How to build an entertainment center

This step by step diy project is about how to build an entertainment center. If you want to liven up the look of your living room with style, building a wooden entertainment center is a great idea. In order to keep the costs under control, you should pay attention to our tips and to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use high quality lumber, such as pine, cedar or redwood.

There are many designs and plans to choose from when building the simple entertainment center, so take a look over the alternatives before choosing the right solution to your needs. In this article, we show you detailed instructions and step by step diagrams, so any person with basic woodworking skills can get the job done in just a few days. It is essential to adjust the size of the project to your needs before starting the actual construction.

Work with attention when marking the cut lines and when adjusting the size of the slats to the right size, if you want to get a professional result and to keep the costs under control. In order to lock components together, we recommend you to drill pocket holes and to use 1 1/4″ screws. Check if the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws, after each step of the project. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building an entertainment center

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 48″ SIDES
B – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 48”, 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 48″, 8 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 11 1/2″ TRIMS
C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 57″, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 57″, 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 57″ TOP
D – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x60″ BACK
E – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 57″, 5 pieces – 7 3/4″, 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 57″ BASE
F – 5 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 13″, 10 pieces – 11 1/2″, 5 pieces – 9 1/2″ DRAWERS
F – 5 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 9 1/2″x10 3/4″ DRAWERS

2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 10 ft
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft
3 pieces of 1z8 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler
drawer pull

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface
Plumb the sides of the bench with a spirit level

Time

One Day

Building the sides of the frame

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the entertainment center. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to build the sides from 1×12 lumber, 2×2 lumber and 1×2 trims.

Fitting the top of the entertainment center

The next step of the project is to attach the top of the entertainment center. As you can notice in the free plans, we recommend you to make the frame from 2×2 lumber and the actual top from 1×12 lumber. Cut the components at the desired dimensions and lock them to both sides with pocket screws and glue. Check if the corners are right-angled, before inserting the screws.

Attaching the back

Next, attach the back of the structure. Cut a piece of 1/2″ plywood using a circular saw and lock it to the frame with finishing nails and glue. Align everything in a professional manner, if you want to get the job done properly.

Installing the top shelf

Adding a shelf to the top of the entertainment center is a great idea, especially if you need additional storage space in your living-room. Use a piece of 1×2 lumber to enhance the face of the project, as shown in the image. Use a spirit level to make sure the shelf is horizontal before inserting the screws.

Building the bottom shelves

The next step is to build the base of the entertainment center. As you can see in the image, you have to assemble a basic frame using 1×12 lumber, glue and pocket holes. After adjusting the size of the components at the right size with a circular saw, drill pocket holes through the splitting walls. Check if the corners are right-angled and insert screws into the bottom and top of the box.

Fitting the bottom shelves

Fit the base of the entertainment center between the two sides of the frame and lock it into place with galvanized screws and finishing nails. Align the components with great care before inserting the screws, otherwise the end result might not fit your needs.

Building the drawers

Building the drawers for the entertainment center is a straight forward job, especially if you already have the sliding system. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust the shape and the size of the drawers accordingly. Assemble the drawers, attach the handles and fit them inside the frame, after installing the sliding system.

How to build an entertainment center

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth. Fill the irregularities with wood putty, if necessary.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build an entertainment center and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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