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How to Build a Recessed Entertainment Center

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(8 Ratings)

Many homes have a recessed nook that can become a recessed entertainment center. You can build such a center from sink cabinet bases and book shelving. Visit your local home center to find a shelving system that has matching cabinetry. In almost no time at all, you can convert an odd, unused space into the focal point of the room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Premade ¾ inch shelving
  • Construction adhesive
  • Trim pieces
  • Crown molding (optional)

    Set the Base

  1. Step 1

    Design the layout of your entertainment center. Decide how many shelves you want and how you want to arrange them.

  2. Step 2

    Measure your recessed space. Make sure your design fits into the area. When you have planned everything, order the cabinets and shelves for the entertainment center.

  3. Step 3

    Temporarily set the sink front in place to determine the height that's level with the top of the cabinet. Mark the correct height on the back wall. Fasten 1 by 2 inch wood strips horizontally to the back wall. Repeat this process for vertical strips to attach the sides.

  4. Step 4

    Install the sink front. Use screws to drill through the cabinet and into the wood strips. If necessary add trim pieces to cover any gaps between the cabinet and walls.

  5. Step 5

    Set the ¾ inch shelf panel on the sink cabinet for the counter top. Trim any excess. Glue in place with caulking. Glue matching edging with contact cement to the shelf panel to finish the base.

  6. Build the Shelving

  7. Step 1

    Measure and cut the shelving to fit the wall space above the sink cabinet. These shelving boards have predrilled holes. Make sure the holes are facing in.

  8. Step 2

    Fasten one board vertically on each side of the cabinet. Glue it in place with construction adhesive or attach it to the wall with screws.

  9. Step 3

    Put top trim piece in place. Top it with crown molding if you wish. Add trim pieces to the sides.

  10. Step 4

    Insert shelf pegs into holes. If you want additional support for the shelves, attach shelf supports into studs on back wall of recessed nook.

  11. Step 5

    Size up and cut the shelves for the entertainment center. Fasten them in place.

  12. Step 6

    Caulk all seams. Touch up any scratches in the wood.

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