DIY Plans to Build Hanson Media Console

An Elegant Media Stand for a Variety of Styles

This media console has plenty of storage… The DIY plans to build a Hanson Media Console features two center doors with glass panels and shelving, as well as two outer doors with solid panels and shelving. The center area is stepped out from the sides (meaning the profile is wider) and each section features a face frame over the plywood carcass. This is another easy build that can be completed in a weekend.

Supplies:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• Edge banding (for the edges of the top) (<– affiliate link!)
• 4 sets of hinges
• Cabinet pulls
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 4 – 1×2 at 6′
• 4 – 1×3 at 8′
• 1 – 1×6 at 6′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 2 – 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ plywood
• Glass or Plexiglas to fit the center door openings

Cut List:

• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 19-1/4″ x 38-3/4″ – Inner Cabinet Sides
• 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 19-1/4″ x 34-1/2″ – Inner Cabinet Shelves
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 17-1/4″ x 38-3/4″ – Outer Cabinet Sides
• 6 – 3/4″ plywood at 17-1/4″ x 17-1/4″ – Outer Cabinet Shelves
• 1 – 1×2 at 33″ – Center Cabinet Face Frame Top
• 2 – 1×2 at 34-3/4″ – Center Cabinet Face Frame Sides
• 1 – 1×6 (ripped to 4″ wide) at 36″ – Center Cabinet Face Frame Bottom
• 2 – 1×2 at 15″ – Outer Cabinet Face Frame Top
• 4 – 1×2 at 34-3/4″ – Outer Cabinet Face Frame Sides
• 2 – 1×6 (ripped to 4″ wide) at 18″ – Outer Cabinet Face Frame Bottom
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 20″ x 72″ – Top
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 38-3/4″ x 71-1/4″ – Back
• 4 – 1×3 at 9-3/4″ – Outer Door Frames
• 4 – 1×3 at 33″ – Outer Door Frames
• 2 – 1/4″ plywood at 10-1/4″ x 28-1/2″ – Outer Door Frame Panels
• 4 – 1×3 at 11-5/16″ – Center Door Frames
• 4 – 1×3 at 33″ – Center Door Frames
• 2 – 1/4″ glass or Plexiglas at 11-13/16″ x 28-1/2″ – Center Door Panels

Step One

Cut the pieces for the inner cabinet sides and shelves. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shelf pieces. Secure the shelves to the inner sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the outer sides and outer shelves. Drill pocket in each end of the shelf pieces. Secure the shelves to the inner sides and outer sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The back edges of the sides and shelves will be flush with the back edges of the inner sides and shelves.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the outer cabinet face frames. Drill pocket holes in each end of the upper frame piece, as well as one end of each of the side pieces. Assemble the frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Secure the face frames to the outer cabinet sides using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Add a few brad nails through the inside faces of the inner sides into the side edges of the outer face frames.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the inner cabinet face frame. The decorative notch in the bottom piece is completely optional, and can be cut using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. Drill pocket holes in each end of the upper frame piece, as well as one end of each of the side pieces. Assemble the frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Secure the face frame to the inner cabinet sides using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the top. Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly. Secure the top using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the back. The piece will be centered along the back edge of the top and between the outer side pieces. Secure the back using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the inner and outer doors. Drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces, and assemble the frames using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Using a router and a 1/4″ rabbeting bit, cut a 1/4″ wide by 1/4″ deep rabbet along the inner edge of the door frames.

Step Eight

Cut 1/4″ plywood panels to fit inside the rabbets on the outer door frames. Secure the panels to the frames using glue and clamp in place until dry.

Cut 1/4″ glass or Plexiglas to fit inside the rabbets on the inner door frames. Secure the panels to the frames using a strong adhesive for glass.

Step Nine

Install the hinges on the doors, then install the doors in their respective openings. There will be a 1/8″ gap around all sides of the doors in the openings.

Finish as desired.

This media console does not need to be used strictly for media purposes – it would make an excellent console in a dining room to store linens and china, in an entry way as storage, or even in a living room to display a cool collection. Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Hanson Media Console? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-07-29 08:00:49.