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Turned Leg Media Console

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A media console with large controller space, turned legs, and an open bottom perfect for basket or bins. Two large drawers fit for DVDs.

How was your weekend?

Ours was rather regular, overly ordinary.

We cleaned the yard, and I couldn't help myself.  Had to take a few photos of our DIY house.

It's small, there's no marble entry and the granite countertops aren't solid slabs, but it's our house, and we built it, and I couldn't be more proud.  Every time I drive up in my driveway, I am so thankful for our home.

And our garage  :)  That's where we work on stuff.  That's my side of the garage.

And while we were cleaning the yard up for winter (yes, winter is near, the birds are already flying south!) we had some visitors

And they helped themselves to my broccoli.  I couldn't scare them off.  The cow moose was already shy, with a backside peppered with little wounds festering from getting into someone else's garden, and the calves were so hungry.

Not to mention mama's ribs were showing.  I'm always impressed with the moms of nature.  Mother ducks will pretend to be wounded to distract your from their young, a moose will nurse two calves despite ribs showing.  We will do anything for the health of your little ones, won't we?

And this weekend, I went for the plum.

What do you think?

I'm seriously in love.  The color is called Cranberry Spice by Kilz, in flat.  I put two coats of flat on, and then sprayed a top coat (the top coat was not my favorite and gave a blotchy appearance to the top, so I will be redoing that soon).

Don't be afraid of those fancy turned legs.  It's basically just a box, with four legs screwed to the bottom.  You can attach the legs in many different ways, but I liked using my Kreg Jig to screw the legs on from all four directions.  There is absolutely no wobble in my media console.

I used 15 1/4" turned legs, putting me back about $7 a leg, but in my opinion, well worth it!  I used MDF and pine for the rest of the media console.

52" wide x 30" tall x 14 1/2" deep (approximate size)

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x12 @ 10 feet long
4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1/4" Plywood @ 1/4 Sheet
4 - 15 1/4" Turned Legs Farmhouse Style

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

See detailed cut list in the PDF.

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

Please review full instructions in the PDF.

Instructions

Step 1

Nail the drawer guides to one of the shelves and the underside of the tops, as shown above. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue.

Step 2

Along with the boards from the first step and the remaining shelf and sides, build the box using 2″ nails or pocket holes screws and glue.

Step 3

Use 1 1/4″ finish nails and glue to add the side trim

Step 4

A little more trim . . . 1 1/4″ finish nails and glue

Step 5

Step 6

Shelf trim. Keep the top flush to the top, bottom flush to the bottom

Step 7

Pretty and strong. 2″ finish nails and glue

Step 8

Overhangs can be a little tricky – just use glue and remember to fasten through the face and to the vertical trim pieces

Step 9

The back will make everything so strong. Remember to nail to the trim boards in the center shelf too.

Step 10

If your legs come with an existing screw, you can use that to attach your legs. Mine didn’t – they were on clearance, so I drilled pocket holes with my Kreg Jig™ in all four corners and attached it that way to the console. I inset the legs 1/2″ from the outsides.

Step 11

The drawers are simply 1x12s surrounded by 1x6s. I used pocket holes for added strength and built perfect drawers on the very first try!

PDF

PDF Version
Room
living room
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Betsy ~ GAhandygirl (not verified)

Sun, 08/22/2010 - 21:34

This is wonderful! I like the use of the legs on this. You can make it as tall or short as you want. Did you plug the Kreg Jig holes on the outside? Just wondering?

Virginia (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 01:13

I am beyond excited that you posted this plan! This is so versatile! And so pretty! Thank you Ana!

Astrid @ The L… (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 01:37

I love the plum! It's so beautiful and cheerful!

And....THANK YOU for posting photos (outside your AK home). I do get homesick for my home state (AK!) so it's extra nice to see photos from there. Gotta love those moose! The only way we finally managed to deter them was with a huge, tall fence. Down in the Lower 48 I got another problem...those darn deer! And raccoons!

I think I'm going to finally get the nerve and build a piece of furniture....hopefully. Pretty nervous about it, though!
--Astrid the Homesick Alaskan

Rachel (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 02:16

I love your little tours around the property just as much as I love your projects:) Thanks for sharing the wild life and giving us hope for winter...in Texas it is still in the 100s everyday! Wish I was getting ready for winter.

Aimee (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 02:19

Beautiful home and such a pretty color for your media center!! I wouldn't have been able to shoo the moose away either. Poor momma!

Michelle (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 03:22

I love your house. We built our own house as well...only took us three years! It is amazing the discounts and sales you can fine over the course of three years. There are things in it that aren't perfect and it isn't anything fancy but we built it with our own sweat, blood and a few tears. I can't imagine moving. Congrats on a building your own home!

ptswimmer (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 03:24

Beautiful home! I could not help but notice the playhouse in the back that my family is planning on building next month. I noticed that your deck has stairs and we are planning on doing the same. Are there tricks for the stairs we should know before going into the building next month? Thanks so much! We are thankful for your site!

Lauren (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 04:08

I think your house is great! I have been dreaming for years of building our next house ourselves -- my husband thinks I'm crazy, but I'm hoping he'll come around. :)

I LOVE the color of the media console! So fun!

Lee and Beth (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 04:18

Hi Ana! Thanks for sharing photos of your home. I think it is beautiful!
And I love the color on your media console. Pretty!
Hope you have a great day!
Beth.

Vicky (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 04:43

Mama moose made me tear up! It is amazing what we do for your babies! You are very kind sharing your food.

I love your work and your blog!

Meghan (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 07:28

i'm totally new to your site, but i was wondering if it's possible to turn this piece into a window seat entertainment console. if so how would you finish the bottom? you may have already addressed this somewhere on your blog (or have plans for something similar)...and maybe you wouldn't mind pointing me in the right direction, please? i would really appreciate your thoughts...if you have time;)

Jeanne Lobsinger (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 09:34

First of all I love your blog to begin with but now I really love you for showing so much kindenss and compassion to nature. I would have done the same thiing! Oh, and your table is beautiful.

gkey (not verified)

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 09:51

dear Did it, Done it, Doing it,

I come over here every now and then to dream and drool. Besides, like i have mentioned in comments before....we spent 3 years in AK back when our first baby girl was born. (Anchorage 1984) Great scenery, great memories of a Great state!
It is all so impressive to me: That you built your home, that you do ALL this stuff, mostly that you are a woman/wife/mom and all that entails, yet feel inclined to share your talent with "the~likes~of~me" on this site.
Thank you over and over. Someday, i hope to start building things. I have learned so much already, but certainly hope this site or at least all the books you are probably going to publish are around for all the help i will need!

love,
The WanabeAna
in
NE

Michiganhome (not verified)

Sun, 08/29/2010 - 23:58

Dear Ana,
I came to your site from Isabella and Max Rooms yesterday for the first time, and was astounded by what I saw. Didn't have much time to spend then, so came back for more today, and lo and behold, your new site, (which I saw mention of yesterday), is up! Kudos to you on your beautiful new site, and kudos to you on all that other stuff you do! :)
Cheers,
Michiganhome

Sheri W (not verified)

Wed, 09/08/2010 - 09:43

I just had to stop back by and give you a big THANKS from Mama Moose!!!! Not only your talents, but the quality of your character never ceases to amaze me!! It is so refreshing in a sometimes dismal world!! Thanks again!!

Linda (not verified)

Tue, 10/19/2010 - 07:53

I want to turn this plan into a console table like the one at PB, the tivoli. tivoli I had planned to make it a 78" console table with no shelve and just three draws total. Any suggestions to make it easier???? :) Thank you.

Julia (not verified)

Tue, 12/07/2010 - 06:31

I'm really excited about this media table. I'd like to make it this weekend. Unfortunately, I can't find a way to download your plans on my computer without paying or uploading something to scribd. Is there a way? Thanks!

shay (not verified)

Wed, 12/22/2010 - 10:46

The instructions for the drawers are not very detailed...this is my first project and I'm lost at the drawers part. Also, you don't mention anything about the drawer guides in the cutlist(so I just invented something that I thought might work).

Tim S (not verified)

Mon, 01/10/2011 - 09:27

Hello, I notice your shopping list doesn't include any 1x6 but your cut list shows 1x6 for the drawers. Did you forget to add that or are you ripping the 1x12 on a table saw? Thanks

Carrie (not verified)

Mon, 01/17/2011 - 06:31

Hi Ana!

I can't seem to print this plan--it keeps sending me over to that scribd site that wants me to pay a monthly subscription to download the plan. Is that what is supposed to happen? I can easily print the blog post, but the actual plan for the console doesn't show up.

Thanks!
Carrie

furniturerocks979 (not verified)

Sun, 02/27/2011 - 15:46

Hi Ana - I am in the process of building this piece and noticed that the width listed for the 1 x 12 pieces seem to be different than that of standard lumber. I believe anything beyond 1 x 6 goes down 3/4" vs. 1/2", so the finished width will be 14 1/4" vs 14 1/2". This required a few other modifications as a result, like the center trim and the side trim. I am not certain if my assumptions about the standard widths are correct, but this information may be helpful for other folks that are starting out on this piece.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 06/14/2011 - 12:21

You need to check your measurements. Cut list is completely wrong, do not attempt to make this without checking as I did. Wasted money on lumber! Perfect example is drawer bottom, how does 12" fit within sides and bottom? Good idea but someone missed math class.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 11/16/2011 - 18:32

Hello! I absolutely love your site! Just completed the doll bunkbed for my daughter and had so much fun with it. I did have a question about the turned leg media console plan. When I downloaded the pdf the cut list seemed to be missing (or perhaps I'm not looking in the right place). I noticed a few of the reviews stated that there were some errors and I just wanted to check before I got started. I also plan to increase the width to 60 inches. Do you think that would work without compromising the structural integrity of the piece?
Thank You

Astrid Cisneros

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 20:24

Anna way awesome that you let this hungry mama moose and calves eat from your garden, and the project is fantastic Thank you for sharing.

RandyE (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 10:50

Has anyone used the most recent cut list with success? Seems like a few users have reported incorrect measurements. Please advise, and thank you!

Randy

Roslyn Francis (not verified)

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 07:46

Hi everyone,
I've tried to access the PDF link for full cut list etc but with no success. Is the link broken, or am I doing something wrong?

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!