Materials Needed

(4) 4x8 1/4" plywood
(2) 2x4 x 10' framing lumber
(6) 1x6 x 10' primed planks
3" section PVC pipe with a 2" diameter
latex interior paint/primer
paint roller
paintbrush
painter's tape
drop cloth
chop saw
nail gun (1.5" 18-gauge nails)
safety goggles
cordless drill
hole saw bit  with a 2" diameter
measuring tape
pencil

Frame Out TV Box

Plan to expand out from your existing wall about 10 inches. Box this area out using 2x4s that will span from the floor to at least 2 feet from the ceiling (Image 1). (Your dimensions will vary depending on the width of your TV and the size of your room.) When constructing the frame, be sure to create a strong center support for the upper box where the TV will be installed (Image 2). Tip: It may be wise to call in an electrician if you need an additional outlet nearby before you move on to the next step.

Install Plywood

Once the 2x4 frame is complete, clad it with plywood starting with the piece that will go behind the TV. Cut out a hole for the cables to run through using a 2" hole saw bit and drill. Once the hole is cut, pop in the PVC pipe to give it a more finished look (Image 1). (Make sure the hole is placed within easy access to cable or electric outlets.) Then, move on to cladding the rest of the frame in plywood using a nail gun (Image 2).

Measure, Mark and Cut Planks 

Using a chop saw, cut both ends of each front-facing plank on a 45-degree angle. This is will ensure that the corners have a clean, custom look. Each side plank will be cut on a 45-degree angle but only on one side. The straight cut will butt up to the existing wall at a 90-degree angle.

Paint Planks 

Once all your cuts are complete, lay down a drop cloth and prep for painting. Paint the planks using a small paint roller and interior latex paint, then allow ample time to dry. Note: I used a cranberry color in a satin finish to match the room's grasscloth wallpaper.

Install Planks Over Plywood 

Once the planks are dry to the touch, install them horizontally over the plywood. Start with the front-facing planks and work from the bottom up. Use a couple of plank scraps as spacers so you can work quickly and ensure accurate spacing (Image 1). Clad the front then move to the sides using the nail gun (Image 2). 

Paint Exposed Plywood

Using a paintbrush, carefully paint any exposed plywood with the same paint you used for the planks. Once dry, install the TV.