How to build barn door console or buffet - free plans by ANA-WHITE.com
See also: Simplified 8' Barn Door Console Plans

Preparation
- 2 - 2x10 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 1x10 @ 8 feet long
- 1 sheet of 1/4" thick plywood or hardboard (for back)
- 3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 4 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
- 6 - 2x3 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - project panel pieces 17-1/4" x 36" (may be advertised as 18" wide project panel - measure in store)
- Hardware for sliding doors
Frames
- 4 - 2x3 @ 84"
- 4 - 2x3 @ 17"
- 4 - 2x3 @ 14"
Sides
- 2 - 3/4" thick project panels or plywood 36" x 17-1/4"
Face Frame
- 5 - 1x4 @ 36"
- 8 - 1x4 @ 17-3/4"
Shelves
- 2 - 1x8 @ 87"
- 2 - 1x10 @ 87"
Middle Shelf Supports and Cleats
- 5 - 1x2 @ 14"
- 5 - 1x2 @ 17"
Back
- 1/4" plywood pieces 36" long
Bottom Trim
- 1 - 1x2 @ 90" - both ends cut at 45 degrees, NOT parallel, longest point measurement
- 2 - 1x2 @ 18-3/4" - one end cut at 45 degrees, longest point measurement
Top
- 2 - 2x10 @ 91"
- Doors are cut to fit, overall 20" x 30"
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
Build two frames out of 2x3s. The frames should be screwed together as this is the main support for the entire piece. Use 2-1/2" or longer screws, or for those of you with a Kreg Jig, use 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws. Don't forget to glue the joints.
Don't be concrened about being perfect here, the entire frame is concealed.
Step 2
For the sides, add the side panels. This plan is designed to work with project panels 17-1/4" wide. You can use any material here, plywood or reclaimed wood too. I recommend screwing these to the frames, but you could also use nails and glue - nails should be at least 1-1/4" long. I love how the back overhangs by 1/4" to conceal the back (will put that on in later steps).
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
Step 8
To get the planked look on the back of the console, Nikki ripped 1/4" plywood into strips and then attached the individual strips to the back. You can also use full sheet of 1/4" plywood. You can use shorter nails here but if you don't want to buy a shorter nail (3/4" would be ideal) the 1-1/4" nails would be fine.
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11
Nikki built the doors shown with 1/2" plywood with smaller strips nailed on top, but you can use a variety of different methods to build the doors (love the reclaimed wood!) Nikki makes her own sliding door hardware too.
Jaime from That's My Letter provides a good tutorial on her sliding door hardware if you want to check that out.
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.
Comments
Molzhon3
Mon, 07/08/2019 - 20:57
About how much is this piece…
About how much is this piece to build?
shaunetheridge
Tue, 07/23/2019 - 12:36
Cost me around $250 bucks…
Cost me around $250 bucks all in.
shaunetheridge
Tue, 07/23/2019 - 12:35
Weight limit
Will this hold/support the weight of a very large TV? 105-110 lbs.?
lulu_agogo
Tue, 07/23/2019 - 18:44
I'd like to know what size…
I'd like to know what size shelves you end up with. I'd love nothing more than to hide all my old vinyl albums behind the barn doors. I'm guessing by the overall height and depth that's a possibility but can you actually give me the "go ahead" before I start planning to make this? I'm totally in love...
deanwhite71
Tue, 08/27/2019 - 06:03
Modifications
Would you happen to have modified plans and cut list for the one in the picture that only has 3 sections instead of 4 and with the wider doors and the feet please? I'm a beginner and don't trust myself to try and figure that out on my own.
Robdre05
Thu, 12/12/2019 - 17:41
Barn Door Console
Great project. Finished mine and created my own barn door hardware doing a little research and they came out perfect. I wish I could upload my project but unsure how to at this very moment.
Ina Ilyaev
Wed, 12/18/2019 - 07:28
Question about software
Hi Ana!
What computer program do you use to build plans?
Thank you for this site and videos!
aem4v2000
Wed, 02/05/2020 - 11:58
Is anyone else having…
Is anyone else having trouble finding the right size project panels? I’ve been to Home Depot and Lowe’s and I can only find 16inch wide. Not 18 inch that the plans call for.
kaotic3
Tue, 02/11/2020 - 14:34
I used 2) 3/4 x 2 x 4 BCX…
I used 2) 3/4 x 2 x 4 BCX Sanded Plywood (24" x 48")
hmcdaniel87
Wed, 04/01/2020 - 19:14
Shorter version?
The space I am hoping to fill with this piece is just a bit to small for these full dimensions. Is there a link anywhere for instructions for a scaled-down version? (Only in length!) I’m hoping to make it about 6- 6 1/2 ft long)
This will only be my 2nd project (farmhouse king bed was my first- turned out AMAZING!!) so I’m a little afraid to deviate from the plan on my own! :)