How to Build a TV Stand for Cable

Many commercially available TV stands are either too cheap and flimsy or are better quality but expensive. Finding a happy medium is not always easy, but you can make your own. This also gives you the freedom to customize. If you have cable, add a shelf for the cable box and create neat cable holes at the back of the stand so it doesn't look like a mess of wires and cabling.

Instructions

1

Cut your 2-inch sheet lumber into one piece for the top 36-by-20-inches; one piece for the base 30-by-20-inches; two pieces for the sides 24-by-20-inches and a third at 24-by-20 for the shelf. Cut the 2-by-1 lumber into two cleats, 20-inches long.

2

Set the top, base and shelf on top of each other, each centered on top of the other. Mark a point 4-inches in from the back, centered. Attach the 2-inch-width core bit to your drill and drill a hole through all three pieces to allow for cables.

3

Lay the top and base piece flat on your work area. Find the middle of each piece's length and draw a line along it (at 15-inches for the base and 18-inches for the top). Position them so that the lines match up. Measure out 12-inches from either side of the center on both pieces and draw a line on each piece; the two outer lines will be 24-inches apart and match on the top and bottom; this is where the sides of the stand will be attached.

4

Attach the dado blade to your saw and set it to cut a dado (groove) that is 2-inches wide and -inch deep. If your 2-inch lumber is slightly less than 2 inches due to normal shrinkage, measure the exact width and adjust the dado blade accordingly. Cut the dado grooves out along the lines you marked on the top and base, which are 24-inches apart; use the outer edge of the line.

5

Lay your two side pieces next to each other and measure 10-inches down from the top. Draw a line across both of them at this point. Position your cleats along this line and glue them in place and let them dry. Drill four evenly spaced pilot holes through each cleat into the side piece and then screw together.

6

Place the top of the stand flat on the work surface with the dado grooves facing up. Cover the end of each side piece with glue and slot them into the dado grooves; they should be plumb and flush, with the cleats facing inward and aligned. Clamp in place at right angles and let dry. Turn the stand over, so that it is resting on the sides and the top is upright. Drill four evenly spaced pilot holes through the top into the sides and then screw together. Repeat with the dado grooves on the base and the other end of the side pieces, making sure the cable holes are on the same side.

7

Fill the screw holes with wood putty and let dry. Sand the entire unit, including the shelf piece. Paint or varnish as desired. Position the stand where you want to put the TV and slide the shelf on top of the cleats, with the cable hole to the back.