How to Build Your Own Home Entertainment Center

Build your own home entertainment center and have a great piece of furniture which you can be proud of. Before beginning to build your home entertainment center, you need to plan and prepare. Decide what components you would like to display and how you would like to build it. You could also choose whether you would like a sliding door or a flipper door, whether you would like a hidden link system, a pullout system or anything that would make it unique.

Step 1 - Begin with the Base

Begin with the base. Consider using an existing cabinet or even a bathroom sink front for the base. This is ideal if your cabinet is going to be recessed. If it's not, you can still go for a full base cabinet. Another option would be to use an existing piece of furniture like an old wardrobe. Determine the height that you would like your entertainment center to be. Once the overall design of the unit has been made clear, you can start installing the base cabinet. Set a counter top above the base. Matching edge material can then be glued onto the counter top.

Step 2 - Work on the Shelves

Install shelves above the base. Make these adjustable so that you will be able to fit in all essentials such as your television, DVD/CD player and speaker systems. A smaller shelf below the place for the television would be perfect. You could also set aside some space for a video player or a gaming console. Make your shelves of varying heights so that you will be able to accommodate all these items. Cut out your shelving boards after measuring them. Attach the shelves to the counter top by means of pre-drilled holes and screws. You can install support pegs if needed, especially if you plan to put something heavy on the shelves. Use matching edge banding to cover the side panels and edges of all the shelves. Put any mirrors that you wish to into place to add a feeling of depth.

Step 3 - Install Additional Compartments

Install doors for your unit. You can go for glass doors for your television cabinet as well as for your DVD/CD space. It is preferable not to have any kind of non-transparent door for your entertainment system, as these block out remote controls. However, wooden sliding doors are ideal if you wish to keep things hidden from public view when the entertainment system isn't in use. If you want to watch television at any angle, you could use a TV pullout. Create media holders to store CDs, DVDs and other electronic media.

Step 4 - Install Lights

You can install lights in order to show off your collectibles. Ensure that you have enough plug-ins for any electronic items that you would want to operate. Make sure that you use a surge protecting power strip in order to be completely safe. On top of the unit, you could add in matching crown molding for a great finishing effect.