How to Build Small TV Stands

Put the two pieces of 18-by-24-by-3/4-inch oak plywood on a worktable. Measure from one end and make marks at 3/4 15 1/4 and 16 inches. Put the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the 18-inch width. These are the side pieces.

Drill three pilot holes between the lines on the oak plywood with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Drill two within 1-inch from the front and back edges and one in the center. In addition to the pilot holes for the shelves, drill pilot holes up one 24-inch edge every 6 inches. Drill one within 1-inch of the corners and keep them within 3/4-inch from the edge.

Set the piece of 24-by-24-by-3/4-inch plywood on the worktable so the grain is running horizontally (the back of the TV stand). Apply glue to the edges on either end and place it between the two sidepieces at the back. Secure it to the sidepieces through the pilot holes with 4-penny finish nails.

Lay the stand on its back. Apply glue to the 17 2/4-inch edges of the two pieces of 24-by-17 1/4-by-3/4-inch plywood. Place them between the lines and at the bottom of the TV stand sides. Secure them to the sides with 4-penny finish nails. Clean up excess glue with a damp cloth.

Stand the stand upright and apply glue to the exposed edges of the sides and the back. Place the piece of 26 1/4-by-18-by-3/4-inch plywood on top so it hangs over on the left and right 1-inch, but is even with the front and back. Secure it to the sides and back with 4-penny finish nails. Set the nail heads with a nail set.

Cut pieces of the veneer edge band to fit the edges of the sides of the TV stand with a utility knife. Secure them to the edges with a hot iron allowing the edge band to hang over the outside of the sides. Sand the pieces with a sanding block and 100-grit sandpaper. Fold the edge band that hangs over while sanding to remove it. Repeat this with the shelves and the top.