DIY Wood Record Holder - Simple Weekend Project
I wanted to make a simple stand that showcased one of my daughter's first and favorite bands (CAAMP). The stand is now proudly displayed on my hidden doorway bookcase. This is one of the simplest woodworking projects you can make - perfect for beginners!
Why Make a Record Holder?
Did you know that most music is broadcast in a lossy format to save space? Your average streaming service compresses files, and only a few services offer lossless audio, typically at a premium price.
For me, records serve as a way to support the artists that create the songs that we sing daily. $15-$30 for a record is similar in price to buying a shirt from the artist. I have plenty of shirts and don't need to support them by having something that gets folded up in a drawer.
This simple record holder allows you to display album art as a decorative piece in your home while also providing easy access to play your vinyl whenever the mood strikes.
Project Difficulty: Alley Cat Level
I've categorized this project as "Alley Cat" difficulty. This means it's suitable for those who have some basic tools but aren't necessarily experienced woodworkers yet. If you've done a few simple projects before, you'll find this one quite manageable!
Sanding Tips
Compared to other projects, the sanding requirements are pretty lax for this one. If you are new to sanding, here are a few quick tips:
- Start with lower grit (coarser) sandpaper and progress to higher grits
- Sand with the grain of the wood for the smoothest finish
- Don't press too hard - let the sandpaper do the work
- Clean dust between grits with a tack cloth or compressed air
For a more detailed guide, check out my Sanding 101 guide for a quick overview on how to sand properly.
Finishing with Polyurethane
When applying polyurethane to your record holder:
- Work in a well-ventilated area, especially with oil-based products
- Apply thin, even coats using a high-quality brush
- Allow each coat to dry completely before sanding lightly with fine-grit sandpaper
- Remove all dust before applying the next coat
- For more detailed instructions, visit my Polyurethane 101 guide
Share Your Projects!
My writeups are more detailed than most, mostly because I try to write out what was going through my head during a project. It's extremely rewarding to know that someone found an idea of mine cool enough to try.
I truly would love for you to share your finished product with me via email (thecraftycatsman@gmail.com) or by tagging me on Instagram (@thecraftycatsman). I may even feature your post or pic on the website!
Affiliate Links
If you click through any of the Amazon links on this page, I may receive a small commission, even if you go on to buy something else. This is a great way to support the site without actually sending me money. I only recommend tools and materials I've used myself and found to be worthwhile.
Tools You'll Need
Materials Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Choose Your Wood
Choose whatever wood type you prefer. It should be at least 1″ in height by 2″ wide. I had some walnut left over from the floating shelf project, so I decided to use that. Woods like walnut, spalted maple, and oak work well with polyurethane finish.
2Mark and Cut the Slot
Stand your record up where you want it to be able to sit and mark the center with a pencil. Remove the record and measure 3.5″ from center in each direction (total length 7″). Using a Dremel with a wood cutting wheel, cut along the 7″ line as deep as your cutting wheel will allow. It doesn't really matter if you cut through the other side, just be careful not to damage your work surface.
3Create Character with Sanding
I wanted the edges of the record holder to have lots of character. To do this, I flipped my belt sander over and ran the wood in random patterns using 80-grit sandpaper. I kept the motions slow enough to give the wood a cool set of contours. Once I got the look I wanted, I used a random orbital sander with 120-grit. I popped the grain and hand sanded a second time with 120 grit.
4Apply Finish
Walnut has lots of natural color and beauty. I decided to skip the stain and go straight to applying a semi-gloss oil-based polyurethane. Polyurethane gives the wood a nice glow and semi-gloss avoids making the wood look like plastic. As with most projects, I applied three coats of polyurethane.
5Check the Fit
Once the polyurethane has fully dried, check the fit by placing the record in the newly created slit. Make any adjustments if needed to ensure the record sits securely but can be easily removed.
