How to Make an Old Hutch Into a TV Cabinet

Hutch Conversion

• 1

  Make repairs to the old hutch. Most problems are at the joints or with hinges and handles. Add a few drops of wood glue at loose joints and clamp to prevent expansion during drying. Remove loose hinges and knobs. Insert a drop of glue into each screw hole and insert a matchstick into the glue. When dry, cut away the matchstick protrusion. Reattach knobs and hinges into the same, but now tighter screw holes.

• 2

  Remove unnecessary shelves. Measure the height of the TV, and remove one or two shelves to accommodate the height and width. If desired, refashion smaller side shelves to fit along either side of the television from the removed shelves.

• 3

  Refashion drawers or shelves. This step is optional. Pull-out shelves or drawers with drop down fronts make it easier to access or use electronic devices. Remove the desired shelf and reinstall it with a pair of drawer glides according the manufacture's instructions.

  For drawers, remove the front panel and reattach it with a pair of small hinges. Screw two small L-brackets at the bottom of the now open end of the drawer for added support. During everyday use, drop the front panel down to expose the devices for remote control access or to extend cables of video game hand controls.

• 4

  Cover all glass panels with fabric. The fabric hides electronics when not in use, while allowing remote control access, even when the doors are closed. Turn the latches or use a screwdriver to remove internal frames securing the glass. Cut a section of fabric about a half inch larger along all sides of the glass. Place the fabric between the glass and door frame. Gently tug fabric for a snug fit, and re-secure the glass. Trim away any visible fabric edges.

• 5

  Drill wiring access holes. At the rear center of each shelf or drawer where electronic devices will reside, drill a downward facing hole using the hole cutting bit. On wide shelves to house one or two devices, drill the hole at the rear center of the mid-shelf where devices will sit. Drill a hole approximately 18 inches up from the floor at the lower rear panel. Locate all shelves between the rear panel hole and the hole on the uppermost shelf, and drill holes in vertical alignment with the top hole. Remove rough edges and wood burrs from access holes with sandpaper.

• 6

  Clean the hutch. Carol Williams, an extension agent at Utah State University, recommends using a "hot wash" formula for stained wood that both cleans and refinishes worn spots. In a gallon of hot water, add 2 tablespoons of gum turpentine and 4 tablespoons of boiled linseed oil. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with the mixture and wring it out. Do not saturate the wood.

• 7

  Retouch exposed wood. Rub a wood finish crayon of the same color as the original finish over all scratches and areas where shelves were removed. For larger areas, rub the color into the wood with a lint-free cloth and reapply as needed for a color match.