How to Build a Corner Entertainment Center Shelf Unit

To determine the depth of the shelf unit, place the TV in the corner where your entertainment center is to stand. Measure the distance along the walls that the TV reaches to, using the tape measure, and add an extra inch to each measurement. Note the dimensions on a piece of paper. Decide on the height of the entertainment center you want. Subtract 1 1/5 inches from this length and note the result on the paper.

Use a circular saw to cut a piece of 3/4-inch hard wood to the measurements you made. Cut the wood diagonally to form two triangular pieces. Measure and cut a second piece of 3/4-inch hard wood to the same measurements. Cut this second piece of wood along the diagonal to form two more triangular pieces with the same dimensions as the first two.

With the circular saw, measure and cut four pieces of 3/4-inch hard wood as long as the noted desired height measurement and as wide as the distance the TV reached on the side walls. Measure 3 inches down one of these pieces of hard wood and draw a horizontal line across the wood with a pencil. Draw another horizontal line 3/4 of an inch down from that. Repeat this step for a second piece of hard wood.

Draw a third line 10 1/2 inches down from the lower line on both pieces of wood and a fourth line another 3/4 of an inch down. Cut along each of these lines using the circular saw. Discard the 3/4 inch wide pieces, or save them for another project later.

Glue the cut strips of hardwood to the remaining two rectangular pieces of hardwood using the wood glue to form blocks of hardwood 1 1/2 inches thick with 3/4-inch gaps at 3 and 14 1/4 inches from the top. These are your side panels for the cabinet. Let the glue dry thoroughly.

Cut one side of each side piece at 45 degrees using the jigsaw, so the two side pieces will fit together to form two sides of a triangle. Glue one edge of the first side panel and stick it to the edge of one of the triangular hardwood pieces. Glue the 45 degree cut edge of the side panel. Glue and stick the other side panel to the opposite edge of the triangular piece.

Turn the glued pieces over so you can access the bottom of the triangular piece. Screw the triangular piece to the side panels using three countersunk long screws per side panel to reinforce the joints. Turn the unit back over. Glue the tops of the side panels. Place a second triangular piece on top of the side panels. Screw this in place in the same way.

Slide the shelves into the unit's 3/4-inch gaps in the side panels. Mark how far out of the unit the shelves stick using a pencil. Remove the shelves. Cut off the excess you marked with the circular saw. Apply wood glue to the sides of the shelves. Slide the shelves back into the unit. Place the unit in the corner and stand your TV on top of the unit.