2x4's for stands?

[sunflashx]

Engineered wood is where it's at. Structural microllam beam type material you can get in 2x4 dimensions. I don't have prices handy any more, but it wasn't a whole lot more than nominal lumber. They're always straight, never twisted, more resistant to water, stronger.

Here's a pic from a local cabinet maker / reefer.

http://www.richinscarpentry.com/gallery/images/gallery/amazing_aquarium_furniture/clean_out_016.jpg

 

[birdsandsoap]

I posted a stand question not long ago and several chimed in with the "2x4's are overkill" comment. A couple suggested plywood for a strong, solid stand. My table saw is in storage and I am not interested in cutting ply down into strips with a circular saw, gluing, and clamping. I don't have a shop set-up to allow it. I am comfortable using 2x4's and then skinning them to look like furniture, so there is no issue with a utilitarian look there (except for the inside).

It comes down to using the materials and tools I am most comfortable with.

Using 2x4's, I was pleased to hear that method would be "overkill," considering that's what I'm aiming for, who wants a stand that's "good enough?" haha.

I wanted to link the old thread here because there were some great ideas and a BEAUTIFUL stand made from ply (Nasothehutt's) if you should decide to go that route.

 

[strout]

This may not be of any help, just wanted to put it out there. Lowes will cut a sheet of plywood into what ever size's you want, also the 2x4s. I had them cut the plywood for my stand build, should have had them cut the 2x4s also

 

[SoFloReefer]

That engineering wood is really cool stuff. I will definitely look into that next time a I do a carpentry project. Who sells that anyways?

 

[sunflashx]

That engineering wood is really cool stuff. I will definitely look into that next time a I do a carpentry project. Who sells that anyways?

I called around to a few local lumber stores and no one shelf stocked it in the 2x4 or 2x6 dimension, but all could special order it.

Ever lumber dealer in town carries it in like a 9" - 15" height. It's most commonly used for headers over long spans like garages, and in basements for new home construction.

You could run a taller piece through a table saw if you have one and make it into a couple 2x4 size lengths.

 

[dangros]

Which crown moulding is that and can you get it in red oak? I just took my stand apart b/c the 2x4s were warped enough to cause a gap under the tank. I guess I need to find a better lumber yard than home depot.

Yeah, if you stop at the 2x4 frame that looks garage, but you can always skin it later.
I deal w/ two types of people most often, those on a budget, or those in a hurry, so I started doing this, build a frame, get em going.

When time and budget allows I skin them w/ a 3 sided cabinet face, and since I started doing it this way I like it, because I can attach it solid, but I can still pull it off completely if I need full access for some reason like a sump swap or whatever.
Mine is a little more detailed of an extra step since this is what I do and use hardwood, but you could sub ply for this.
These seem furniture grade to me.
But I agree for a smaller tank like your build minimal material is fine and maybe called for, most of my builds are medium or bigger tanks where solid frames are more called for.