TimberRack – Modular 19" server rack for home labs

Short intro

TimberRack is a modular, 3D‑printed wooden 19" rack frame intended for home labs, network hardware and small server setups. The system uses 25 mm wooden rods, precision 3D‑printed connectors and standard 19" rails to provide a lightweight, configurable and stackable solution.
 

Build guide & wooden‑rod calculator (EN) Bauanleitung & Rechner für Holzstäbe (DE)

Key features

• Modular, stackable system with a 6U base module (available in 3U, 4U, 5U and 6U variants)
• Fully customizable rack height; expandable with Rail Extension Blocks
• 3D‑printed structural connectors for straightforward assembly, reuse and repair
• Designed for 25 mm wooden rods as primary structural members
• Compatible with standard 19" rack rails; reinforced center support for added stiffness
• Customizable depth; compact, lightweight construction
• Assembly using common tools and standard screws

Material / Hardware requirements & Technical details

• 1U (HE) = 44.45 mm.
• Height‑rod length (formula): (44.45 mm × HE) - 18 mm — this offset compensates top/bottom seating.
• Width rods (fixed): 561 mm.
• Depth: user‑selectable and depends on installed hardware.
• Lower center strut (for heavy bottom‑center equipment): 511 mm.
• The calculator accounts for raw rod length and saw kerf; default kerf in the calculator: 3 mm.

3D printed parts

• 4× Corner Bracket (CB)
• 4× Corner Bracket - Mirrored (CB‑M)
• 4× Rail Mount (RM)
• 4× Rail Mount - Mirrored (RM‑M)
• 1× Bottom Load Support (BLS)
• 1× Bottom Load Support - Mirrored (BLS‑M)
• HE rails in 3U, 4U, 5U and 6U variants
• Rail Extension Blocks (count depends on rail segmentation)

Note: The abbreviations in parentheses are printed on the parts to simplify identification during assembly.

Screws / inserts

• 16× M4 inserts
• 16× M4 × 12 mm screws (for RM / RM‑M)
• 54× Spax screws (basic wood‑mount requirement)
• Plus 2× Spax screws per Rail Extension Block

Printing notes

• Recommended filaments for connectors: PETG or PLA+ to balance stiffness and toughness; use nylon for high abrasion/impact demands.
• Adjust print orientation, infill and wall thickness according to expected loads and test critical parts before final assembly.

Safety / load considerations

No specific load ratings are provided. TimberRack is designed for homelab and small network equipment — verify device weights and plan for extra reinforcement or redundancy for critical hardware.