A storage solution for small spaces that can double as seating when you need it? Yes, please. This DIY record cabinet allows you to keep your favorite music on display and can be put together in an afternoon. All you need are some metal milk crates and supplies from your local hardware store to make your new favorite piece of furniture.
Note: The image above shows clamps and a hammer. Turns out you don't really need them! However, you may want to add stain or paint as well as rough sand paper and a damp cloth to your supply list. I also used four locking casters but you only need two that lock.
I found my metal milk crates at a local flea market. They have a bit of corrossion on them but are still in great shape and have a nice patina to them. If you don't have an abundance of flea markets in your area you can try craigslist or eBay. I purchased my 1x12x72 piece of wood at a major hardware store and had it cut in half to 1x12x36 on site. The small blocks of wood were also purchased pre-cut since I don't have an electric saw at home. I put this together on my front porch. You'll need access to an electric outlet and somewhere with good ventilation if you stain or paint your wood.
1. Lay one of your cut pieces of 1x12x36 wood on the ground. Place one 1x4x6 block of wood in the corner so that the edges are almost flush with each other. Place one of your casters in the center of your small wood block and mark the screw holes. 2. Remove your caster and block from your larger piece of wood. Drill through your block on all four marks. Place it back on your wood, hold it steady with your hand, and use your drill holes as guides to drill about 1/3 of the way through your large piece of wood. You don't want to puncture through the other side. You also don't want to drill through your hand. Be careful with both! Once you're done with one, repeat with the other three corners. 3. Now is a good time to sand your wood down for a smooth finish.
4. Spread some wood glue in between each 1x4x6 block of wood and place if flush in each corner. Screw your casters in to your pre-drilled holes making sure the two casters with locks are on the same end. Wipe off excess glue. The screws will compress the wood as the wood glue dries. It's just an extra layer of sturdiness. 5. Flip your bottom piece over and pat yourself on the back. 6. Center your metal crates on each end of your bottom piece so that the open ends are facing you. The edge of the crate should be slightly inside the edge of the wood by about 1/3".
7. Place three NM/SE Cable two hole straps down on the bottom of each crate with one near the back and two on each side so that they are straddling bottom rods. To keep your crates from sliding, place the two side straps flush against the back of the strap as shown above. Place the back strap flush against the front of the strap. Even though they are wider than your crate rod, this counter pressure will keep your crates from moving. Mark your screw holes. 8. Drill about 1/3" into your bottom board. DO NOT drill all the way through. 9. If you'd like to stain or paint your wood, go ahead and do so before screwing your crates down. I didn't stain the underside of my bottom board but I did stain around the edges of the wood blocks. If you'd like to stain or paint everything, do this before step four. Follow manufacturer's instructions on staining or painting.
10. Once your wood is dry, place your crates back down and screw your straps on. 11. Place your other 1x12x36 piece on top of your crates and center. Make sure your edges are all lined up. Carefully mark where your straps will go on the underside of your top piece of wood. Remove it and pre-drill your holes about 1/3". Again, DO NOT drill through. 12. Place your top piece back on and center again. Screw your straps on. As shown in step twelve, the two side straps are flush against the rods with the back of the straps and the back strap is flush against the rod with the front of the strap. You're done!
Set your record cabinet up in an ideal spot near an outlet and lock your casters. Set up your record player and enjoy styling your milk crates.
The great thing about this bench is how versatile it is. Turn it into an entry way bench to corrall shoes and use it as extra seating at your next get together. Use weather treated wood and use it outside as patio furniture.
No matter how you use your new bench you can be proud that you've made something beautiful AND practical. Enjoy! xo. Rachel
Oooh, I love this!
Posted by: Morgan | Mrs. Priss | September 25, 2011 at 06:09 PM
This is so cute! I love this idea. If I had enough space I'd make one too.
xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | September 25, 2011 at 06:10 PM
perfect rachel, thanks for sharing. i LOVE this idea!
Posted by: Violet Bella | September 25, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Wow awesome idea!! :) perfect for extra seating!
Kc
http://a-sparkley-silver-lining.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kasey | September 25, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Oh dear. I love this.
Posted by: mrs boo radley | September 25, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Wonderful! I know what's going on my project list for next weekend...
Posted by: Jasmine | September 25, 2011 at 06:31 PM
love this! what a great idea, my records have no place to be kept, i just have to get my boyfriend to help out with this one :)
Posted by: maria | September 25, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Aw Rachel!
Thanks for sharing this DIY, I absolutely love it and I'm so doing it!
Posted by: Victoria Rosas (Batzy) | September 25, 2011 at 06:42 PM
This is one of the best DIY projects I have seen in a long time. My husband and I have been looking for an antique bench and basket combo to store our shoes in our entryway. This is awesome. Thanks for sharing! Definitely doing this.
Posted by: Charlotte | September 25, 2011 at 06:47 PM
great idea!
btw, your new layout is great.. love it!
Posted by: Aline Corrêa | September 25, 2011 at 06:47 PM
What a great idea - I'll bookmark this project. I love simple (and fast) DIYs for practical storage solutions.
Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Mademoiselle Marie | September 25, 2011 at 06:49 PM
This is a great project! And it would be fun to do the lace spray paint technique you guys posted recently for the top board :) Or, cover it with a pretty oilcloth. Thanks for the how-to!
Posted by: Candace | September 25, 2011 at 06:51 PM
THis is so funny! I have that exact same record player and TODAY was trying to figure out where to put it and all my records in my new place. Thanks so much for the idea!! It's super cute and a lot less expensive than buying a record stand. You are awesome!
Posted by: reeve | September 25, 2011 at 06:57 PM
This is great Rachel!! We have been collecting records and haven't come up with a great storage solution yet so I'm excited about this!
Posted by: Leona May Photography | September 25, 2011 at 07:11 PM
This is such a cute idea! Absolutely lovely xo
Posted by: Alice | September 25, 2011 at 07:12 PM
SO COOL. where do you find your milk cartons?
Posted by: rachel! | September 25, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Amazing! Absolutely love it Rachel!
Posted by: Sara | September 25, 2011 at 07:21 PM
This is amazing!! I plan on starting a record collection this season and knowing me, I'll definitely need some place to store them. Thank you so much for sharing! <3
Posted by: Mandy @ Miss Indie | September 25, 2011 at 07:27 PM
What a cute solution! I really love all of the DIY's you guys post. There are so many that I want to try out.
Posted by: Jennifer S. | September 25, 2011 at 07:44 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. I even have that same record player so it's a MUST do! I also have been storing my records in a Whole Foods bag.. Such a great idea, thanks!
Posted by: Allison | September 25, 2011 at 07:52 PM