How to Design and Construct a Built-in Entertainment Center

Guest Blogger #644, Entry #1532,  August 30, 2012

One of the best ways you can expand a room’s potential storage space while exponentially adding to the enjoyment of your entertainment gear is by constructing a built in entertainment center. And the best part is, you have a ton of flexibility to design it perfectly for your needs. You can take advantage of the natural dimensions of your television room, turning previously unusable corners or alcoves into working storage, while turning that boring TV nook into an area worthy of being the focal point of the space. And if you have the time, energy and carpentry skills to build it yourself, you’ll also save a ton of money. Here are a few tips to help you design and construct your own built in entertainment center.

Build an entertainment center that is stunning!

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Sketch out your entertainment center

Before you buy any materials or get enamored by a particular approach, sit down and sketch out your dream entertainment center. Take the dimensions of the room into consideration, as well as the technology components you’ll want to house there. If you have already bought a television, stereo, or anything else, measure each piece so you can incorporate the dimensions in your final design. Don’t be afraid to think big during this part of the process. You’ll have plenty of time to price everything out and adjust your plan to fit your budget.

Consider pre-made base cabinets

If you want cabinets to be part of the entertainment center, one great money-saving tip is to purchase pre-made base cabinets instead of building them yourself. You can use those as the bottom of your new built in piece. You’ll rest easy knowing they are well constructed, and it will cut out nearly half the work you have in front of you. Don’t worry about the finish, as you can paint or refinish them when the project is complete so everything matches. Just make sure the dimensions are right for your space. When you have the cabinets in the room, cut a hole in the rear of each one to make room for the cables. You’ll need either a hole saw or jigsaw to do this smoothly.

Create the countertop

Now it’s time to create the counter top. Purchase a piece of particleboard or plywood that’s one inch thick and the right length, and install it on top of the bottom cabinets. If you’re not 100% sure, ask someone who works at the hardware store if the plywood will be able to hold the weight of your TV. You can always add in supports underneath if you want to be completely sure.

Construct and build your entertainment center

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With the base complete, it’s time to cut the plywood panels for the sides of the upper portion of the unit. These can be ¾ inch thick, and should ideally be made of a birch veneer. You’ll want one panel running vertically on each end, and you’ll run more depending on the design of your entertainment center. You’ll most commonly find built ins divided into three distinct sections, with the television placed in the largest, middle section. The rest can be structured for your other components and for additional storage. Use the same plywood for horizontal shelving. The lengths will vary based on the separation between the vertical sides of the entertainment center.

Completing your project

Other than the final paint or finish, your last step will be mounting drawers, doors and hardware onto any cabinets or shelves you want to finish off. You should be able to buy a package of hardware so that everything is uniform. Check out entertainmentcenterspot.com for some great ideas to help you further along.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.