Do you know those moments, when you need something and the Universe makes you cross path with a solution? Well, this is one of those moments. I have a record player, and my biggest problem is knowing where to put it. So I was in the hunt for a good stand. I wanted something simple, not too expensive, and with a place to store my vinyl, nothing else. Despite my exquisite taste which only allows me to buy what I fall in love the first moment I lay my eyes on, I was open to suggestions. And then I saw a DIY with wooden crates in the Wayfair website, almost made on purpose just for me. And that’s when I decided I was going to make a record player stand for myself.

This project has been a big ride. It took me 4 days and a 40km drive to be able to find the wooden crates. Although, even those crates weren’t height enough. I had to buy two and glue them together to have enough surface to place my record player on top. It felt so good to attach the last screw, and know it was over. Thankfully, it was summer weather, and I could work outside in the sun.

Bottom line, DIYs look easier than they actually are; wooden crates for some reason are really hard to find, in Coimbra; those single cube shelves should work as well; this DIY is on how to improvise when the supplies don’t cooperate, and you don’t have the measures you want.

Supplies:

2 Wooden Crate (60x40x15 cm)
6 Wooden Boards (28x5x1 cm)
4 Wheels
16 Screws for the wheels
2 Handles (24,2 cm)
Wood Glue
Wood Paint (white and grey)
Paint Brushes
Nails

Step 1: After taking out the bottom of one of the crates, it’s time to glue them together. Use wooden glue for better results, and keep them pressed together. I used books to make weight – as you do – and let it dry overnight. Then sand down the entire box got get rid off any excess glue and smooth the edges. Also, don’t forget to do the same to the boards before glueing them. To make sure it will glue properly, use a wet cloth to collect all the dust.

Step 2: Glue 4 boards equally spaced apart in the bottom of the crate. Remember to keep a border all around the side to make the boards “invisible”. The margin has to be at least the same thickness as the wooden boards. The boards are necessary to help support and secure both crates together. Then get the other two boards and glue them to the inside of the box on the top shelf. To make sure everything is secure, you can hammer a few nails.

Step 3: It’s time to paint. This is the step that takes the longest. Do as many layers of paint as you need to get the right finish. I had to do 3 layers to make the white really opaque and glossy, although if I had a more patience – and ink – I would even do another layer. I choose to paint the crate in white to keep the same scheme in the room, and the back in a blueish-grey, the same I have on the walls. I tried to mimic the same aspect my Ikea KALLAX shelves to give a sense of unity.

Step 4: Place the wheels on top of the boards and screw them secure. Also drill a couple of holes on the top of the crate, on each side, to place the handles. They not only help you to move the stand around but also they look great as they limit the surface.

And it’s done! Now I only need to decide how to decorate it, buy more vinyl to grow my collection, and choose where to place the stand.