Tryde Media Console

Difficulty
Intermediate
| Print this plan

From our beloved Tryde Collection, now with storage! Special thanks to Stephanie for sharing her amazing photo!

I've been promising everyone a media console that matched the Tryde Collection for quite some time.  But what could be rustic enough, substantial enough, to go with our Tryde Collection?

This fall season, I've noticed a strong trend for less adornment, more sturdy structure.  And I couldn't be more excited, I'm personally a big fan of Early American Furniture styles.

Wait a second, are we already talking about fall?  Yikes, I'm not ready!

And here is from Stephanie! I absolutely love the antique white finish! Thanks so much for sharing, Stephanie!

I hope you spend a second over at our Tryde Collection, because many, many readers have been successful with this collection, and the media center builds on the success you've had with those tables.

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 3/4" Plywood or MDF, cut into strips 15 1/2" wide, 8 feet long (referred to as 1x16 boards)
1 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long
3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 2x4 @ 9 foot stud length
1 - 1/2 sheet of 1/4" plywood
1 - 4x4 post, untreated

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Please see the PDF for the full cut list.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please reference the PDF attached to this post for the instructions.

Comments

Jennifer Doherty (not verified)

Fri, 07/16/2010 - 03:59

This is beautiful! I don't need a tv console, but now I'm wishing I could get rid of mine and build this!!! Hahahahaha!

Quick question though... On step 8, you mention marking a screw pattern so it looks decorative attaching the top boards. Why wouldn't you just screw from underneath? Or is that much easier SAID than done?

Stan and Julie… (not verified)

Fri, 07/16/2010 - 04:59

not sure if you noticed but your pdf still says "storage bed tower" from the last post...

Ana White (not verified)

Fri, 07/16/2010 - 06:46

Jennifer, you absolutely could screw from underneath . . . better yet, build your tabletop with pocket hole screws first, than glue and attach with just a few screws from underneath. However, I try to give the absolutely easiest method, and then hope people with more advanced skills/tools can make the customizations that they want. The main issue I see with screwing from underneath is not getting your drill inside those cubbies.

As far as screwing from the top, be aware that even the Pottery Barn Hyde Collection has screws showing at the end of every single top board, its part of the look and the character of the piece. You won't need many screws with the right application of glue, two per end would do.

Ana

Kristy Evans P… (not verified)

Fri, 07/16/2010 - 18:31

I just built the Tryde Coffee Table tonight and will be making the other pieces in the collection hopefully in the next week. I was so excited to see this tonight because we were talking about what we could do for a media center. I love these plans. I'm confused though... Are there no plans for the top piece yet or did I miss them somewhere along the way? Thanks for the great plans! You've inspired a few girls to get out and build something as the hubs sit back and watch... and laugh a little.

Jeremy (not verified)

Tue, 07/27/2010 - 12:12

I have built the Tryde Coffee Table and the Tryde end tables, both are easy and look great. I am considering making the Media Console. Will you be posting plans for the top half? I can only find plans for the lower half.

Andrew (not verified)

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 08:13

Thanks — these plans look great! I'm putting together a shopping list even now for an embiggened version (my home theater equipment is too deep for a 15.5" box). However, I noticed while trying to download the plans that they're in Scribd's "Archive" section, which recently was put behind a paywall. Would it be possible for you to make these plans available another way?

Ashley (not verified)

Wed, 12/22/2010 - 18:07

Hubby and i recently got a flat screen tv for our christmas present for each other. So a tv console is deffinatly needed. We have currently built the hyde coffee table so this would deffinatly go very well with that piece. We only want the base the hutch part would overwhelm the space. But, would it be hard to attach doors to it?? That way little fingers arent tempted to mess with expensive components.

Amy French (not verified)

Sun, 02/20/2011 - 15:09

Quick question- where are the detailed plans? The drawing isn't enough to get the depth of the box. The plans at the bottom of the page are for the Brookstone desk. This is the one I'd really like to build, but without more info I'm not sure how to do it.

Thanks!

telesis37

Sat, 08/06/2011 - 06:35

Hey, Ana! I've been obsessing over this site since I found it 2 weeks ago. I'm in the process of setting up my garage work space and this media console is going to be one of my first projects. I downloaded the .pdf file and the shopping list calls for a 1x12 @ 6' but then it doesn't appear on the cut list or anywhere in the plans. Am I missing something? I do that sometimes, haha.

Geoffrey (not verified)

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 07:14

Hi,
i stumbled across the plans to build this media console but can only find the instructions for the hutch. Is there anyway someone can send me a link or tell me where I can find the specific plans?

The link posted on this site just opens a pdf. with a bunch of symbols and letters.

Thanks all!

-Geoffrey
[email protected]

In reply to by Geoffrey (not verified)

spiceylg

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 08:12

Hi Geoffrey. You were at the right place. If you look under the title PDF, you have to click it to bring up the plans.

Geoffrey (not verified)

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 08:28

I just got it now! THANK YOU!
Apparently firefox and safari didn't want to open it, but Internet explorer worked fine!

mrlisk (not verified)

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 06:00

I can't get the PDF to download - I only have access to Chrome and Safari. Any thoughts? Other PDFs have worked for me on this site, would love to have this one to build this project for a friend!

NicolePowers

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:06

Okay, so i downloaded the PDF but the instructions arent included in that.. i found the instructions for the hutch nut not the console. i would really like to build this.. can you please send me a link to the instuctions??? THanks

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 16:00

i can't seem to find the detailed plans either. the pdf is just a bunch of symbols. does anyone have the plans? thanks

JClarke (not verified)

Fri, 08/10/2012 - 06:10

Is it possible to get the dimensions for one that is 75" wide?

claydowling

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 06:46

JClarke, you can probably make it longer by modifying the long top pieces, and the long parts of the shelf underneath. You might need to install an additional set of the smaller middle shelves to take up the slack. You can play with the width of that a little bit to make it work out right. Measure the width of your audio/video equipment before you size the shelves though.

clcollins426

Mon, 08/03/2015 - 09:31

Hi Ana, do you have the plans for the top half of this? Also, if I wanted to add doors to the sides of the bottom, what would be the easiest way to do that? Thanks for the help!

--Courtney

MizT49

Tue, 10/27/2015 - 05:05

Hi Anna

I have went over and over this plan trying to figure out where I would use the 1x12" that the plan calls for but it isn't listed in the PDF that I download for this build.  Am I missing something or is this used for the top of console insteed of the 2x4 boards?  if so do I still need to purchased them?  I can normaly follow your plans very easly because they are so well designed but this one is throwing me...Thanks Anna  

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!