I have one of these stands and to be fair the picture does really do it justice. The logo is carved out on the otherside and I have my name and race number on mine and I must admit it looks mint!!! I guess you could prop it up aginst a wall but there are not that many walls at my local downhill track. As for making one out of wood, Jesus has this thread turned into a DIY thread? I would imagine you would have a penny farthing to put in it???