Media Console with DVD Drawer Storage, Cyndi Collection

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Yes, you can DIY a media console with doors sized perfectly for DVDs, roomy drawers, and even a generous spot for gaming and media equipment. This free, step by step plan is inspired by Pottery Barn's Cynthia Console, with cottage styling, two doors each with two shelves sized for DVD, two roomy drawers as well as cabinet storage.

Fits flat panel tvs.

You see, I'm really quite greedy.

I want to build everything, EVERYTHING for myself. 

But the reality is when you are able to build for just a tiny fraction of retail cost, and you love to build, you end up with quite an odd problem: furniture clutter. Yes, my home gets cluttered with furniture. 
 So despite my greed to have not one, not two, but three or more media consoles . . . I talked some sense to myself, and decided I will just have to build vicariously through you :) 
 PS - Furniture that I don't use or replace is donated to charity.
Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 1/2 sheets of 3/4" plywood or MDF
1/4 sheet of 1/2" plywood or MDF
1 sheet of 1/4" plywood or MDF
1 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
2 - 16" Drawer Slides, Side/Undermount like these
2 - Sets narrow profile hinges

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Boards referred to as 1x20s measure 3/4" thick x 20" wide, cut to given lengths.
Boards referred to as 1x12s measure 3/4" thick x 11 1/4" wide, cut to given lengths.
Boards referred to as 1x8s measure 3/4" thick x 7 1/4" wide, cut to given lengths.
This plan also uses 2x2s (1 1/2" x 1 1/2"), 1x4s (3/4" x 3 1/2") and 1x3s (3/4" x 2 1/2")
Make sure your boards measure to these widths.

Cut List for Main Box
2 - 1x20 @ 20" (Vertical Partitions)
1 - 1x20 @ 10" (Drawer Partition)
1 - 1x20 @ 34 3/4" (Open Shelf Bottom)
2 - 1x20 @ 65 1/2" (Top and Bottom)
2 - 1x12 @ 20" (Sides)
2 - 1x12 @ 13 1/4" (Cabinet Shelf)
1 - 1/4" Plywood @ 21 1/2" x 64 1/2" (Back)

Cut List for Base
2 - 2x2 @ 63"
2 - 1x4 @ 17 3/4"
2 - 1x4 @ 64 1/2"

Cut List for Door Storage (2)
4 - 1x8 @ 19 3/4"
4 - 1x8 @ 12 1/2"
4 - 1x2 @ 12 1/2" (Optional ledges to keep contents in door storage)

Cut List for Doors (2)
4 - 1x3 @ 14 3/4"
4 - 1x3 @ 14"
1 - 1/2" Plywood @ 14 3/4" x 9" (Center Panel)

Cut List for Drawers (2)
4 - 1x8 @ 14 1/2"
4 - 1x8 @ 16 1/2"
2 - 1/4" Plywood @ 16" x 16 1/2"

Cut List for Drawer Faces (2)
4 - 1x3 @ 16 3/4"
4 - 1x3 @ 4 3/4"
2 - 1/2" Plywood @ 4 3/4" x 11 3/4"

Cutting Instructions

For the 1x20s . . . cut your 3/4" plywood into 20" wide strips, and then treat those strips like boards. You will need to use a tablesaw or cut carefully with a circular saw. Be aware that when building for doors and drawers, you must cut very precisely, or your doors/drawers will not operate correctly.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Table Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

This plan is very complicated and requires a great deal of precision. Please do not take this project on as a beginner.

Pocket holes are shown throughout diagrams if you choose to use a Kreg Jig. This project can also be built using standard joinery techniques.

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Shelf partitions. Attach shelf partitions as shown in diagram, using either pocket holes set for 3/4" stock and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws or 2" screws countersunk. Use glue.

It is very important that you take extra measures to square up project - your drawers and doors won't fit right if you don't.

Step 2

Next add the top and bottom to the project. Pocket holes are shown. It may be difficult to attach the center drawer divider with pocket holes due to drill clearance - so fasten from the bottom of the cabinet. Adjust for square.

Step 3

The sides are 1x12s. This plan is designed for 1x12s that measure 11 1/4" in width. Measure the width of your 1x12s and rip down if necessary with tablesaw.

Attach the 1x12s as shown above, with a 1/2" gap on the outsides as shown in diagram. You can click on any diagram for expanded views.

Step 4

Now add a shelf in each of the side cabinets as shown above. You can either make the shelves fixed by screwing in place, or drill holes for shelf pins for adjustable shelves.

Step 5

Step 6

For the footer, first mark and cutout the footer with a jigsaw as shown above. Sand until jigsaw edges are smooth and match. For the long straight part of the cut, I personally would use a circular saw.

Note that the front footer is slightly different, although the same pattern.

Attach side footers to the 2x2s with glue and screws.

Step 7

Mark front and back footers and cut out as you did the side footers. Attach to both side footers and the 2x2 cleats.

Step 8

Now the fun part. Attach to the cabinet base as shown in diagram, using 2" wood screws and glue.

Step 9

Door Storage. You will need to build two of these, and they will need to be very square. Check the width of your 1x8s, ensuring the width is 7 1/4" wide.

Build as shown above.

Step 10

Doors. There are many ways to build doors, ranging from super complicated to uberly easy. Easy is shown above. Use 1/2" plywood for the panel, framed in 1x3s. Remember that you will need to set your Kreg Jig for 1/2" stock when fastening the panel to the frame. Then you will need to set the Kreg Jig for 3/4" stock when attaching the frame boards together.

For a tutorial on something very similar - except you can skip the raised panel part - go here.

Step 11

Now attach door to door storage. Outside edges should be flush. You can use either pocket holes from inside or finsih nails from outside.

Step 12

The tricky part about putting the doors on is getting them to swing easily. The plan gives 1/8" clearance on top/bottom of the door.

Attach hinges as shown in diagram. Adjust hinges so door closes smoothly.

Step 13

Drawers. Build drawers as shown above. Attach plywood to bottom with 1 1/4" finish nails and glue. Take extra precautions to ensure drawers are very square.

Step 14

When used properly, drawer slides really aren't that difficult to install. The main thing is to remember that the door face needs 3/4", so the slides/drawer needs to be inset 3/4" at this step. I've got a tutorial on how to install drawer slides here.

Step 15

Build the door faces to fit, as you did the cabinet doors. The measurements shown above are for an 1/8" gap on all sides of the drawer face.

My trick for perfect looking drawer faces? With the drawer box full inserted, place the drawer face over the drawer box, centering the face on the opening. Next comes just a few 1/4" finish nails through the drawer face frame into the drawer box. Then open the drawer, and screw the face on from the backside.

Be considerate of the location of pulls/handles when nailing/screwing.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

ACraftyCauldron

Fri, 05/13/2011 - 09:52

I LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for sharing these plans, even without the build. I've often wondered just how much room you had for all of these builds. Love the charity idea!

Marisol

Fri, 05/13/2011 - 14:44

I have been DROOLING over this media cabinet in the P&B catalogue for who knows how long!!!! I have already started the Apothecary console :(...but will def. need to make this one down the line!
THANKS!

Nichelle (not verified)

Fri, 05/13/2011 - 14:59

Oooo this is a must build! I've been looking for something to fit our needs and this just works perfectly! PLUS it's an excuse to buy the Kreg Jig I've been wanting, you know since I'm saving so much money by building instead of buying. :) Thanks Ana for another awesome plan!

kpcrash

Sat, 05/14/2011 - 06:55

This was one of the other items in the PB catalog (study loft already built was another). Time to visit Lowe's :)

spiceylg

Mon, 05/16/2011 - 09:19

Oh my gosh, I've been waiting for these plans and kept looking, and some how missed the post initially! How did I do that when I'm on everyday almost? Thank you so much! I'm so excited! It's exactly what I want/need for our living room. You're the best Ana!

spiceylg

Mon, 09/19/2011 - 22:28

Hi Ana. Want to build this so bad but you caution against a beginner building this. What is it that makes it tricky, is it the swinging doors? I requested this so I'm being impatient for sure. I don't plan on building it for DVD storage and would modify it to have the sides flush with the front and make regular cabinet doors. Do you think I should still wait until I have more experience under my belt?