Smith Media Wall: Center Media Hutch

Free easy plans to build a media hutch from Ana-White.com. Features crown moulding and three top cubby shelves and one adjustable shelf.

Additional Photos

About Project

Author Notes:

Hi Everyone! So glad you loved our newest media suite plans! If you are looking for a simple media center with lots of storage, this might be the one for you!Uncle Bill built this media hutch, and he added a few details to make it perfect for their space. Like the console, he built the hutch 6" wider (for a 48" width) than called for in the plans. He also ripped strips of 1x2s down to 3/4" wide, and attached to the face of shelves and around the top to finish out the project. He really did a beautiful job on this project!The console [2]looks taller, but that is not the case. What Uncle Bill did here was place the adjustable shelf under the tv instead of above it like shown in the diagrams. And because the tv weighed quite a bit, he cut another divider, and placed it under the bottom shelf. This created two very nice spots for media controllers and more storage, and raised the tv height.When you build, you should always make it your own! We also used PureBond Formaldehyde Free Plywood in Birch to match the Alaska Birch face frames. This is a healthy, economical, and much easier way to build than wrestling with expensive solid wood throughout the project. If you haven't already, take a second to check out PureBond Plywood. [3]Of course, the plans follow! And we'll be posting a few more plans in this collection so you can get the entire media suite, without going broke! Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I do however work with Columbia Forest Products and PureBond Plywood.

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

Dimensions shown above. Note: As pictured, media center hutch has been altered to 5" wider than plan.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 sheet of 3/4” plywood ripped into strips 15 3/4” wide (referred to as 1x16 in this plan)
3/4 sheet of 1/4” plywood
1 - 1x3 @ 4 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 10 feet long
Recommend 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and 1 1/4" finish nails

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

Kreg Jig™ [4]

drill

circular saw

compound miter saw

nailer

sander

Cut List

Cut List:

1 - 1x16 @ 46 1/2” (Top)
2 - 1X16 @ 55 3/4” (Sides)
2 - 1X16 @ 14 3/4” (Dividers)
2 - 1X16 @ 41 1/2” (Shelves)
1/4” PLYWOOD 56 1/2” x 43” (Back)
1 - 1x4 @ 41 1/2” (Base support)

FACE FRAME
1 - 1x3 @ 46 1/2”
1 - 1x4 @ 40”
2 - 1x2 @ 55 3/4”

Crown moulding cut to fit. Crown must be no wider installed than 1-3/4” and no taller installed than 3”.

General Instructions

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!

Step 1

Start by building the main box. Note that the top overhangs the sides for the crown. We do this so the top is solid for extra storage up there as well.

I recommend drilling adjustable shelf pin holes now on the insides. Another option is to drill 3/4" pocket holes on the underside of the adjustable shelf and then just finish it as a shelf. When you install your tv, you can attach the shelf at the desired height with pocket hole screws.

Step 2

You'll need something at the bottom base to keep the sides from splaying out.

Step 3

Next, attach the back. Use 1 1/4" finish nails to attach to the side boards. To attach to the base board, you'll need to use nails less than 1" long or they will poke through the other side.

Step 4

Next, build your face frame. Then attach face frame to front of cabinet.

Uncle Bill also ripped 1x board down and used them to trim out fronts of shelves and dividers, just to give it that finishing touch and for consistency. Painters, you could probably fill the plywood edge and sand well and paint.

Step 5

I always start with the center crown, cut and fit it first, and then the sides. It's easier to trim the sides down by just cutting down on back straight sides.

When you go to attach to the console, Uncle Bill had a really smart idea to drill 3/4" pocket holes on the outsides of the hutch to attach to the console. This is because he knew he'd have the side bases to cover it up. However you go about it - you must attach all the pieces together, and then attach to a stud in the wall to keep the hutch from tipping forward.

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.

Smith Media Wall: Center Media Hutch

Media and Entertainment Centers [5], living room [6], Intermediate [7], farmhouse [8]