How to Build a DVD Storage

DVD cases may become messy and disorganized without a storage unit

Being a movie buff means having an excellent home theater system for viewing your movies. The biggest problem with home theater systems, though, is organization. This is especially noticeable if you have a large number of DVDs with nowhere to put them. DVD cases have a tendency to pile up in the middle of the living room. If you are in dire need of some organization, building your own DVD storage case may be the way to go.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces 3/4-inch plywood, 4 feet by 8 inches
• 1 piece 3/4-inch plywood, 4 feet by 1 foot 1 1/2 inches
• 1 piece 3/4-inch plywood, 8 3/4 inches by 1 foot 1 1/2 inches
• 4 pieces 3/4-inch plywood, 1 foot by 8 inches
• 1 piece 3/4-inch plywood, 1 foot 1 1/2 inches by 3 feet 11 3/4 inches
• Drill
• Screwdriver bit
• Tape measure
• Carpenter's square
• Pencil
• Two hinges
• Wood stain or paint
• Paintbrush
• Handle

Instructions

1. Place the 1 foot 1 1/2-inch by 4-foot plywood on a flat surface. Place one of the 4-foot by 8-inch plywood boards on top of the larger piece and against one edge to form a right angle. This is the back and one of the sides of the storage case. Use the square to make sure the angle is 90 degrees, and screw the pieces together.

2. Repeat the process in Step 1 for the other piece of 4-foot by 8-inch plywood to create the other side of the cabinet. Place the piece at a right angle on the opposite edge, make sure it's square and screw it together.

3. Stand the case frame up. Place the 1 foot 1/2 inch by 8 3/4-inch piece of plywood on top of the frame. This is the top of the case. Screw the top into place with the wood screws.

4. Measure down 1 foot from the bottom of the top piece with the tape measure and make a mark. This is the location of the top of the first shelf. Place a piece of 1-foot by 8-inch plywood at this location and screw it into place through the sides and back pieces.

5. Repeat Step 4 for two other shelf pieces. Measure down 1 foot from the bottom of each shelf, make a mark and place a piece of the 1 foot by 8 inch plywood. Make sure they are screwed into place.

6. Measure one inch up from the bottom of the cabinet and make a mark in the interior of the cabinet. This is the location for the bottom of the last shelf, which will be used for general storage. Place the remaining piece of 1-foot by 8-inch plywood at this location and screw it into place.

7. Attach the two hinges to the cabinet. The hinges should be about 1 foot 6 inches from the top and bottom. Attach the remaining 1 foot 1 1/2-inch by 3 foot 11 3/4-inch pieces to the hinges. This is the cabinet door. Attach the handle to the door on the opposite side of the hinges.

8. Paint or stain the plywood to match the rest of the furniture in the room

Tips & Warnings

• This cabinet will hold approximately 36 DVD cases along with general storage. If you need a bigger case, increase the height or width of the cabinet. The height of the shelves and the depth needs to remain the same as they are sized for DVD cases

• The stability of this storage unit comes from all the pieces being screwed together tightly. Don't scrimp on screws or the cabinet may fall apart.

References

• DVD Cabinet Plans