Magazine Rack

For simple magazine storage that’s easy to make, build this solid-wood rack from a single board.

Step 1. Cut to length the shelf (A), bottom support (B), top support (C), and the bottom support cleat (D). Sand the parts using first medium and then fine sandpaper.

Good to Know: If you don’t have a saw that can handle 11-1/4"-wide boards, have a Lowe’s associate cut your parts to length in the store.

Step 2. Trim the cleat to 9" wide. Through one face, drill and countersink three evenly spaced 1/8" pilot holes. Rotate the cleat to an adjoining face. Vary the spacing slightly and drill and countersink three 1/8" pilot holes so that the sets don’t intersect each other.

Step 3. Glue and clamp one face of the cleat (D) to the underside of the bottom support (B) – center it edge to edge with the cleat edge flush with the support end. After the glue dries, reinforce the joint by extending pilot holes from the cleat into the bottom support and driving three #8 x 1-1/4" screws.

Step 4. Mark the top face of the shelf (A) 12" from each end to find the center 3/4". On two scraps with straight edges about 12" long, cover one face and edge with painter’s tape. Clamp the scraps along your centerlines with one taped surface against the shelf and the other taped surface facing the opposite scrap. Glue and clamp the top support (C) to the shelf using the scraps as a guide to keep the support square. After the glue dries, support the shelf on spacers cut the length of the top support and drill four countersunk pilot holes through the back of the shelf into the top support. Drive #8 x 1-1/2" screws to support the glue joint.

Step 5. Glue and clamp the bottom support and cleat (B/D) to the bottom of the shelf (A) with the support in line with the top support (C). After the glue dries, extend the cleat pilot holes into the shelf and drive three #8 x 1-1/2" reinforcing screws.

Step 6. Finish-sand the completed rack and wipe away the dust. Apply two coats of finish following the manufacturer’s instructions.