This project was expertly created by John from John Builds It, and it’s perfect for any living space. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a beautiful built-in corner TV console that maximizes your space.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3/4 inch plywood
- Poplar wood for face frame
- Quarter inch MDF for door panels
- Wood glue
- Pocket hole screws
- Brad nails
- General finishes gray gel stain
- General finishes armored seal
- Shellac-based primer
- Various clamps
- Makita track saw
- Dado stack for table saw
- Brad nailer
- Hole saws
- Sander
- Drill with right angle attachment
Step 1: Cut the Plywood for the Cabinet Carcass
Start by breaking down a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood for the cabinet carcass. For this project, I used my new Makita track saw, which made the process much smoother.
Step 2: Bevel the Edges
Bevel the front edges of the side pieces to 45 degrees. This will help create clean joints when assembling the cabinet.
Step 3: Cut the Back Edges
Change the saw bevel to 22 and 1/2 degrees to cut the inside back edges of the cabinet. This will allow the pieces to join at a 135-degree angle.
Step 4: Set Up the Dado Stack
Next, set up your dado stack on the table saw to cut grooves for all the shelves. Adjust the fence to cut dados for the bottom shelf and the upper corner shelves.
Step 5: Assemble the Cabinet Carcass
Flip the pieces face down, align the miters, and use frog tape to hold them tight. Add glue to the miters, stand it up, and fold the pieces together. Secure with a brad nailer and screws for added strength.
Step 6: Add the Bottom Shelf
Cut the large bottom shelf to size and add the two vertical uprights. These will be glued and screwed from the back and bottom for stability.
Step 7: Sand and Prepare for Assembly
Sand all pieces before assembly, especially in tight corners. Mark where the dados are on the back to ensure screws are added in the right spots.
Step 8: Add Support for the Bottom Shelf
Add a support piece on the front of the bottom shelf to prevent sagging, and attach it with pocket holes.
Step 9: Assemble the Face Frame
Use 3/4 inch poplar for the face frame. Cut the outside stiles with 45-degree bevels to sit flush against the wall.
Step 10: Attach the Face Frame
Lay the cabinet down, add glue, and brad nail the face frame on. Ensure the face frame is wider than the cabinet to touch only the wall.
Step 11: Create Shaker-Style Cabinet Doors
Use two-inch white poplar for the rails and stiles, and quarter-inch MDF for the center panel. Cut the tongues and grooves for the doors using a tongue and groove bit.
Step 12: Stain and Finish
Sand the top to 150 grit and apply a coat of pre-stain conditioner. Then, stain with General Finishes gray gel stain for a beautiful finish.
Step 13: Final Assembly
Attach the top and the doors. Use a right-angle drill attachment for easier access when securing the Z clips for the top.
And there you have it! A beautiful built-in corner TV console that fits perfectly into your space. Thanks for following along, and happy building!
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