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DIY Rustic Microwave Stand - General Purpose Stand

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With the left over pieces from building our new Rustic Coffee Table, I decided to get rid of our old beat up press board Microwave stand and build a new one for the kitchen.  Between the two projects (with the purchase of a few extra 2x2's and screws), you can build both of these for less than $120.  They are basically the same design, just modified to fit the individual circumstance.

If you decide to build this stand on its own, you will need the following:
 Wood

1 - 2x6
2 - 2x4's
3 - 2x2's
2 -1x2's
1 - 1x6  

Cut list

2x6 - (3 X 26") - Stand Top
2x4 - (4  X 30") - Stand Legs
2x2 - (6 X 21") - Side Shelf Framing
2x2 - (6 X 7 1/2") - End Shelf Framing
2x2 - (3 X 11 1/2") - Centre Shelf Support
1x2 - (4 X 21") - Shelf Edging - see picture
1x2 - (2 X 24") - Centre of Shelf- see picture
1x6 - (4 X 21") - Shelves
Tools/Other Materials

2" wood screws
2 1/2" wood screws
Saw (any of Table Saw, Mitre Saw, Circular Saw or Hand Saw will do)
Drill
Pocket Hole Driller (optional)
Wood Putty
Sander - (A Corner Cat electric sander is handy and a good investment if you are planning on doing a number of these projects.  But you can hand sand it was well.  It will just take a long time and a lot of effort)
80 grit and 220 grit sandpaper
Wood Sealer
Stain
Once I had all of my pieces cut, I ventured into my Laundry Room Workshop (trust me, the rest of my house looks much nicer then what you see in the photos).
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Instructions

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First, layout your pieces for your end framing so you know everything is in line and is the same length.  These will be your 7 1/2" 2x2's and 30" 2x4's.  Make sure the spacing between the shelf supports is equal (per tap measure photo).  Once everything is in line attach your pieces together. 




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You can use pocket holes as per the photo (which you will of course have to pre drill), but you can also just screw the pieces together through the ends.  Pocket holes will be much easier however as you would need, at a minimum, 4" screws to drill length wise through the 2x4's

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Once your end pieces are built, attach your Side Shelf Support framing pieces.  You will use your 21" 2x2's here.  Again, lay it out first to make sure everything is in line so you have a level shelf. 


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Once you have your end pieces connected by your Side Shelf Support, take the 11 1/2" 2x2's and screw them in the centre of each shelf to provide your Centre Shelf Support.  Once that's completed you should have a frame that looks like the photo.


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Time now to attach your shelves.  Cut a 2 1/4" by 1 1/2" piece out of each end of your 1x6's.  This is to fit around your shelf legs.  Don't worry if they don't come out flush with the Side Shelf Support.  This is where your 1x2 Shelf Edging comes into play in a moment.  Once you have these pieces cut and put in place, you should have a 1 1/2" gap, which you will fill with you 21" Centre of Shelf 1x2.  Use the 2" screws to attach these pieces to your framing.  Remember, always start building your shelves from the bottom.


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Attach your second shelf then evenly space out your 2x6's for your Stand Top  (there should be a 1" overhang on each side).  Attach your top using the 2 1/2 Screws.  Then attach your 1x2 Shelf Edging to each side and you've completed your stand.


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Next, fill your pocket holes and screw holes with Wood Putty.  Allow to dry for at least 2 hours, or whatever the manufacturer specifications are. 

Sanding is almost always the most labour intensive part of any wood working project.  Sand the entire stand with 80 grit first to take off any rough pieces and remove any manufacturer stamps that may be on the wood.  Then sand again the visible parts with 220 grit.

Grab a paint brush and apply a wood sealer to the entire piece to protect it as you are using soft wood.  Allow it to dry for at least 1/2 hour or until it doesn't feel tacky.  Then you are ready to stain.


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Staining techniques vary, but to do this I used a paper towel to spread out the stain.  You can use a sponge too if you like.  Dab some stain on the wood then spread it with your paper towel/sponge.  Start with a small non visible area first to  get an idea of how much stain you will need to use. 

Once it's dry, you're finished.

Have fun putting this together.  The best suggestion I can ever make is to have patience.  And don't get discouraged. The point of DIY is to give things a try and see what happens. 



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All Material Copyright Vince Bierworth 2015, unless otherwise noted.