DIY Wooden Magazine Rack: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Updated at: 20/03/2025

Tired of stacks of magazines cluttering your coffee table or overflowing from baskets? A stylish and functional magazine rack can be the perfect solution, and you don't need to spend a fortune to get one. This DIY project offers a simple, cost-effective way to organize your reading material while adding a touch of rustic charm to your home. Using readily available materials and basic woodworking skills, you can craft a beautiful, personalized magazine rack in just a few hours. This project is ideal for both beginners and experienced DIY enthusiasts alike, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment once complete.

Forget overpriced store-bought options and embrace the satisfying world of crafting your own! This easy step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of building a sturdy and attractive wooden magazine rack, from selecting your materials to the final sanding and finishing touches. Let's get started and transform those unruly magazine piles into a beautifully organized display.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Poster board
  • Chop saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood (3/4 inch thick)
  • Table saw
  • Wood glue
  • Painter's tape
  • Brad nailer (optional)
  • Scrap wood
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wood chips or debris during cutting and sanding.
  • Use clamps to secure the wood pieces firmly while gluing and screwing to prevent injury and ensure a strong, stable rack.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when using wood stains, paints, or sealants. Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create the Template

    • Cut a 9x9 inch piece of poster board to determine the general shape of the magazine rack.
    Create a template: Cut a 9x9 inch piece of poster board to determine the general shape of the magazine rack.
    Create the Template

  2. Cut the Side Pieces

    • Cut two identical pieces of 3/4 inch thick wood based on the template. Ensure they are perfectly symmetrical.
    Cut the sides: Cut two identical pieces of 3/4 inch thick wood based on the template. Ensure they are perfectly symmetrical.
    Cut the Side Pieces

  3. Sand the Side Pieces

    • Smooth down the edges of the side pieces.
    Sand the sides: Smooth down the edges of the side pieces.
    Sand the Side Pieces

  4. Create the Handle

    • Design and cut a 19-inch long by 3.5-inch wide handle. Make sure it is symmetrical.
    Create the handle: Design and cut a 19-inch long by 3.5-inch wide handle. Make sure it is symmetrical.Create the handle: Design and cut a 19-inch long by 3.5-inch wide handle. Make sure it is symmetrical.
    Create the Handle

  5. Cut the Rack Floor

    • Cut a 12x7 inch piece of wood for the base of the magazine rack.
    Cut the rack floor: Cut a 12x7 inch piece of wood for the base of the magazine rack.Cut the rack floor: Cut a 12x7 inch piece of wood for the base of the magazine rack.
    Cut the Rack Floor

  6. Prepare the Divider Rails

    • Rip a 2x4 into five 5/8 inch strips. These will serve as the rails for the divider.

  7. Assemble the Divider

    • Glue and clamp the divider strips together, using spacers to ensure even spacing. Add inside corner trim.

  8. Sand and Stain (Optional)

    • Sand the interior section of the divider and apply a coat of stain before attaching front rails.
    Sand and stain (optional): Sand the interior section of the divider and apply a coat of stain before attaching front rails.Sand and stain (optional): Sand the interior section of the divider and apply a coat of stain before attaching front rails.
    Sand and Stain (Optional)

  9. Attach the Front Rails

    • Glue and clamp additional strips to the front of the divider, using spacers for even spacing. Allow to dry.
    Attach the front rails: Glue and clamp additional strips to the front of the divider, using spacers for even spacing. Allow to dry.Attach the front rails: Glue and clamp additional strips to the front of the divider, using spacers for even spacing. Allow to dry.Attach the front rails: Glue and clamp additional strips to the front of the divider, using spacers for even spacing. Allow to dry.
    Attach the Front Rails

  10. Attach the Feet

    • Glue and clamp two 7-inch long, 1/2x1/2 inch strips of wood to the bottom of the rack as feet. Ensure they are square and evenly spaced.
    Attach the feet: Glue and clamp two 7-inch long, 1/2x1/2 inch strips of wood to the bottom of the rack as feet. Ensure they are square and evenly spaced.Attach the feet: Glue and clamp two 7-inch long, 1/2x1/2 inch strips of wood to the bottom of the rack as feet. Ensure they are square and evenly spaced.Attach the feet: Glue and clamp two 7-inch long, 1/2x1/2 inch strips of wood to the bottom of the rack as feet. Ensure they are square and evenly spaced.
    Attach the Feet

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Tips

  • Use a 3/4 inch thick wood for the stand to ensure sturdiness.
  • Sand all pieces thoroughly for a smooth finish.
  • When ripping boards, sand to remove curvature and indentations from the table saw blade.
  • Use spacers when gluing to ensure even spacing between parts.
  • Consider using a brad nailer to fasten the rails, though this could potentially split the wood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cutting

Reason: Inaccurate measurements or saw blade slippage can lead to pieces of wood that are not the same size, resulting in a wobbly or misaligned magazine rack.
Solution: Use a measuring tape accurately and clamp the wood securely before cutting to ensure precise cuts.

2. Weak or Inadequate Glue Joints

Reason: Insufficient glue or improper clamping pressure can result in weak joints that fail under the weight of magazines, leading to the rack falling apart.
Solution: Apply a generous amount of wood glue to all joining surfaces and use clamps to firmly hold the pieces together while the glue dries.

FAQs

What kind of wood is best for a DIY magazine rack?
Pine, cedar, or plywood are all good choices for beginners. They're relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and readily available at most home improvement stores. Hardwoods like oak are more durable but require more skill to cut and finish.
What tools do I need to build this magazine rack?
You'll need basic woodworking tools including a saw (hand saw or circular saw), measuring tape, sandpaper, wood glue, clamps, and a screwdriver or drill (depending on your design). Safety glasses and a dust mask are also essential.
How can I finish my wooden magazine rack to protect it?
Once assembled, apply a wood stain or paint for color and protection. Seal it with a clear varnish or polyurethane for added durability and water resistance. Follow the product instructions for drying times.