Media Bridge for Book Entertainment Center

Difficulty

Intermediate

Build a media bridge. Free plans from Ana-White.com

I have a special treat for those of you who have The Handbuilt Home (my book) in your hands!

One of my most favorite projects in the book (okay, to be fair, I say that about every single project in the book!) is a media center built by Hillary from The Friendly Home.

It's just two projects - the towers and the console - but look at how beautiful it is! And all that storage!!! I absolutely love it, and you could use the plans for the towers throughout your home to add beauty and functionality to any room of your home!

But Hillary has tall ceilings in her living room and wanted to add a little more to the media center. So Hillary and I worked on plans together to create a bridge for the media center.

We opted to keep the overall height under 8 feet so it will work in a traditional 8 foot ceiling. Hillary also opted not to put cupboard doors on the bridge.

I just love it!!!

And take a guess what Hillary backed her media center with?

You can find the answer and lots more details from Hillary right here. Please take a second to stop over and check out Hillary's post as well. Thank you Hillary!

And of course, we got you covered with the free plans for this media bridge.

Pst - Don't have the book yet? You can get it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Pssst - Need a gift for a building hopeful? How about a book?

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1X12 @ 12 feet long (top)
1 - 1x12 @ 10 feet long (bottom)
2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
1 - sheet 1/4” plywood (have plywood ripped into 24” wide x 8 feet long strips to make easier to manage)
1 - 1x2 @ 12 feet long
2 - 1x3 @ 12 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long (doors are optional)
2 sets narrow profile butt hinges (for doors optional)

Cut List

1 - 1x12 @ 122 1/2” (top)
2 - 1X12 @ 23 1/4” (ends)
1 - 1X12 @ 119 1/2” (bottoms)
4 - 1x12 @ 22 1/2” (dividers)
2 - 1x12 @ 27” (shelves)
1 - 1/4” plywood @ 24” x 92 7/8”
1 - 1/4” plywood @ 24” x 28 1/8”

FACE FRAME
1 - 1x2 @ 122 1/2” (top)
2 - 1x3 @ 121” (header/base)
4 - 1x2 @ 18 1/4” (trim)

DOORS (Optional)
4 - 1x3 @ 18”
4 - 1x3 @ 14”
1/4” plywood for backs

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!

Instructions

Step 1

Note that this is a very big, long project, and you will need a long flat surface to work on. If you are working on a floor, check to make sure the floor is level.

Start by building the main storage box for the media bridge. Remember to measure your media center and make sure these dimensions fit before you begin cutting. I recommend putting the bridge together with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws but you can also nail and glue or use countersunk screws or your favorite type of joinery.

Step 2

Next, add the shelves. These can be added with pocket holes or shelf pin holes.

Step 3

The back is too long for a single piece of plywood so you will need to splice two pieces. Do this on a joint. Square up your project as you add the back.

Step 4

Add the remaining plywood piece.

Step 5

Step 6

To keep the consistency of the bottom console look, you can add doors up top too.

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.

Project Type

Media and Entertainment Centers