How to Custom Build a Wood Entertainment Center

Building your own 5-by-5-foot wooden entertainment center for a television up to 45 inches is easy, requiring only a few carpentry tools, plywood and hardware.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 5-foot-by-10-foot sheets of 3/4-inch-thick smooth-finish plywood
• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Sander
• Wood stain or paint
• 1-1/2-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver

Cut the Plywood

1. Cut two 2-foot-by-5-foot rectangular pieces from a sheet of plywood using the circular saw for the top and bottom.

2. Cut two rectangular side pieces measuring 2 feet by 4 feet and 10-1/2 inches from the remaining section of plywood.

3. Cut two more rectangular pieces for the shelves, each also measuring 2 feet by 4 feet and 10-1/2 inches.

4. Cut four 9-inch-by-2-foot pieces. These are the backs of the two shelves, and also serve as the main support for the entire unit.

5. Sand any rough edges off the cut pieces with the sander. Apply wood stain or paint, and allow to dry.

Assembly

6. Lay the two 5-foot pieces on edge parallel to each other five feet apart and insert the 4-foot, 10 1/2-inch side pieces between them, one on each side, completing the outside of the frame. Drive four screws along each end of the top and bottom into the sides and attach them.

7. Stand the frame up so a 5-foot side runs along the bottom. Insert a shelf between the sides nine inches above the top of the surface of the bottom piece. Drive three screws through each side of the outer frame along the ends of the shelf.

8. Attach the other shelf nine inches down from the top of the entertainment center. Use three screws on each side.

9. Pick which side is the back of the unit. Insert a 9-inch-by-2-foot piece vertically between the bottom of the unit and the lower shelf so it is flush with the back edges. Lay it on a 2-foot edge and place it between the two horizontal pieces against one side of the unit. Drive three screws down through the lower shelf into it, two screws through the side and three screws up through the bottom.

10. Attach another 9-inch-by-2-foot piece against the other side of the entertainment center under the lower shelf in the back. You have about a 9-inch opening in the center for wires.

11. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 and attach the two remaining back pieces above the upper shelf.

Tips & Warnings

• The TV goes on top of the lower shelf.
• Be cautious when using power tools.