DIY TV Console

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For a while now Chris has been considering switching up our entertainment system from projector to TV. I’ve held off on getting a TV just because they tend to take up so much space & always seem to be the focal point of a room. Meh. Whatever. I’m over it now.

While Chris has been scheming, he and I have been looking high & low for a solid wood sideboard to house the TV, speakers, receiver, etc. With our budget, we’ve not found anything in the range of decent. It’s incredibly sad. If it looks nice, it’s constructed of a veneered MDF. If it’s solid wood, it’s completely disgusting. A shame, no?

Naturally, making a console from scratch would be perfect in our new garage. I suggested that he check out knock off wood for some inspiration, perhaps he could find a design that he could modify to his specs? He did. In fact, not only did he find something, but he actually made the console all while I was gone at Art Weekend on Saturday. I was so impressed to see a practically finished piece of furniture in our garage when I got home! I’m so proud of my husband.

Now that the woodglue has dried, we just have to finish sanding it & stain it. I’m thinking that’ll be my task tonight while Chris sets up the TiVo for our new 50″ plasma. Honestly I can’t believe we just bought a TV that freaking big. Maybe we can get the TV set up in time to watch Modern Family? Oh, that would be dreamy.

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    1. Nicia says:

      Haha! I LOVE Modern Family. Cracks me up! Good job to Chris on the TV console. Reminds me of Joe and all his crazy wood working projects. Maybe it’s an Esplin thing. Joe just got a 60 in. TV. Really. Who in their right mind would need/want a TV THAT big?! …perhaps the TV size is an Esplin thing too. Who knows! Can’t wait to see how it turns out. Oh, it is safe for a pregger to stain? Just wanting to make sure your kiddo doesn’t come out high! :)

      • Melissa says:

        Maybe it IS an Esplin thing! I can’t imagine 60 inches!!

        The stain we got is water-based so I don’t think it’ll be too bad, but if it is strong, I’ve got a killer gas mask at the ready! I’m not sure little Felix would appreciate getting a contact high.

    2. Dianne says:

      Man, I wish I could make cool things like this! I’m more of a DIY wearables (I love my sewing machine!) maker than a DIY housewares maker, but I would love to try making my own furniture. I kind of actually need some power tools, though… Step one, I guess.

      Anyway, I think the best way (most of the time) to get the exact something you want is to make it yourself. Too bad most of us don’t have time to do that.

      I hope your pregnancy is going well so far! Did you finally decide on a middle name for Felix? ;D

    3. Meg says:

      I think there is something satisfactory about re-finishing furniture. It’s hard work but well worth it in the end. I did a baby changing table.

    4. Emily says:

      Looks great! I love Knock Off Wood (and solid wood things). Can’t wait to see it in your home. :)

    5. oh, do i hear you!!! we’ve been looking everywhere since our move, scouring craigslist, etc., for a tv stand that’s 1. wood 2. not oak/reminiscent of a byu apartment, and 3. has some hidden storage + open storage for the receivers. i refuse to settle. so for now (as of 15 minutes ago when i decided i couldn’t stand the tv on the floor another second) the tv is living on the toy box. which is seriously upsetting the kids. if only i had a husband who would attempt such an endeavor…count yourself a lucky wife!

    6. Erin says:

      Modern Family is coming on (in my time zone) in just a few minutes… I am hoping you are all set! 50″ is ginormous! I bet it will be great for watching movies. I can’t wait to see the finished console. I am sure it will be fantastic!

    7. Gloria says:

      Wow the console looks great – what a keeper of a husband!!

    8. Linn says:

      That looks great, it will look awesome when it’s all done. This may just be me, but don’t you want doors on the front of it? I am dying to having something about that big, maybe not as long, but with a shelf and doors, that would be perfect then you wouldn’t have the kids climbing in the wires and stuff

    9. Erin says:

      I was so happy to see this post! I’ve been searching for a new television stand for months and months to no avail.

      Right now our television is on a sweet mid century dresser. It was my grandparent’s and I love it dearly. The tv is heavy and you know what happens over time with that….it’s starting to sag. No!

      Anyway, all I want is a simple solution and I can’t find anything! I have been thinking about making one (almost started drawing plans this morning, actually!) but I just keep hoping that I will find that perfect one somewhere. The one that I really want is like $700…who has that kind of money to spend on a tv stand?!

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