Okay, so I need to build a stand for my new tank, but I'm usually pretty bad at figuring out dimensions of things and doing all the measuring and whatnot. I will taking whatever measurements I have to Home Depot, and have them cut it all for me so I can just screw it together at my apartment.

What I am looking for is a 14" x 14" x 36" framed stand, which will have 3/8" plywood sheets (either stained or black laminate) over top of it. I was suggested using 3/4" plywood for the frame itself, but am open to ideas. It would be much appreciated if someone could help me get an exact list of what I need to take to home depot to have them cut it for me. Thanks!

Well if you want 2x4 for the frame, remember that it's only 1 3/4" x 3 1/2" - with that in mind for a frame to sit at 36" the uprights will have to be at 29" if you have the top and bottom sitting on the 1 3/4" or edge of the 2x4. (see first pix) Then you have to subtract the thickness of the "shelf" 3/8" so the uprights have to be at 28 5/8" long.

In the pix the top and bottom frame is sitting on edge then the middle supports are added (see pix 2) to cover the middle of the tank. On yours you'll just need one.

One thing about HD, they won't cut to exact dimensions - liability if they screw up plus they don't want to spend that much time cutting wood. my .02

You might be better off with a plywood frame as the 2x4 would be over kill

first pix

second pix

+ 1 HD will cut some pieces for you but probably will be off a little. I would have them cut the plywood and just rent the tools you need (drill, jigsaw, and chop saw). Here is what you would need if you wanted to build something like this:


Material List:
2x4's
(4) 32.5"
(2) 14"
(6) 11"
(2) 8"
(2) 7"

3/4" Plywood
(1) 18"x17" The top

1/2" Plywood
(4) 14"x36" - you'll need the jigsaw to cut out the front for the door opening
(1) 14"x14" - you'll need the jigsaw to notch out for the legs
(1) 11"x29" - door

"L" corner trim
(4) 36" pieces

Hardware
(2) Cabinet hinges
(1) Cabinet Pull

Make sure you get cabinet grade plywood if you want to stain it. Hope this helps!
.

Perfect!

I'm going to alter it a little bit, for example changing the top to be 14" x 14" (since the tank will be 12" x 12").
I don't want to go with a door, instead I'll be doing removable panels held on with magnets.

As far as getting Home Depot to cut it correctly, the guy I talked to said he would cut everything I need the way I need it. If that doens't work out, I guess I'll find another way to make it work. Thanks guys!

good luck! post pics during the build.

I'll try to swing by home depot tomorrow.
What does everyone use to hold the stands together (glue wise, screw wise, etc)

And any tips for using magnets for the panels, or is it pretty straight forward?

screws + liquid nails (waterproof kind) would be good.

Cross posted from my other thread:

Did you make sure all the angles were squared? Could have just been that rather then the wrong sized cuts.

Yeah, but I figured out a way to make it work. I'll be posting a picture of the frame in my tank thread.