How to Build a Magazine Rack Table for Your Living Room

  • 4-8 hours
  • Beginner
  • 75-250
What You'll Need
Measuring tape
Pencil
Ruler
Plywood
Hammer
Nails
Saw
Paint
Sandpaper
What You'll Need
Measuring tape
Pencil
Ruler
Plywood
Hammer
Nails
Saw
Paint
Sandpaper

If you are receiving lots of magazines on a weekly or even monthly basis, having a magazine rack table in your living room would be a perfect spot to store your magazine collections. Aside from it will help you organize the magazines that you have, it will also enhance the overall aura of the living room. Most magazine rack table often has flat tops with slots underneath the top.

Thus it can both be used as a table while at the same time catering to the organization of the magazines beneath it. Although most may think that building a magazine rack table is a job to be left to expert carpenters and furniture makers, you can actually try making your own. Here are easy to follow steps on how to make a magazine rack table.

Step 1 - Determine the Design of the Magazine Rack Table

Although there are several designs to choose from, starting on the simplest design then playing around it will perhaps give you a better result. You can start with a flat table top with a box type magazine rack. It is important to remember though that you have to ensure that the magazine will fit into the rack. Common magazine measurements are 8 1/2 by 11 inches while digest is a bit smaller: 6 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches.

Step 2 - Draw the Templates for the Parts

Get a piece of plywood and draw templates for the sidings both front and back. Measure 7 by 12 1/2 inches rectangular shape wood using a ruler and a pencil. Mark the edges which will serve as a guide for cutting later. For the back siding, measure 14 by 12 1/2 inches still a rectangular shape. The differences in the measurement of the front and back sidings allow readers to see the magazines from the front side since it is lower than the back.

For sidings, create a straight outline or a triangular shape depending on your preferred design. On a bigger sized plywood, draw the template for your table top. It can be slimmer or bigger than the rack beneath it.

Step 3 - Cut the Templates

Once the designs are in place, cut each of those using a saw. A fine-toothed saw is often recommended for a smoother finish so that you will not have to smooth the edges with sandpaper. But if the edges are coarse, it should be treated with a fine-grit sandpaper.

Step 4 - Assemble the Parts

Attach each of the parts together using small finishing nails and hammer. Make sure that the bottom part of the pieces that are put together fits. Also, nails to be used should not go beyond the boundaries. Aside from nails though, you can make use of screws since it is sturdier than nails. Finish up your magazine rack table with a paint according to your preferred color. Let it dry before using. You may also opt to cover it with a desired table mat for additional attractiveness.