This extra wide media base is sturdy and solid, featuring ample storage. If you need more storage, simply add storage bases and hutches to create an entire media suite from other plans in the Classic Storage Collection.
Special thanks to our readers for sharing their photos.
Preparation
- 2 – Sheet of 3/4″ A1 Plywood in desired Species or MDF if you are painting
- 1 – 1×3 at least 62″ Long
- 2 – 1×2
- 1 – 2 1/2 base moulding (optional)
- 1 – sheet of 3/8 Plywood or MDF (matching your A1 if you are staining the project)
- 2 – Sets of either butterfly hinges or Face Frame Euro Hinges
- 2 – Pulls or Knobs
- 8 – Shelf Pins
Edge Banding (If you are staining the project)
- A) 1 – 1×24 @ 60 1/2″ (Bottom)
- B) 2 – 1×24 @ 19 1/4″ (Middle Partitions)
- C) 2 – 1×24 @ 21 3/4″ (Sides)
- D) 1 – 1×24 @ 62″ (Top)
- E) 1- 3/8″ Plywood or MDF @ 62″ x 22 1/2″ (Back)
- F) 1- 1×3 @ 62″ (Bottom Trim)
- G) 2 – 1×2 @ 62″ (Top Trim and Top Edge Trim)
- H) 2 – 1×2 @ 17 3/4″ (Side Trim)
Optional Base Moulding, 2 1/2″ overall height, 62″ Long
2 – 1×24 @ 28″ (Shelves)
Door Cut List – Recommend measuring the opening in the drawer and building the drawer 1/4″ smaller thean the overall opening. Remember that the door will cover the middle partitions, as shown in the diagrams. These dimensions give are the ideal door dimensions. - I) 2 – 3/8″ Plywood or MDF @ 17 1/4″ x 15 1/4″ (Backs of Doors)
- J) 4 – 3/8″ Plywood or MDF @ 1 1/2″ x 15 1/4″ (Rails on the Doors)
- K) 4 – 3/8″ Plywood or MDF @ 1 1/2″ x 14 1/4″ (Stiles on the Doors)
A 1x24 is simply 3/4" plywood ripped into 23 1/2" wide strips, 8 feet long. You can get two 1x24s out of each sheet of plywood. This system is used to ease building, creating straighter cuts, and conserve wood. Most plans on Ana-White.com use standard width boards for these reasons and more.
If you cannot find 3/8″ plywood, you can use 1/2″ plywood for the backs and 1/4″ stock (for example maple 1/4″ thick x 1 1/2″ wide). Hobby stock is available at our local Blue store in a wide variety.
Cut your 3/4″ Plywood or MDF into strips 23 1/2″ wide by 8′ long. These strips become 1×24 boards. From 2 of the 1×24 boards, cut the the top and a shelf, and the bottom and a shelf. Then cut the remaining sides and middle partitions out of a third 1×24. You will have one 1×24 leftover for future projects.
Work on a clean level surface. You can fasten with nails or screws, depending on your tools and the use of this piece. Screws will hold better, nails are easier. My general rule is screw anything that will be “used” like chairs and benches, and nail sedentary pieces like bookcases and hutches. I will leave this up to you. If you are screwing, make sure you predrill and countersink your screws. If you are using MDF, avoid fastening within 1″ of the edge of the MDF. Do not use wood screws on MDF. Wood screws do not have a straight shaft and will split your MDF. I have had luck with drywall screws (after all, drywall is very similar to MDF). Make sure you predrill the entire distance of the screws. It’s going to screeech, so wear hearing protection. And glue, glue, glue.
My favorite option is to screw the “box” together, and then use finish nails to add the frame. That way the frame does not have blemishes, but the piece is built sturdy.
Make sure you take a square of the project after each step. Measure and mark out any joints before fastening. Be safe, have fun.
Instructions
Step 1
Bottom and Middle Partitions. Fasten with 2″ fasteners the bottom, A, to the middle pieces, B (green) as shown above.
Step 2
Sides. Use the 2″ fasteners to fasten the sides to the bottom as shown above. There will be a 1 3/4″ clearnance under the bottom shelf.
Step 3
Top. Fasten the top to the sides and middle partitions, as shown above. Use the 2″ fasteners. Make sure you fasten the middle partitions to the measurements shown above.
Step 4
Back. Fasten the back with 1 1/4″ fasteners to the top, bottom, sides and middle partition, as shown in the above diagram.
Step 5
Step 6
Top Trim. Fasten the top trim in place, as shown above. Be sure to fasten to the middle partitions and the sides. You will not be able to fasten to the top. See next step.
Step 7
Top Edge Trim. Fasten the top edge trim in place, as shown below. Make sure you fasten through the face of the trim into the top of the project.
Step 8
Side Trim. Fasten the side trim to the base unit, as shown above. Keep outside edges flush.
Step 9
Doors. Test your backs to make sure they fit in the openings. Notice how the doors cover the middle partition. Use 5/8″ fasteners, lots of glue and clamps to fasten the rails to the back of the doors, as shown above.
Step 10
Door Stiles. Fasten the stiles, as directed in step 9, to the doors. Lay flat to dry, preferably with something heavy on top. If you are staining the project, you will need to add edge banding to the top and inside edges of the doors. This is easy and inexpensive to do (see HOW-TO section for a post on Choosing your Wood).
After you have finished the project, attach the doors to the cabinet using either butterfly hinges or euro hinges for face framed cabinets.
Step 11
Optional Base Moulding. If you would like to dress the base up, add moulding as shown above. The moulding will need to be less than 2 1/2″ in overall width.
Step 12
Shelves. Determine where you will place your shelves. Drill holes 1″ from the front and 1″ from the back on both middle partitions, 1/2″ deep, with a 1/4″ drill bit, where the base of the shelf will sit. Insert shelf pins and place your shelf in the base unit. If you are staining your base unit, you will need to add edge banding to the front edge of the shelves.
Comments
Marc (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 03:04
If I want that dark brown
If I want that dark brown color show in the second sample picture, am I better off painting or staining? I'd like to get it close to matching the deep color of our Cost Plus coffee table. Paint v Stain is definitely an area I don't know much about.
Sheri (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 03:07
Oh my word! How did you know
Oh my word! How did you know we need a new media center?! I am bookmarking this to show DH, I have a feeling my island will be put on hold. But it's worth it!
Debbie (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 03:12
SOOO Excited for this
SOOO Excited for this project! I have been looking at media units since Thanksgiving. I absolutely love this one...my only problem is that I need the bottom to be off the floor at least in the front as I have floor vents along the wall that this unit would sit over. Is there a way to do that?
Jennifer (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 04:55
I have been pouring over your
I have been pouring over your site since I found it, trying to decide what to make first...Logan might be the winner- I like it's clean lines. Not too modern, not too rustic, just right.
Crazy Girl Blond (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 05:04
I am so excited that you have
I am so excited that you have posted this plan. I actually printed the exact same unit yesterday and knew this is exactly what I wanted! I can't wait! Thanks so much!!!
Regina (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 05:17
This is fantastic and I (and
This is fantastic and I (and my husband) are loving your site. We're starting with the farmhouse bed tonight and will be moving along to this cabinet shortly thereafter. I am thrilled that I can follow your plans myself without much need for husband intervention. Thanks for all you do, we'll send pictures when we're done!
Leslie (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 05:31
Gosh! I'm so in love with
Gosh! I'm so in love with this site, which I JUST found about a week ago! We're selling our home right now so my building plans are on hold. You have NO IDEA how it's killing me, looking at these plans and knowing that I have to wait. I am NOT a waiter. I have a question, though: Would you ever consider giving an "approximate cost" of the materials for your projects? I know that each project will differ with each "builder," but I love to see the "original price" -vs- the "reproduction price." Thanks so much for your willingness to share. It means alot.
Brett and Heather (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 05:54
I discovered your blog about
I discovered your blog about a week ago and have spent hours looking and drooling. I have seriously been rearranging my days trying to find a time to start a few projects of yours. However, I saw the Logan Unit and there was a halo around it and "AHHHH" music in the background. Ding! Ding! Ding! This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am looking for something to replace the ends of a big red media until that I bought at the scratch and dent furniture store. I am stealing them from my daughters' room to go in my craft room. I didn't want to attempt painting them from red to white...too many coats of paint required. You rock!!! Can't wait to start...it is going to look Fabulous!!!
Jen Barnes (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 06:13
I'm going to continue looking
I'm going to continue looking around your site here but I am wondering if you have a recommended list of tools somewhere. We currently have a drill, dremel, a hack saw, a random orbital sander, a hammer and some screwdrivers. I *know* we need more than these to build this entertainment center.
I LOVE YOUR PLANS! I am inspired to replace all of the IKEA junk in our house with hand-built furniture!
Erika (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 07:16
This is it!!! We are moving
This is it!!! We are moving in March and I have been waiting for you to post a media table that is my taste, and this is it!! I just text my husband with the supply list!