DIY 6-Guitar Stand from a Quarter Sheet of MDF: Simple & Sturdy

Updated at: 19/06/2025

Tired of your guitars leaning precariously against walls or crammed into cluttered cases? Do you crave a stylish and functional guitar stand without the hefty price tag of store-bought options? Then you've come to the right place! This guide will show you how to construct a robust and attractive 6-guitar stand using only a quarter sheet of MDF and a few readily available tools. We'll bypass complex joinery and focus on a design that prioritizes simplicity, sturdiness, and ease of construction, even for beginner DIY enthusiasts.

Forget expensive, complicated plans; this project is designed for efficiency and practicality. You'll be amazed at how easily you can transform a seemingly humble sheet of MDF into a custom-built stand perfect for your collection. Ready to get started on building your own amazing guitar stand? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • MDF or plywood
  • adhesive-backed vinyl or paper template and spray adhesive
  • straight edge
  • circular saw
  • jigsaw
  • hole saw bit
  • drill
  • bandsaw
  • sandpaper
  • screws
  • clamps
  • paint (optional)
  • foam tape (optional)
  • razor (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses when cutting and sanding MDF. Dust and flying debris can cause eye injuries.
  • Use appropriate clamps to secure the MDF during cutting and assembly to prevent injury and ensure accurate cuts.
  • Ensure all screws are properly tightened to prevent the stand from collapsing and damaging your guitars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cut MDF

    • Prepare the template and cut the MDF.
    Prepare the template and cut the MDF.
    Prepare and Cut MDF

  2. Drill Neck Rest Holes

    • Drill holes for the neck rest using a hole saw bit.
    Drill holes for the neck rest using a hole saw bit.
    Drill Neck Rest Holes

  3. Bandsaw Cut and Initial Shaping

    • Use a bandsaw to cut along the lines, leaving slightly outside the line for sanding.
    Use a bandsaw to cut along the lines, leaving slightly outside the line for sanding.
    Bandsaw Cut and Initial Shaping

  4. Sand and Remove Template

    • Remove the template and sand all matching pieces together until smooth.
    Remove the template and sand all matching pieces together until smooth.
    Sand and Remove Template

  5. Assemble Legs and Uprights

    • Assemble the legs and upright piece using screws.
    Assemble the legs and upright piece using screws.
    Assemble Legs and Uprights

  6. Cut Neck Rest Openings

    • Cut out the neck rest holes with a jigsaw.
    Cut out the neck rest holes with a jigsaw.
    Cut Neck Rest Openings

  7. Sand Neck Rest

    • Sand the inside and edges of the neck rest.
    Sand the inside and edges of the neck rest.
    Sand Neck Rest

  8. Attach Neck Rest to Uprights

    • Attach the neck rest to the uprights, pre-drill, and screw them together.
    Attach the neck rest to the uprights, pre-drill, and screw them together.
    Attach Neck Rest to Uprights

  9. Attach Body Supports

    • Attach the front support for the guitar bodies. Pre-drill holes and attach the body rest piece from both sides.
    Attach the front support for the guitar bodies. Pre-drill holes and attach the body rest piece from both sides.
    Attach Body Supports

  10. Final Assembly and Alignment

    • Assemble the remaining parts, checking alignment before permanently attaching.
    Assemble the remaining parts, checking alignment before permanently attaching.
    Final Assembly and Alignment

  11. Final Sanding

    • Sand down all edges and corners for a smooth finish.
    Sand down all edges and corners for a smooth finish.
    Final Sanding

  12. Painting and Padding (Optional)

    • Paint (optional) and add foam padding to the body rests and neck pockets.
    Paint (optional) and add foam padding to the body rests and neck pockets.
    Painting and Padding (Optional)

Read more: 3D Printed Hercules Guitar Stand Handle Repair: A Durable Fix

Tips

  • Using a jigsaw after rough cutting with a circular saw provides a cleaner cut.
  • Sanding matching pieces together ensures symmetry.
  • Pre-drilling holes before screwing prevents splitting the wood.
  • Using clamps ensures proper alignment while screwing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Support for Guitar Necks

Reason: Using too few support points or placing them too far apart can lead to neck stress and potential damage.
Solution: Add extra support blocks or adjust the existing ones closer together to distribute the weight evenly.

2. Uneven Cutting or Assembly

Reason: Inaccurate measurements or cuts, and sloppy gluing or screwing can result in an unstable or wobbly stand.
Solution: Double-check measurements before cutting, use clamps during assembly, and ensure screws are tightened securely.

FAQs

What type of MDF should I use for this project?
A standard 1/2 inch (12mm) thick MDF is perfect. Thicker is possible, but adds unnecessary weight and cost. Avoid thinner sheets as they may not offer enough stability for six guitars.
Building your own guitar stand offers a great way to personalize your instrument storage and potentially save money. However, if DIY isn't your thing, or you need a solution quickly, consider exploring pre-made options. For a comprehensive overview of the best commercially available guitar stands currently on the market, check out our guide on top-rated guitar racks and stands. This article compares various models and helps you choose the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Then, if you're feeling ambitious and want a truly bespoke solution, read on for instructions on constructing your own sturdy six-guitar stand.