How to Build a Corner Entertainment Center

A corner entertainment center makes an excellent choice if you have restricted space in your room. Putting a television, DVD player, CD player and receiver in the corner also creates a viewable point from anywhere in the room. By following these steps, you can prepare to build your corner entertainment center.

Instructions

1. Make sure it fits. Once you have picked your location, it is very important that all the components you envision will fit in that location. Measure height, width and depth along with the size of the television. Usually the television is the largest component. Keep that in mind as your focus on a standard of measurement.

2. Sketch a box to show the cabinet for the components. Sketch another box for the television. Sketch other boxes for space like books, speakers and storage--whatever you want as an entertainment center. Visualize the propotions of each piece you draw.

3. Determine the furniture style. Take into consideration the furniture in the room. You probably want them to match; epecially if the center is going to be built into the corner. Most important is your woodworking style. Build something you are comfortable making.

4. Put the whole scheme together. You have a good working drawing or plans, the location, style, type of materials, number or type of components and style. Create your cutting list, a crucial step that determines how much material will be needed, the hardware and cost of everything put together.

5. Choose the type of wood you will use. You can go basic with building plywood or go for a more finished hardwood that has more design and texture.

6. Cut your wood. You can do it at home in the shop, or you can go to the local lumber warehouse and get the wood and pieces cut there. Make sure all pieces that are cut get labeled, so you know how to put the center together like a jigzaw puzzle.

7. Put the center together piece by piece, and make sure you prime the wood before you paint it the color that matches your room. Or you can just stain it for a more natural look.

Tips & Warnings

• Dedicate a corner of the room to the entertainment center. Consider the location of the windows and light fixtures for glare on the TV screen.

• Search and locate predesigned plans of corner entertainment centers. You might have to purchase the plans at a cost between $10 and $20. Take a good look at the designs and decide which is best for your room, or draw your own designs.

• Plan your layout and routes of wiring for all components. Typically you need to have a back corner hole or notch about 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches in diameter to allow for all wiring to be hidden from the front of the unit.