Door Stand

The Family Handyman

Keeping doors upright and stable when you’re planing or sanding them just got a whole lot easier with this classic tip from Jeff Gorton. This simple door stand made from shop scraps actually has upright arms to pinch the door and hold it rock-solid while you tune up your door. The secret to the pinching action is the 3/8-in. plywood base that bends from the weight of the door, forcing the tops of the 2x4s together. Here are the key measurements you’ll need to make your own:

■ 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in. x 24-in. upright arms ■ 3/8-in. x 3-1/2 in. x 24-in. plywood base

■ 1-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 4-in. feet

■ 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in. x 12-in. 45-degree diagonal braces

■ Two strips of carpeting hot-glued to the inside of the uprights

Cut these pieces and assemble them with screws. Be sure to position the uprights 3 in. apart excluding the carpet (a bit closer for thin carpet).

Plus: Learn how to replace an interior door.