Custom built-in entertainment centers can help turn any family room into an impressive home theater.
One of the primary advantages of built-in entertainment centers is that you have the freedom to design it however you want. Also, by utilizing existing alcoves, corners, or other unique architectural details you can create a one-of-a-kind living space with an entertainment center that is a distinct fit to your home. You can also save money by building it yourself.
Instructions
1. Draw a rough sketch of what you want your entertainment center to look like. Factor in the location and how you intend to use it. Take measurements of the space. Also measure the electronic equipment you intend to store there, designing a space for each component.
2. Buy unfinished pre-made kitchen or bathroom base cabinets to form the bottom portion of the entertainment center. This will cut out half the work while providing you with a pre-built quality foundation for the rest of the entertainment center. Cut holes in the back of the base cabinets for electrical cords using either a jigsaw or hole saw.
3. Cut a one inch thick plywood or particleboard counter top. Install counter top to base cabinets to finish the bottom portion of the entertainment center. One-inch thick plywood should be strong enough to support the weight of a television or other home appliance. If you have any doubts, use thicker plywood or install additional supports inside the base cabinets.
4. Cut 3/4 inch birch veneer plywood into panels that will form the vertical sides of the top of the entertainment center. One vertical panel should go on each end of the unit. Any additional vertical panels will define the length of the shelves and divide the top of the unit into sections. A typical entertainment center features three sections. The middle is the widest and houses the television and most other electronic components such as DVD players. The sides are usually used to store DVDs, CDs or books.
5. Cut 3/4 inch birch veneer plywood into horizontal shelves. The length of each shelf will be determined by how far apart the vertical panels are mounted. Shelves can be mounted with shelf brackets.
6. Mount cabinet doors and drawers onto the base cabinets. If doors are desired on the top portion of the unit, mount hinges to the insides of the vertical panels and mount wooden panels to the hinges. If you would like to install glass cabinet doors, check the available sizes of pre-manufactured glass doors and install the vertical panels to accommodate the available door sizes.
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