DIY 2x4 Stand

[zeblisik]

well here it is.

it measures 49" long, 13.5" wide, and 38.5" high

I'm going to add some middle braces to the bottom and top shelf and some inner leg pieces under the bottom shelf. And a bunch of screws.

cost(thus far): 7 2x4s = 18$

Any constructive criticism?
I guess I should put some siding to hide the refugium and stain it? I don't really want to stain it, most of the things in our place are light natural wood.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5594/resize0rg.jpg

[Russ Braaten]

There are all colors of stains, even ones that seal the wood and look natural.

[zeblisik]

Is some sort of finish absolutely needed?

[waterloomarc]

I wouldn't say that a finish is absolutely needed, but wouldn't leave it unfinished personally. If you want it to look natural just use a clear finish such as plain ole polyurethane. I wouldn't recommend staining the 2x4's either. I think spruce looks great when given an oil finish but (IMO of course) it takes stain horribly, it gets blotchy and uneven. I'd say either oil it with something like Watco or just give it a couple of coats of poly.

[scrager]

raw 2x4s aren't going to look that great if you just seal them
i mean they'll look like an outdoor deck, but they won't look like nice furniture.

i'd paint the insides with kilz primer to protect from water damage
i'd skin the outside with your finish wood of choice and paint, light stain, or just clear polyurathane for protection if you want the natural look.