Make Your Own Carboy Holders

article and photos by David A. Gerling

I make my own holders for 5-gallon glass carboys to protect them during storage and use and make them easier to carry. Here are the instructions to make your own:

Materials List:

Note: Materials can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

(6) six 11" long pieces of 2" by 2"
(4) four 14" long pieces of 2" by 2"
(4) four 20" long pieces of 2" by 2"
A box of 2 ½" coarse-thread drywall screws

Directions for Assembly:

Note: Pre-drill the holes for the screws.

1. Assemble the top.  Lay out two 11" long pieces parallel to each other about ten inches apart. Then place two 14" long pieces so that they touch the ends of the 11" long pieces. They should form a square, as shown in Figure 1. Secure with one screw in each corner.  

 carboy holder top view

Figure 1 - Top View

 
2. Assemble the bottom.  Lay out four 11" long pieces parallel to each other about three inches apart. Then place two 14" long pieces so that they touch the ends of each of the 11" long pieces. The outside pieces should form a square. Adjust the two inside 11" long pieces so they are spaced evenly as shown in Figure 2. Use one screw to secure each intersection.

carboy holder bottom view

Figure 2 – Bottom View

 

3. Assemble the sides.  Place an end of a 20" long piece in each of the inside corners of the bottom as shown in Figure 2. Use one screw to secure each corner. Attach the top to the other ends of the 20" long pieces as shown in Figure 1, using one screw in each corner. Finished holder should look like those in Figure 3. 

carboy holder side view

Figure 3 – Finished Holders, Side View

 

4. Finish the wood. If you want to, add a coat of clear poly to the finished holder.