An aquarium stand will lift the fish tank to a whole new level, in height and in beauty. Buying a well-made tank in a store can be very expensive, but if you want to save money, you can learn how to build an aquarium stand yourself that has the same quality as one you can find in the store.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Building the Frame
Step 1. Make the frame structure in a rectangular shape
Uses 2 2x4 wooden planks. Cut them with a circular saw, so that the dimensions, in width and length, are adequate for your tank. Add 1.5cm to ensure the tub does not slip once in place. Secure the planks with wood finishing nails.
Step 2. Cut 2 more 2x4 planks to use as crossbars along the top of the frame
Place them at intervals of 0.5 m from each other. These help distribute and support the weight of the water tank. Trim the beams to fit the rectangular frame, and secure them with additional finishing nails.
Step 3. Install vertical posts at each corner and height of each cross brace
You can also use 2 2x4 wooden planks, cutting them according to your needs and fixing them to the frame with steel nails.
Step 4. Screw the wooden joints to each of the corners of the frame with your electric drill
For best results, use 8x12 wood screws. You could also use wood glue to attach the seam pieces to the frame.
Step 5. Measure the bottom of the new frame
With a pencil trace the exact shape with the correct measurements on a 4x8 wood panel, and use a jigsaw to cut out the shape. Install the panel at the bottom of the frame and secure it with wood glue. You can also choose to use steel nails to complete the installation.
Part 2 of 3: Cover the Stand
Step 1. Measure each side of the stand and trace the shape on a wooden panel with a pencil
Cut out the shape with the jigsaw.
Step 2. Glue each piece to the corresponding side with wood glue and secure the pieces with steel nails
Step 3. Measure the 1x4 trim pieces to fit each corner of the stand
Use the jigsaw to cut the pieces. Secure them using wood glue.
Part 3 of 3: Painting and Finishing
Step 1. Paint or impregnate the finished media in the desired color
For paint, use a brush and at least 1 coat of paint. To impregnate the wood, use an impregnating brush and apply at least 2 layers of product. Either way, let it dry completely.
Step 2. Attach the chosen cabinet doors following the manufacturer's guide for installation
Advice
- Keep in mind that you need to build a stand that fits your tub. The proposed design can be modified accordingly by adapting the length and width to your needs.
- A time-saving alternative is to use finished panels for the cladding. This will eliminate the need to refine and impregnate the substrate, shortening the time needed to complete the project by several days. If you opt for this solution, be sure to choose suitable pieces.
