DIY: CD Stand

Materials and Tools

• Count how many CDs are in your collection and multiply that number by the length and width of one CD case, but leave room for future expansion.

  Next, decide on your material. If you make your case out of wood, select a wood type that blends with your decor. To save money, you can purchase pine, which is an economical wood, and stain it to match your furniture. Similarly, if you choose to add trim, choose a style that coordinates with the room where the case will sit.

  At a minimum, make sure you have a screwdriver, a hammer, a level and wood screws on hand. Add finishing nails to your list if you plan to include trim. If you plan to stain the stand, purchase a 2-inch-wide brush. Anything larger will make it difficult to reach into corners.

  If you don't own a saw for your wood or a miter box for your trim, it may be cheaper to get your cuts made at a home-improvement store. Usually, you can get the first two cuts made for free and pay a small fee for additional cuts.

Construction

• Wear safety glasses if you plan to cut the wood yourself. Measure and mark the wood for the desired dimensions on the sides, top, bottom and back---if you choose to add a back to your stand---and then cut. Cut your shelves based on the height of the CDs, allowing space for them to fit easily into place.

  Have someone hold the side of the stand, and then attach it to the bottom using wood screws. Repeat for the other side, and then add the top and screw down. Screw the shelves into each side piece, taking care to ensure that each shelf is level. If adding a back, lay the stand face-down and attach the back using wood screws. Flip over to add the trim.

  If cutting the trim yourself, you'll need a miter box to get the correct fit. Each end should be cut at a 45-degree angle so that the corners will fit snugly. Add the trim pieces to the front of the stand and attach with finishing nails.

  Paint or stain as desired, but wait until the stand is completely dry between coats so that the colors don't smear. Once you're finished staining and the stand is finally dry, move it to its designated spot and load the shelves with your CD collection.