Mike Montgomery from Modern Builds created a stunning all-plywood floating media console that combines style and functionality. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you build your own media console.
Materials
- 3/4″ Oak Plywood
- Iron-on Edge Banding
- Wood Glue
- Brad Nails
- Hinges
- Oak Dowels
- Simple Finish
Tools
- Circular Saw
- Table Saw
- Random Orbit Sander
- Drill
- Stud Finder
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Flush Trim Saw
Step 1: Breaking Down the Plywood
Mike starts by breaking down a sheet of 3/4″ Oak plywood using a circular saw. He cuts it into strips that will be used for the doors. By using a spacer on his table saw, he alternates between cutting 3/4″ and 1.5″ strips, which helps maintain a consistent grain pattern across the door and drawer faces.
Step 2: Creating the Door Slab
Next, Mike constructs a jig for assembling the door slab. He uses wood glue and brad nails to attach the strips, ensuring that there is no glue squeeze-out for a clean finish. This jig helps keep everything square and flat during assembly.
Step 3: Cutting the Doors
Once the slab is assembled, Mike cuts three doors from it. He ensures to use painter’s tape to achieve a clean cut, preventing tear-out, which is common with oak’s fibrous grain.
Step 4: Applying Edge Banding
After cutting the doors, Mike applies edge banding to cover the plywood edges. He uses a heat-activated glue on the back of the veneer, which bonds easily when ironed on. This step not only enhances the look but also protects the plywood edges.
Step 5: Building the Cabinet Box
For the cabinet structure, Mike uses a second sheet of plywood to create the top, bottom, and sides. He chooses to recess screw heads for a cleaner finish and uses dowels to connect the panels, providing extra stability and a solid wood appearance.
Step 6: Attaching the Hinges
Once the cabinet box is complete, Mike installs the hinges on the doors. He uses a forstner bit for precise hinge placement and adds a grabber mechanism to keep the doors closed securely.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Finally, Mike applies a coat of Simple Finish to enhance the natural beauty of the oak plywood. This step ensures the surface is protected while highlighting the grain. He also installs a french cleat for mounting the console to the wall, ensuring it is securely fastened to multiple studs for stability.
Final Thoughts
Mike is thrilled with the final product, noting the beautiful oak finish and the functional design. This floating media console not only serves as a stylish storage solution but also adds a modern touch to any living room.