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Benchmark Storage or Media Tower

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Submitted by Ana White on Fri, 02/12/2021 - 10:13
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Create a gorgeous media wall by adding towers on either side of the matching center console.  Or use it as a linen cabinet or even a nightstand! Free plans by Ana-White.com

diy media console

photo by  DGROSECLOSE

Dimensions
dimensions for media tower
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping list is per one tower.

1 - Sheet 3/4" Plywood cut into strips 15 3/4" wide, 8 feet long

1 - Sheet 1/4" Plywood or other backing (for the back - if you are building two towers, you will not need an extra sheet for the second back)
5 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - knob
1 - sheet 1/4" acrylic glass, at least 15" x 22" (buy a 30" x 24" sheet if you are building two towers)
Common Materials
3/4 inch screws
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
Cut List
  • 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 56 1/4" (Sides)
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 15 3/4" (Side Trim)
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 59 1/4" (Legs)
  • 6 - 2x2 @ 17" (Front/Back Trim)
  • 5 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 17" (Shelves)
  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 22" (Top)
  • 1 - 1x3 @ 22" (Top)
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 22" (Top)
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 20" x 55 1/4" (Back)
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 11 3/4" (Door)
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 23 3/4" (Door)
Cutting Instructions

Have your hardware store cut the 3/4" plywood into 15 3/4" wide strips, 8 feet long. Ask to run the plywood through horizontally so the widths are exactly the same - that's the most important thing! If your hardware store says no, either use a table saw or a circular saw to cut your plywood into 1x16 boards. If you are using a circular saw, clamp a board to the top of your plywood and use it as a guide when cutting - will help you cut straighter.

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

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Before any assembly, go through the plan and diagrams and mark and drill all pocket holes.

On each side, on the outsides where no pocket holes are drilled, attach side trim to top and bottom with 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue. Outside edges are flush.

You will need to build two.

Step 2

With top edges flush, attach legs using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and glue. Do this on both sides.

Step 3

Measure and mark the placement of front/back trim boards as shown in diagram. Then attach with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Step 4

For the fixed shelves, drill 3/4" pocket holes on all sides. Place inside trim and sides and attach with 1 1/4" pocket holes and glue. Tops are flush.

Step 5

Step 6

Build the top first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Then screw on from the underside with 2" screws and glue.

Step 7

Back is easy step - cut your plywood and attach with glue and 1 1/4" finish nails. Just make sure you hit all fixed shelves.

It would be a good idea to cut holes for cords at this stage.

Step 8

Drill 3/4" pocket holes on each end of the shorter door pieces and build your doors with glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 9

Predrill holes in the acrylic glass and attach to back side of door frames. This acrylic glass should significantly strengthen your door.

NOTE: You may wish to mark the location of your hinges (next step) and notch out a spot for the hinges so you have a nice flat spot to attach hinges - or you could just cut your acrylic glass shorter on the hinge side. This will depend on what type of hinge you use.

Step 10

The hinge I recommend are these ones:

Seriously sweet hinges!  But they do require more clearance, so do some fitting.
Leave an 1/8" gap on all sides of your doors to enable your door to open and close smoothly.  
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Media and Entertainment Centers
Room
living room
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 10/05/2011 - 17:33

Beautiful shelf! Is it possible to build it without using a Kreg Jig or would it be structurally unsound? Looking forward to the rest of the collection!

Ana White

Wed, 10/05/2011 - 18:06

Definitely possible, but I highly recommend the pocket hole jig - it really makes your projects easier to build, stronger, squarer, and less holes to hide.

The two areas that really require a pocket hole jig are joining the legs to the sides, though certainly predrilled holes and screws could work, and building the doors. You could purchase metal 90 brackets to hold the doors together on the back side, coupled with the acrylic glass to make your doors.

I'm excited to share the media console plans! Thanks everyone!

claydowling

Thu, 10/06/2011 - 11:41

It's not especially hard to build this entire cabinet without pocket holes. Mortise and tenon joinery would be strong and look very nice. A dowel joint would actually be pretty easy to do, and before pocket hole jigs became commonly available, would be the recommended route for beginners.

But the pocket hole joint is fast, easy, and strong enough for the task at hand.

You don't need to buy the most expensive Kreg jig on the market. There are less expensive kits available from Kreg, like this one: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5985

You can pick up pocket hole screws from Lowes, they don't need to be special ones from Kreg. You'd also want a quick-release clamp, which is generally useful anyway.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 10/05/2011 - 20:05

I've been playing around & designing a media centre similar to this one ... love this plan and so happy to see I've been on the right track with my design!! Thanks for all your amazing plans ... love using them and love gaining the confidence to start designing myself!!

Ana White

Thu, 10/06/2011 - 10:53

Thank you, really excited about these plans!

The PureBond Plywood comes in many different species! You can get walnut, bamboo, and much more - just ask for it at the Pro Desk at Home Depot. I have swatches, the grains are just beautiful - like kitchen cabinet samples!

kristen

Thu, 10/06/2011 - 14:36

Wow--I am going to check that out next visit! My store didn't even know what I was talking about when I requested PureBond the first time. A guy took my number to look into it and when he called, he said they had it on the shelf :) I'm excited to see the other choices.

Looking forward to the coming plans!

melehes

Sat, 10/08/2011 - 07:54

This is definitely moving to the top of my to build list. I have been wanting something to put on both sides of the fireplace and then wall mount the tv. I think this will be perfect. Thank you so much!

BigRed (not verified)

Mon, 10/10/2011 - 13:17

Ana what type of wood should be used? Unsure if pine or something else would be better