How do I Make a Magazine Rack That Attaches to a Wall Cupboard?

A magazine rack keeps stacks of magazines neat and within reach

Magazine racks are small rigid structures that hold a certain number of newspapers and magazines. These racks help you keep a room tidy, and magazines handy, by stacking the magazines in one place. Magazine racks can be made from materials such as wood, metal, bamboo and plastic. If you want to keep your magazines neat and within reach, build a magazine rack and attach it to a wall cupboard.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Wood board
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Table or miter saw
• Sandpaper
• Hammer
• Finishing nails
• Primer
• Paint
• Power drill
• Screws

Instructions

1. Draw and design the rack, keeping in mind that most magazines are 8 1/2 by 11 inches for a standard size, and 6 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches for a digest size. A common magazine rack should be around 10 by 12 1/2 inches, with 2 to 3 inches of width.

2. Draw templates for the magazine rack on a wood board using a pencil and a ruler. For the front side, draw a 7 by 12 1/2- inch rectangle, so that the magazines, which are 8 1/2 inches wide, will be slightly visible. For the back side, draw a 14 by 12 1/2-inch rectangle. As for the sides, they are triangle-shaped, thus eliminating the need for the bottom part. These pieces form the simplest type of a magazine rack, one that resembles a pocket. If you want a more sleek design, make the sides straight, slightly L-shaped and add another template for the bottom part.

3. Cut the pieces following the pencil outlines on the surface. Use a table or a miter saw to make the job easier and the cuts more precise.

4. Treat the edges of the magazine rack with coarse-grit, and then fine-grit, sandpaper.

5. Assemble the magazine rack by attaching the pieces with small finishing nails and a hammer. If you are making the simplest version, make sure the bottom of the 'pocket' is a snug fit between two wooden parts.

6. Make two holes with a power drill at the top corners of the back piece of the magazine rack. These holes with hold the mounting screws necessary to attach your magazine rack to the wall cupboard. Screws are a better choice than nails, as nails can loosen due to the weight of the magazines.

7. Finish your magazine rack before attaching it to the cupboard. Use a paintbrush to apply a layer or two of wood primer, and then paint the rack in a color of your choice. Allow the layers to dry thoroughly between applications. Wait until the final coat of paint hardens before you mount the magazine rack to the cupboard.

Tips & Warnings

• The front side of your magazine rack can be decorated by drilling holes into the wood in various patterns.

• If you are not skilled in carpentry, a simple metal rod attached by its ends would do to hold magazines, especially if you want to hang only a few. Once you place the magazine, opened somewhere in its middle on the metal pole, the rack itself becomes almost invisible. This is a good solution for a sleek, modern home.

• Be careful when using a table or a miter saw. Wear protective glasses and gloves.

References

• Ergo in Demand: Newspaper Racks
• Magazine Holders: Hanging Magazine Rack
• Gadget Sharp: 17 Useful and Stylish Magazine Racks