This modern media console was built and designed by the team at Kreg Tool. It’s a clean, versatile piece that can double as a bookshelf, making it a great option for any home entryway, living room, or office.
If you’re interested in smart and approachable woodworking projects, Kreg Tool’s YouTube channel offers a wide range of builds and helpful tutorials. Their projects often focus on simplified construction techniques using easy-to-access materials and tools.
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What Makes This Project Unique
The media console offers flexibility in both design and function. While it’s intended to hold electronics and books, it also works well for shoes, bags, or everyday essentials near your front door.
It’s a scaled-down version of a larger piece, which makes it much easier to build. With fewer tools required, this project is accessible to a wide range of skill levels.
Materials and Wood Selection
Kreg Tool used walnut for the main structure and Baltic birch plywood for the shelving. These materials offer a nice balance between strength and appearance, though other hardwood and plywood combinations would work just as well.
You can mill your own hardwood if you have the equipment, or use pre-surfaced boards from a local supplier. Choosing a wood species that fits your style and space will help this console feel truly custom.
Starting with the Side Assemblies
The side assemblies form the foundation of the piece and are where most of the shaping happens. Kreg Tool created MDF templates to help maintain consistency and accuracy throughout the process.
Using templates for shaping not only saves time but also ensures that each piece is a perfect match. This kind of repeatability is especially helpful if you plan to build more than one unit or use this method for other projects.
Cutting and Shaping Components
Larger pieces of hardwood were trimmed down based on the template shapes. Leaving components slightly oversized at first allows for fine-tuning and cleaner joinery later on.
To create strong connections, a clean edge is established for each joint face. These reference edges are key to setting up reliable and accurate cuts for joinery.
Making Precise Joinery
The team at Kreg Tool used a sled and table saw to define the angle and shape of each joint. Once clamped in place, the components were cut to fit together smoothly and securely.
To enhance durability, the joints were reinforced using simple methods like dowels or biscuits. These hidden reinforcements help lock the structure together without affecting the clean, modern look.
Assembly of the Frame
With all the pieces cut and shaped, the next step was gluing and screwing the assemblies together. Clamping was used to ensure everything dried in proper alignment and stayed square during the process.
Off-cut pieces served as useful clamping blocks to keep pressure distributed evenly. Paying attention to these details resulted in a tight, professional assembly that didn’t require complex joinery setups.
Building and Positioning the Shelves
The shelving was cut from plywood and fitted into the frame with clean lines and intentional spacing. A light bevel was added to the front edges of the shelves for a subtle but refined finish.
Spacers helped align the shelves evenly during installation, keeping everything neat and symmetrical. This ensured consistent spacing while also speeding up the assembly process.
Final Sanding and Finish
Once everything was together, the entire unit was sanded to remove any rough edges and prepare the surface for finishing. Smoothing corners and edges also helps prevent wear over time.
For the final finish, you can choose paint, stain, or a natural oil depending on your preference. A clear coat is a good choice if you want to showcase the wood grain while protecting the piece from everyday use.
A Functional and Stylish Addition
The finished piece works equally well as a media console, bookcase, or general-purpose entryway shelf. Its clean design makes it a versatile option that fits well in both modern and traditional spaces.
Whether you’re organizing electronics or adding display space for books and decor, this project delivers both function and beauty. It’s a great opportunity to practice essential woodworking skills while ending up with a practical piece for your home.