DIY A/V Component Cabinet

Cut two sheets of plywood 36 by 18 inches, using a circular saw. Cut two sheets of plywood 34 1/2 by 18 inches. Cut two sheets of 19 1/2 by 18 inches. Cut one sheet of plywood 36 by 21 inches.

Measure 2 inches up one of the 21-inch long sides of the 36-by-21-inch piece, then 13 inches along the 36-inch side, keeping the 2-inch gap from the base of the sheet. Mark this point with a pencil. Draw a rectangle 6 inches high and 10 inches wide from the marked point. Drill a hole in each corner of the rectangle. Cut the rectangle out using a hacksaw.

Apply wood glue to the 3/4-inch edges of the two 18-inch sides of the 19 1/2-by-18-inch pieces. Stand the glued pieces vertically on one of the 36-by-18-inch pieces, along the edges of the 18-inch sides so the vertical pieces are flush with the edges of the 36-inch piece. You should have a “U” shape at this point.

Place the other 36-by-18-inch piece on top of the “U” shape to form a rectangular frame. Reinforce the joints between the pieces using a hammer drill with a screwdriver drill bit to countersink two 1 1/2-inch wood screws into each corner of the frame.

Apply wood glue to the 3/4-inch edges of the 18-inch sides of the two 34 1/2-by-18-inch pieces. Measure 6 inches up from the bottom of the inside of the frame using a tape measure. Stick one of the 34 1/2-by-18-inch pieces into the frame at this point, where it will act as a shelf. Screw an L-bracket to the frame under the shelf at each end, using 1-inch screws.

Measure 6 inches up from the shelf you just attached. Stick the second 34 1/2-by-18-inch piece into the frame at this point. Screw an L-bracket at each end of the piece in the same manner as with the previous brackets. Screw the 21-by-36-inch piece to the back of the frame using 1-inch screws, ensuring the rectangular cutout is at the bottom of the frame.