DIY Aquarium Cabinet Plans

Cut three 4-foot studs in half to equal six studs at 24 inches each. Take four 2-foot studs and four 4-foot studs and build two separate rectangles with the 2-foot studs screwed inside at the edges of the 4-foot studs. Lap joints like these, face out to the side and are less visible. Use your #8-by-2-inch screws. Lay one rectangle on the floor and screw four 4-foot studs standing vertically at each corner, two facing front and two facing back.

Lay the remaining rectangle on the floor, flip over the first piece you worked on, and insert the vertical studs inside the floor rectangle. Screw the bottom rectangle to the inside braces as previously done. The remaining two 2-foot studs are screwed inside the two connected rectangles, facing parallel to the other 2-foot side studs, one at the top rectangle center and one at the bottom rectangle center.

Put two more 4-foot frame studs, facing flat up against the middle braces inside the frame, edges flush to the front and back of each rectangle. Screw these first into the crossbar studs, then add two screws from the outside of the rectangle face going into the edges of the inner vertical studs. Do this for all the other studs, as well. Check to see if the frame is solid when you push on it.

Measure the frame bottom and cut off any extra on the 1/4-by-49-by-25-inch plywood sheet so it fits flush with the frame bottom. Screw it down on the frame along the edges every 2 to 3 inches. Flip over and test again for shifting. You now have your base bottom on.

Measure the dimensions of the frame face and cut your oak plywood or finishing panel sheet to cover over the wood. The top and bottom panels will cover completely across the frame. On the outer side facing, leave 2 inches in from the inside, which will be where the door hinges will sit. Those side panels are set between the upper and bottom finishing panels.Cut your pieces and glue each section on the front, including the stile, using the wood glue. Cut pieces to cover each side of the cabinet completely. You can cover the back, too, if you prefer to keep everything contained.

Add finishing trim along the full circumference of the finished frame. The bottom trim sits flush with the bottom, while the outside top trim extends above the top of the frame. The aquarium tank will sit inside of this rise. Stain and paint your finished stand and your doors. Let everything dry. Set your door hinges in the open facing and add on your doors, using the screws provided in the hinge package. Test your doors for opening and closing. Adjust as needed. Set your empty aquarium in the top frame recess.