Smith Media Wall: Center Console

Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free plans to build a media wall. Simple instructions, step by step diagrams. This is the center console plan from Ana-White.com

My Aunt Sherry has been wanting a new Media Wall for a while now, and finally, we got together and drew up a plan. And after a week or so of working on the project after work and on weekends, they built this:

We seriously go over to their house just to admire it!

Uncle Bill really likes Alaska Birch, so the face frames are made from birch milled right here in Interior Alaska!  The Alaska Birch has a very rustic character that is very Alaskan.  It is beautiful.

The Alaska birch is also expensive and more difficult to work with, so only the face frames and door panels are made with the solid wood.

Equally beautiful, we chose to work with PureBond Hardwood Plywood in Birch for the cabinet boxes.  The PureBond is much less expensive than solid wood, but is much easier to work with, as it's more consistent and not as prone to warping and twisting.  And because it's PureBond, we aren't adding a bunch of yuck chemicals to the home - PureBond is Formaldehyde Free, made with soy based adhesives.  

PureBond also comes in 1/4" thick (and 1/2" for the matter) panels, so we backed the project in the 1/4", and use scraps for the frame and panel doors.  

If you have a large project, especially cabinetry, I highly recommend checking out PureBond Plywood - it's about the same cost as regular hardwood plywood, but without the chemicals, and it's much cheaper than hardwood, without the hassles associated with solid wood.  Definitely, check it out!

And of course, we got you covered with the free plans right here for the media center console - we'll be adding plans for the hutch, side bases, and side hutches .... and hopefully a video on the Ram's famous table saw doors.

NOTE: The media center pictures was altered in dimension to fit the space and TV size.  The center portion was made 5" larger, and each side was made 6" smaller in widths.

Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  I do work with PureBond Plywood, and have been provided materials for this project.

Dimensions
Dimensions for plans shown above. Note that pictured media wall was altered for center portion to be 5" wider and sides each to be 6" narrower in widths

Preparation

Shopping List

1/2 sheet of 3/4” plywood ripped into strips 15 3/4” wide (referred to as 1x16 in this plan)
1/4 sheet of 1/4” plywood
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
Recommend 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and 1 1/4" finish nails

Cut List

1 - 1x16 @ 43” (Top)
2 - 1X16 @ 17 1/4” (Sides)
1 - 1X16 @ 13 1/4” (Divider)
1 - 1X16 @ 41 1/2” (Bottom Shelf)
1/4” PLYWOOD 18” x 43” (Back)

FACE FRAME
1 - 1x2 @ 43”
2 - 1x2 @ 40”
2 - 1x2 @ 17 1/4”

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

First, build your box as shown above. 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws were used to attach the shelf and sides to top. The center section can be nailed in place to hide pocket holes.

Step 2

Add the back to the console. This will help square things up. I recommend here just wood glue and 1 1/4" finish nails. If you are planning to stain, be careful not to let glue dry on project as that area will not accept stain.

Step 3

Build your face frame with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Then glue and nail face frame to project.

Step 4

Attach base moulding to front with finish nails and glue.

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

Wdwrknggrl

Wed, 03/06/2013 - 13:53

I noticed that the picture and the plans are different when it comes to where the tv sits on it. Can you please share the dimensions for the actual picture, as the plan dimensions make the tv sit way too low. Thanks. Cant wait to start building!

robertmccarson

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 12:48

Ana -

You are really great and such an inspiration. I built the farmhouse queen storage bed from your plans, and will share photos soon after we get it painted. Can you please talk about how you made the doors for this media wall center console project. I really need to make doors for the kitchen in our late mother's home, which we desperately need to rent.