabinet doors are water resistant/proof. They were cheap as hell too. Since they are magnets you just pull em off. They have a bunch of sizes... just happen to fit I guess.

So you managed to find the correct height as your aquarium ? Interesting !

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

We make our stands and canopies 100% wood free, usually aluminum profile skinned or decked with high pressure resin composites, acrylics or other finishes. Sometimes we use these for removable access attached to the aluminum skeleton. But they will work on any type of panel system including wood. They are a patented product called "button fix". Amazon probably sells them.

 

[Arego]

Poplar board can be used as a great skin for something like a steel stand. Trim out with some nice moldings and you're ready to paint. Very flexible and thin.