Big Screen TV Entertainment Center

How to build a decorative box to bridge the gap between two store-bought bookcases to create a semi-custom entertainment center for a big screen TV.

Build a decorative box to bridge the gap between two store-bought bookcases to create a semi-custom entertainment center for a big screen TV.

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Materials:

3/4" pine panels
wood glue
finish nails
circular saw with guide
decorative molding
miter saw
1/8" luan plywood
220-grit sandpaper
tack cloth (or rags)
foam brushes
stain
water-based polyurethane
wood putty
quarter-round molding
mending plates

Steps:

1. The entertainment center bridge is basically a rectangular box made of pine panels.
The featured project's side pieces measure 14" x 17" and the top and bottom are 14" x 46" (adjust the measurements as necessary to accommodate your television). Cut the pieces to size and assemble the box structure using wood glue and finish nails. For a finished look, attach decorative molding around the top (miter the corners) as above. Be sure to wipe off any excess glue. Set all the nails.
2. Cut the back out of the plywood and secure it with finish nails.
3. Sand the entire piece and remove the dust with a tack cloth or damp rag.
4. Use a foam brush to apply the desired stain as directed. Once dry, fill the holes with matching wood putty and let dry. Apply several coats of water-based polyurethane for protection, allowing it to dry between layers.