DIY: Entertainment Centers for LCD Big Screen TV's

Materials and Getting Started

• You will need to draft a basic building plan for your design before beginning the project and purchasing materials. If you do not feel comfortable drafting your own plan, you can buy one from your local home improvement store.

  When drafting a plan you will need to take measurements to determine the amount of space you have for the center. Keep in mind practical issues such as placement. Typically, you will want items such as a DVR or Playstation to go underneath the television for easy connections. You will also need exact measurements for your television and any other devices that will be going into the entertainment center.

  When measuring your LCD television, be sure to include space for the screen mount. Proper measurements will better help you determine the amount of wood and materials needed for the project. Once you have a basic idea of space requirements and design, you can now determine which materials are needed.

  No matter which design you decide on or how large your screen is, some basic tools are required. For starters, you will need measuring tape, safety goggles, and a carpenter's pencil. You may want to use ¾ inch plywood panels for the sturdiest build. You will also need a circular saw, power drill, self-clamping straight edge, and wood adhesive. For painting and aesthetic purposes, you will likely need a paint roller, joint compound, drywall knife, and of course paint or stain for the wood.

Building

• To begin building, you will need to start by cutting the wood according to the measurements of your television and design. You will cut the stands and the shelves first and then you will cut the openings for the television and other components. You can use the router to cut grooves into the sides of the cabinet so that the shelves can be inserted into the wood rather than resting on pegs. This creates a sturdier stand for your big screen TV. Brushing wood glue into the grooves before installing the shelves creates extra stability. You may then begin assembling the rest of the wood paneling for your entertainment center. Finish with the paint or stain of your choice.