This project was built and designed by John Dolechek. It’s a beautiful, functional build that blends rustic charm with modern usability, perfect for any living room or entertainment space.
If you’re looking to create furniture that adds character and warmth, this TV stand is a great place to start. John walks through each part of the build in detail on his YouTube channel, from planning to finish.
Watch the full video and subscribe to John’s channel:
Why Build a Rustic TV Stand?
Store-bought stands often lack the personal touch and rugged quality you can get from a handmade piece. Building your own lets you tailor the design to your space, your devices, and your style.
This project uses clean lines and natural materials with a distressed finish for a weathered look. It’s practical, good-looking, and sturdy enough to last for years.
Planning the Build
The first step in the project is planning the dimensions to suit your room. John designed his stand with three trapezoidal sections to create visual interest and maximize usable shelf space.
It’s also important to think about the equipment the stand will hold. Factoring in TVs, speakers, consoles, and cable management early on helps the final result feel clean and organized.
Materials and Wood Prep
John uses oak for this build, showcasing how hardwood can be both beautiful and durable. The legs are cut to give the stand a total height of 24 inches, placing the TV at a comfortable viewing level of 42 inches.
The boards are milled flat and cut to length, ensuring everything lines up cleanly in the final assembly. Each cut is carefully measured to keep the trapezoidal shapes symmetrical and balanced.
Building the Frame
Pocket holes are drilled with a Kreg jig to simplify joinery while maintaining strength. Wood glue is added at each joint, and clamps are used to hold everything square as it dries.
This process is repeated for each shelf section, creating a layered, trapezoidal structure. Care is taken during this step to keep the entire frame stable and aligned.
Sanding and Prepping for Finish
Once the structure is assembled, John sands the wood to remove rough patches and prepare it for finishing. He starts with a coarse grit to level out uneven areas and finishes with a finer grit for a smooth surface.
This step is essential for creating a clean base before applying stain or paint. A well-sanded surface helps the finish go on evenly and enhances the wood’s grain.
Achieving the Rustic Finish
John starts by applying a dark stain to give the piece depth and a slightly aged appearance. Over that, he layers a lighter stain called Early American to soften the tone and bring out the grain.
The stain is wiped on using an old cotton t-shirt, which helps control coverage and avoid blotches. This layered look gives the piece a natural patina and rustic warmth.
Painting and Distressing
After staining, a thin coat of light paint is applied over the top. John uses a shade called Beach House, applying it unevenly to allow the wood and knots to show through.
He then lightly sands the surface to distress it, focusing on edges and high-touch areas. This technique makes the piece look naturally aged without going overboard.
Protecting the Finish
To protect the wood and preserve the look, John applies a clear satin polyurethane. This adds resistance to moisture, heat, and everyday wear while highlighting the colors in the grain.
Multiple coats are applied for durability, with sanding in between to keep the surface smooth. This step helps the finish last for years of regular use.
Building and Installing the Doors
The doors are made from glued-up one-by-four boards, clamped together and allowed to dry. Once set, they’re trimmed and prepped to fit into a sliding barn door system.
John installs barn door hardware under the top of the stand. This allows the doors to glide smoothly while adding a classic rustic element to the final look.
Final Assembly and Setup
With all parts finished, the final step is to mount the doors onto the track. The hardware is adjusted for alignment and ease of use, completing the piece.
The finished TV stand offers a great blend of rustic wood and metal accents. It’s functional, stylish, and completely custom.
Why You’ll Love This Project
A handmade TV stand like this adds warmth and personality to your home. It’s built to last, easy to customize, and a rewarding weekend build.
If you want to learn more or see how each part comes together, John shares the full process in his video. Watching the build helps you visualize each step and adapt the design for your own needs.
Support John by visiting his website.