How to Build a Simple TV Stand

Save money by making your own TV stand with common building materials.

If you are low on money and need a place to set your TV, you can make a TV stand yourself. Not only does a homemade TV stand save you money, but it can feel satisfying making it and feel even better using it once you are done. The cost of materials can yield you a simple, yet functional, TV stand that will occupy some free time on a slow day.

Things You'll Need

• 4 4-by-4s, 26 inches
• 4 2-by-4s, 32 inches
• 32-inch-by-32-inch piece of plywood
• Box of 4-inch nails
• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Finish

Instructions

1. Position the four 32-inch 2-by-4s so the ends meet in the shape of a square. Nail all the ends together using two 4-inch nails for each corner. Concentrate on nailing each nail straight through one 2-by-4 into the other. If the nail starts to bend, hit it with the hammer in the direction to make it straight. Hammer the nail in completely until the head of the nail lies flat with the board.

2. Position each 4-by-4 in its own corner within the box you constructed out of 2-by-4s. Make sure the 4-by-4s lie flat in the corner and the top of the square and the top of the 4-by-4s are even. Nail through the 2-by-4s into the 4-by-4s. Each 4-by-4 will have two sides that come into contact with the 2-by-4s, so use two nails for each side of contact for each 4-by-4 for a total of 16 nails.

3. Lay the 32-inch-by-32-inch piece of plywood on top of the 2-by-4 square and 4-by-4 legs of the stand. Position the plywood so it is even on all sides. Hold the plywood in place, using pressure to keep it flat, and nail two nails per corner into the tops of the 4-by-4s. Sand and finish the top of the plywood if desired.