Make a wooden DIY magazine holder in 5 easy steps
Our simple DIY guide explains how to make a rustic magazine holder in just a few steps.
11.07.2023
DIY magazine holder: keep magazines organised easily
Do you love reading magazines, but find they end up scattered all over the house? Our rustic wooden DIY magazine rack solves that problem and is easy to make too.
You can easily adapt our DIY guide to make a magazine storage solution that suits your own tastes; select whatever size, wood type and colour you prefer.
DIY magazine holder: materials and tools
For this DIY project, you only need a few materials for it:
- A log
- A tree stump to use as a work surface
- A STIHL chainsaw with carving attachment
- Files
- A pencil
- Felt pads for the base
- Personal protective equipment
DIY magazine holder
Ready? Let’s get to work and make a rustic magazine holder...
Committed to your safety: protective equipment
Working with power tools is a great way to get a job done quickly and efficiently. But you should always make sure you are wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with your chainsaw. This includes gloves, safety glasses, a face shield, cut protection trousers and boots and a helmet if there is a danger of falling objects. You may not need to wear ear protection if you are using a battery-powered chainsaw, but you can find all the details in the operating instructions for your product. Before you use your chainsaw for the first time, fully familiarise yourself with the power tool and ensure it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your power tool for its first job, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start on the DIY project itself, cut a deep notch into the flat end of an upright tree stump. You can use this to safely support the log that will become your magazine holder as you cut it.
Decide exactly how long you want your wooden magazine holder to be: it should be at least as long as the newspapers or magazines you plan to keep in it.
Cut the log to the required length.
The magazine holder needs a flat base to keep it from falling over or wobbling. Use your chainsaw to cut horizontally along the tree trunk, removing a slice so that your log magazine holder has one long, flat side.
Rest the log on the flat base you just made. With a pencil, mark lines showing where to cut into the log to make the interior shape of the magazine holder. Next, place the log upright and secure it so it can't slip. Make the first cut, sawing downward from the top. Saw along the second line in the same way and remove the resulting wedge.
Use a metal file to work on the cut edges and surfaces until they are smooth. Attach felt pads to the bottom of your magazine holder to protect delicate surfaces.
The DIY project is done; your practical magazine holder is now complete. Whether it’s for your own home or to give as a gift, its rustic look lends a cosy atmosphere to any reading corner.
Summary: DIY magazine holder
- A magazine holder creates a tidy place to store all your newspapers and magazines.
- You can make your own magazine holder quickly with just a log and a few tools.
- Always wear personal protective equipment according to your tool’s operating instructions.
- First cut the log to the required length. Cut a slice off one long side to create a flat base. Saw two straight lines to make the body of the holder, then smooth the cut edges with a file.
