How to skin a stand?

[bpro32]

Ok I don't have a whole lot of diy skills but I'm looking to build a stand on my own. I have plans to build the frame but I need some plans as to how to attach a nice looking skin on it. Also suggestions on what type of wood to use that is cheap and nice looking and a way to cut doors with some forgiveness to account for mistakes.

[SoCalBoo]

are you gonna stain it or paint it?

Are you trying to match other furniture / theme / motif in your place?

What kind of tools do you have access to?

[bpro32]

are you gonna stain it or paint it?

Are you trying to match other furniture / theme / motif in your place?

What kind of tools do you have access to?

I potentially have just about any tool. I've already asked to borrow a friends garage and tools and he said it was fine. I'll probably paint it black since I have almost a full gallon of black paint laying around. Doesn't need to match as there isn't a whole lot going on in that room anyway.

[Bananahands]

If you're going to paint it, should be relatively easy depending on number of doors, drawers, etc.
Just use "paint grade" plywood. it'll give you a nice smooth finish without breaking the bank. Maybe look into premade cabinet doors at either lowes or HD. I don't think they're very expensive and you can paint to match.
HTH,
Khris

[pescado]

I built my stand so it has sliding doors in the front that can be popped out very easily, exposes the whole sump area without the obstruction of swinging doors & supports to work around. Plus there's lots of forgiveness with building the doors, they're just 2 panels sliding in a channel/track.
What size tank you have?

[ajn81]

Not sure exactly what you are looking for but I made a skin out of 1" MDF a while back that turned out pretty nice:

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/imagehosting/473049bc6d9c59886.jpg

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/imagehosting/473049bc6d9c780da.jpg

Just another option/idea for ya.

[bpro32]

Not sure exactly what you are looking for but I made a skin out of 1" MDF a while back that turned out pretty nice:

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/imagehosting/473049bc6d9c59886.jpg

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/imagehosting/473049bc6d9c780da.jpg

Just another option/idea for ya.

That's an idea. I'm leaning toward just getting a few wood panels and using magnets or velcro. That would make the build process easier so I don't have to cut doors.

[unbereefable]

If your going with the magnet and velcro idea, I would go and buy some 1/4" ply or 1/2" mdf. Cut it to size and wrap it with vinyl or any other material you want. Much faster than painting and looks good. Plus you won't have to worry about the edge as you would with plywood. Also when ever I've looked for cabinent doors at lowes and HD, they always told me I count not buy just the door. Which seems stupid, but they all said it at ALL locations.

[caligirl84]

you could do wainscoting and molding, doesnt look too bad that way and its all paintable, and any home improvement store sells the in individual planks or in 4x4 sheets

[bpro32]

I now have an advisor who actually knows what he is doing (unlike me). I'll post pics when completed. Thanks for the advice everyone!