This week we’re keeping it simple. I’m going to show you how to make this DIY magazine holder that I threw together for my living room/home office. This is an easy project and would be great for beginner woodworkers. (You can check out the YouTube video here.)

Project Supplies:

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1×6 Board
1/2″ Dowel Rods
Wood Glue
Drill
1/2″ Spade Bit and/or 1/2″ Forstner Bit (I used both)
Sander
Saw (I used a miter saw)
Brad Nailer
1 1/2″ Brad Nails
Mallet or Hammer
Pull Saw
Speed Square
Stain/Paint/Finish of Your Choice (I used Polycrylic)
Squeeze Clamp

How to Make a DIY Magazine Holder

Step 1: Cut Your Wood

First, cut your 1/6 board into 2 pieces at 12″ long each, and 1 piece at 14″ long. (These dimensions can be modified depending on how big you want yours to be.)

Cut your dowel rods into 22 pieces at 16″ long each. (I left a little extra length to trim off later because I would rather have it be too long than too short.)

Step 2: Drill Your Holes

I played around with which bit would be best to use, and I came to the conclusion that the Forstner bit worked best to create the hole, but the Spade bit helped make the hole just a tiny bit larger for the dowel to fit through better, so I used both. I spaced each dowel 1/2″ apart and 1/8″ from the side, and marked by tracing the end of a dowel. I marked the placement for all of my dowels before drilling, and I left about 1 1/4″ at the bottom.

Then, I used my Forstner bit followed by my spade bit to create the holes. I clamped my pieces together with a squeeze clamp so I could save time and also make sure the holes would align perfectly. I did get quite a bit of tear-out and I’m not sure if this was why, so I ended up putting some painter’s tape on the back which helped some.

Step 3: Attach Sides to Bottom

Using wood glue and a brad nailer, I attached the side pieces (12″ long 1×6 pieces) to my bottom piece (14″ long 1×6).

Step 4: Insert Dowel Rods

I inserted my dowel rod from one end to the other, and it was a tight enough fit that I didn’t need wood glue. I used my mallet to pound the dowels all the way in.