Help needed with DIY tank stand.

[Bobafish]

Im in the process of making a tank stand for my 10g. The frame is made out of 2 by 4's. Anyway, I want this to be something that looks really good on the outside. I was wondering what type of wood panelling is used on the outside of cabinets to make them look good, and what it is called. Also any suggestions for this stand are welcome too, like what you guys did on your stands to make them "stand" out, pardon the pun.

The stand will measure 20.5 x 10.5 x 30in (l x w x h).

 

[Captain Hook]

You can just use a high grade plywood like maple, birch, oak, etc.

To make my stand "stand" out I used pine shelving from Home Depot, mostly because it's cheap, looks good, and is strong enough for my needs. Here's a giant pic of it:

http://pna.pricenetwork.ca/gallery/albums/userpics/13267/IMG_6532.JPG

Same pic but smaller

 

[Bobafish]

Thanks Hook! Your stand is what inspired me to make my stand in the first place. Does the top of the panelling come up past the bottom of the tank? Could you give some of the dimensions on your stand? Also, how wide was the pine shelving that you got.

Thanks so much,
Justin

 

[Kasakato]

I used some Pine plywood on my tank. It was $80 for a 4x8 sheet. Then I stained it. Looks good to me.

 

[Bobafish]

Im having alot of trouble with my frame now. The top and bottom pieces are warped, sort of like a diamond, but not quite that severe.
How do you guys get your tank stands to be so.... perfect, I thought I had everything good, but I guess not.
Tips on how to make everything right angles would be appreciated!

 

[Holly9937]

This is a very minor detail, but I bought a massive stand from someone and the cabinet knobs were really ugly. Since I only needed 4, I splurged and bought the expensive ones that I really wanted and it really seemed to make a difference

 

[NikkO]

You could get a triangle tool to make sure that everything is at a right angle before you put it together.

 

[Captain Hook]

Thanks Hook! Your stand is what inspired me to make my stand in the first place. Does the top of the panelling come up past the bottom of the tank? Could you give some of the dimensions on your stand? Also, how wide was the pine shelving that you got.

Thanks so much,
Justin

Hey no problem. There is actually an edge of wood trim around the bottom of the tank to hide the black plastic trim. The dimensions are roughly 24.5 x 12.5" and 33" tall. I'm not at home so those are just rough estimates. I believe the pine shelving was 18" wide, can't remember exactly.

For your stand the shelving won't work as well I don't think. It's a thick board and you will already have your frame made out of 2x4s. Pretty much overkill.