DIY Speaker Shelf

A well-placed speaker shelf can help prevent clutter.

Installing your own surround sound speakers is a great way to transform the way media is experienced within your home. Simple, effective installation of speaker shelves helps make your speaker system sound its best, and can certainly contribute to the overall style of the home, rather than detract from it as a poorly installed shelving system is liable to do. The basic design of the speaker system shelf is based on the dimensions of the individual speaker, and is infinitely customizable for style, color and size of speaker to be mounted.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-inch wood board the same height and width as the speaker (A)
• 1/2-inch wood board the same width and depth as the speaker (B)
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Wood screws
• Carpenter’s level
• Drill
• Drill bits

Instructions

1. Locate the studs in the desired area of wall on which the speaker will be mounted. Mark the stud locations using a pencil.

2. Place the back edge of a board that is the same width and depth as the speaker (board B), which will horizontally support underneath the speaker, against the bottom of a board that is the same height and width as the speaker (board A), which will sit vertically behind the speaker and be attached to the wall. The bottom edge of board A should be flush with the back edge of board B and the two boards should make an L shape.

3. Predrill three holes into the back of board A and into board B using a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the wood screws you will be using. Attach the two boards together using wood screws.

4. Set the assembled shelf against the wall and make it level using the carpenter’s level. Mark three spots in a line down the center of board A that line up with the wall stud. Remove the shelf and predrill these holes in board A.

5. Return the shelf to the wall, establish a level position and mark the shelf holes in the wall, ensuring that they line up with the wall stud markings. Predrill these markings in the wall, making sure that all screws hit the wall stud. Attach the shelf to the wall using wood screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Speaker shelving can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the speaker unit being mounted. Heavy speakers may require more secure attachment to the wall, while extremely light speakers may not need to be attached to the wall studs at all, but can merely be attached using drywall anchors.

• Shelving pieces can be painted to match the room or the speakers themselves, preferably prior to assembly.

• Do not let children climb on the speaker shelves, as they are not designed to bear the weight of children or heavy objects.

References

• CeilingSpeakerMounts.com: DIY Ceiling Speaker Mounts
• Sawdust Making: Speaker Stand
• Disgone: Mount Your Center Speaker on the Cheap