First, if you don't have one, the pocket hole jig is the only way to go. I spent years cutting dado slots for shelves. What a game changer. I stayed with the over-all dimensions of the Dawson Media Console. Like so many, I made the inside areas fit our current and future needs. I could not be more pleased. Oh, I invested in an HVLP fan sprayer for this. Again...how did I not already own this? The project turned out perfectly. From fit to finish it's excellent.
Finish Used
Used Martha Stewart black chalk paint. No wax stain underneath. Sprayed 3 coats of Minwax oil based poly. Sanded with 800 grit paper between coats. Used seeded glass in doors.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate