How to Build a Media Center

This step by step diy project is about how to build a media center. If you want to build a beautiful media center for your living room with storage space, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. Adjust the size of the components with great care and lock them together by using waterproof glue and galvanized screws following the instructions.

It is essential to choose the right materials before starting the construction and the assembly of the diy wood media center. As you will see in the project, you need to choose durable lumber with a nice appearance, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Make sure the components are in a good visual condition and choose professional tools when adjusting their size. Take accurate measurements and join the components with glue and screws. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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How to Build a Media Center

Building a media center

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 88″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25″ long, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 3 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 6 piece of 2×2 lumber – 12″ long, 6 pieces – 59″ long, 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 59″ x 12″ long SHELVES
• D – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 12″ long, 1 piece – 59″ long, 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 13 1/2″x59″ long, 1 piece – 14 1/4″ x 60 1/2″ long STORAGE
• E – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 5 3/4″x10 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 5 3/4″x18 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 10 1/2″x16 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 6 3/4″x18 7/8″ long DRAWER

• 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 6 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
• 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• filler, stain
• glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• TV Stand Plans
• Bookcase Plans

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Building a media center

Building the supports

The first step of the project is to build the bottom supports for the two sides of the tv stand. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the supports out of 2×4 lumber, making sure you cut both ends at 45 degrees.

Cut two pieces of 1×4 lumber and attach them to the bottom supports, as described in the diagram. Add glue to the joints and make sure the edges are perfectly flush one with another.

Building the sides of the media center

Continue the woodworking project by assembling the sides of the media center. As described in the diagram, we recommend you to build the legs out of 2×4 lumber and the horizontal supports out of 2×2 lumber. Take accurate measurements and cut the components at the right size.

Drill pocket holes at the bottom of the legs and secure them to the supports by using 2 1/2″ screws.  Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal support  and secure them to the legs with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square.

Assembling the frame of the media center

After building the sides of the media center, we recommend you to lock them together by fitting the 2×2 supports to the front and to the back of the structure. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws, to add strength to the joints.

Fitting the shelves

Get the job done by fitting the 3/4″ plywood shelves between the supports, as described in the diagram. Work with attention and drill pocket holes along the four edges before securing them to the supports using 1 1/4″ screws and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the edges are flush. Smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

Building the storage compartment

In order to build the storage compartment, we recommend you to build the components out of 1×8 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the slats using a pencil and get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Fitting the bottom of the storage compartment

Build the bottom of the storage compartment out of 3/4″ plywood, making sure you cut it at the right dimensions. Drill pocket holes along the sides and along the back edge.  Fit the component to the structure by suing 1 1/4″ screws and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the surface is perfectly horizontal. Check if the corners are right-angled.

Fitting the partitions

Build the partitions out of 3/4″ plywood and drill pocket holes along the bottom, top and back edges using a jig. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the galvanized screws and place the partitions equally-spaced.

Building the top of the storage compartment

Build the top component for the storage compartment out of 3/4″ plywood. Make 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ notches to the corners of the plywood component before fitting it to the structure. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper before fitting them to the structure.

Fitting the top of the storage compartment

Fit the 3/4″ plywood top to the storage compartment using galvanized screws and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the corners are square. Work with attention to get a professional result.

Assembling the drawer

Building the drawer for the media center should be done by following the instructions described in the diagram. Cut the components out of 3/4″ plywood and lock them together tightly.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the side components and secure them to the back component using 1 1/4″ screws. Cut the bottom out of 3/4″ plywood and drill pocket holes along the edges. Secure the bottom to the frame of the drawer by using 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the face to the drawer

Afterwards, attach the front face to the drawer, as described in the diagram. Cut the component at the right size out of 3/4″ plywood and secure it to the drawer. Insert 1 1/4″ screws through the pocket holes placed at the ends of the side components. Make sure the face overhangs the drawer with 3/8″ on each side.

Fitting the drawer into place

Fit the drawer inside the opening and secure it to the frame by using appropriate slides (3/8″). It is essential to leave a gap out of 1/8″ around the drawer and to make sure it opens and closes properly. Check if the edges are flush, otherwise it won’t suit your needs and tastes.

How to build a media center

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several coats of paint. Place the wooden tv stand in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a bookcase. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest plans. Send us pictures with your plans.

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