DIY TV Stand

[Rob71]

I'm thinking of building a stand for my TV this weekend. Any DIY'ers gone this route? I'm leaning towards a 3 shelf open design like some of the guys on AVS are doing.



Something like this with threaded rod spacing the shelves, but I plan to dress it up a bit. I bought a chrome "closet rod" and when I figure my spacing I'll cut it to size to cover the rod. also don't really like the acorn nut through the top shelf, so any ideas?

[crackinhedz]

I actually just made a 2 shelf cabinet...tint for the glass too. ($40 supplies)

[allstar780]

for the nut on the top you could get something like this... http://www.skiffy.com/docs/menufr.cf...fm&order=order

and then put a cap on it or paint it

[jw]

depending on what wood you are using you could recess it in the wood making the top surface flat(not visible nuts, just fill with wood filler

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I actually just made a 2 shelf cabinet...tint for the glass too. ($40 supplies)

Nice job. I take it that wasn't your first project.

I'm doing mine on the cheap, most of the supplies have been scavenged from other jobs. About all I'm in for right now is the paint and the closet rod, all the wood was free. I had enough for the TV stand, and I'm also building some base and wall cabinets to go along the back wall.

Originally Posted by allstar780

for the nut on the top you could get something like this... http://www.skiffy.com/docs/menufr.cf...fm&order=order

and then put a cap on it or paint it

Thanks for the link. I can see myself ordering lots of parts from them.

Originally Posted by jwbbud

depending on what wood you are using you could recess it in the wood making the top surface flat(not visible nuts, just fill with wood filler

This is what I'm leaning towards. I'm going to paint it black, so trying to match stain wouldn't be an issue.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Man, I would love to build something like this for the living room. Unfortunately I don't have the tools nor do I know how.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Nice job. I take it that wasn't your first project.

I'm doing mine on the cheap, most of the supplies have been scavenged from other jobs. About all I'm in for right now is the paint and the closet rod, all the wood was free. I had enough for the TV stand, and I'm also building some base and wall cabinets to go along the back wall.

I have built a couple other things made of wood. Its so much fun.

Actually supply cost was not that bad, except I ended up buying stuff I never even used like the 'stain' and brushes (didn't use). I went to Home Depot...and a 15ft piece of treated wood cost less than shorter pieces of untreated wood, and just had them cut the lengths I needed. Only down side was it could not be stained, so I had to keep the color. Doesnt quite match my dresser but no complaints.

Yeah, if I can build it myself not only does it look just as good, but I get more satisfaction out of knowing I did it myself.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Unfortunately I don't have the tools nor do I know how.

without tools it might be kinda hard.

But do not let the lack of experience stop you from trying yourself. Believe me its not as hard as it looks as long as you plan it out and you can always ask other people or search the net if you have questions!

Its fun even if it doesn't come out right the first time, you'll get better.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

without tools it might be kinda hard.

But do not let the lack of experience stop you from trying yourself. Believe me its not as hard as it looks as long as you plan it out and you can always ask other people or search the net if you have questions!

Its fun even if it doesn't come out right the first time, you'll get better.

Ok, well, is there some kind of step by step instruction web site for building stands? How do you assemble the nails and stuff?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Ok, well, is there some kind of step by step instruction web site for building stands? How do you assemble the nails and stuff?

well, there are some "how to's" on the internet...but it basically comes down to what you need. Do you want to hold a TV? just some A/V components? speakers?

something simple like the one I made you just measure the size of your equipment giving it enough breathing room and plan out how much wood you will need and what size.

I just used screws to hold it together, nails would also work. etc

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

well, there are some "how to's" on the internet...but it basically comes down to what you need. Do you want to hold a TV? just some A/V components? speakers?

something simple like the one I made you just measure the size of your equipment giving it enough breathing room and plan out how much wood you will need and what size.

I just used screws to hold it together, nails would also work. etc

Yeah, I meant screws. I don't even know if I'm going to make this thing but knowing how to do it could come handy in the future. I'm actually looking for something simple to hold a reciever and a VCR lol. Thanks for the tip.

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

well, there are some "how to's" on the internet...but it basically comes down to what you need. Do you want to hold a TV? just some A/V components? speakers?

something simple like the one I made you just measure the size of your equipment giving it enough breathing room and plan out how much wood you will need and what size.

I just used screws to hold it together, nails would also work. etc

Nice link, I install cabinets for a living. You can use stock cabinets and usually come out a lot cheaper than if you bought an entertainment center. Not to mention it's usually a lot stronger and custom fit to your specs. To build a stand out of base cabinets you can get by with a drill and skill saw. But if you have access to a portable table saw and miter saw it makes the job a lot easier and quicker. Of course a level comes in handy also.

[Rob71]

Well, I figured a way to attach the top without having an acorn nut locking the top shelf. I'll use these screwed into the top shelf from underneath.



Then use a rod coupling



to screw the threaded rod to. When it all comes together I'll take a few pictures.

[Rob71]

Update

Well, I went a different direction with the legs for my stand. I was in Lowes and found these:





They come in 8, 12, and 16" lengths and just screw together, all you need is a 7/8" hole. I wound up using 3 packs of legs. I assembled it, and now when I finish a few more cabinets for my media room I'll paint everything at once.



The only thing I might change is using 8" legs for the shelf with the PS3 instead of 12". Try to ignore the rats nest of cables in the back of the cabinet, I've got an order coming from Blue jeans cable and thanks to Johk's tutorial thread I'll have a set of custom length speaker cables. Plus it's just temporary anyways.

[arush5268d]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Update

Well, I went a different direction with the legs for my stand. I was in Lowes and found these:





They come in 8, 12, and 16" lengths and just screw together, all you need is a 7/8" hole. I wound up using 3 packs of legs. I assembled it, and now when I finish a few more cabinets for my media room I'll paint everything at once.



The only thing I might change is using 8" legs for the shelf with the PS3 instead of 12". Try to ignore the rats nest of cables in the back of the cabinet, I've got an order coming from Blue jeans cable and thanks to Johk's tutorial thread I'll have a set of custom length speaker cables. Plus it's just temporary anyways.

You've got some nice gear there....but your carpet kills me!

[Johk]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Update

Well, I went a different direction with the legs for my stand. I was in Lowes and found these:


They come in 8, 12, and 16" lengths and just screw together, all you need is a 7/8" hole. I wound up using 3 packs of legs. I assembled it, and now when I finish a few more cabinets for my media room I'll paint everything at once.


The only thing I might change is using 8" legs for the shelf with the PS3 instead of 12". Try to ignore the rats nest of cables in the back of the cabinet, I've got an order coming from Blue jeans cable and thanks to Johk's tutorial thread I'll have a set of custom length speaker cables. Plus it's just temporary anyways.

Nice stand!

I agree with the 8 inch legs.

Did you get the F6 Flexo Wrap for you other cables? I used some plastic cable straps to secure them in the back of my stand.

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by arush5268d

You've got some nice gear there....but your carpet kills me!

That's not carpet, that's a dropcloth.

I'm getting ready to paint, and figured since it's going anyways, I'd at least get a little more use out of it. The plan is as soon as I'm done painting, the wood flooring goes down.

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by Johk

Nice stand!

I agree with the 8 inch legs.

Did you get the F6 Flexo Wrap for you other cables? I used some plastic cable straps to secure them in the back of my stand.

Haven't ordered it yet, but it's a definite must-have. Love the "professional" look it gives.

[Rob71]

I got the shorter legs put on the middle level this weekend, not much else.



I like the look a lot better now. I would like to get some opinions on a few things. I'm going to be painting the TV stand, a wall shelf, and a row of cabinets in the back of the room black. The cabinets are 10" deep and I'm going to have to cut the closet door trim to fit around the cabinets about 1/2". What about painting the door trim and baseboards black also? I'm planning on putting crown moulding up and considering going with black on it also. Now what about the ceiling, black too? The walls are going to be painted a color called Crabby Apple, sort of a maroon. This room is going to be used exclusively for movies and gaming, so being dark will be a plus. Ideas?

[Rob71]

Any opinions on painting the ceiling black in a theater room? Anyone tried it and wished they hadn't? I'm about sold on the idea but would like a few opinions before I pull the trigger.