How To Build Your Own TV Stand

Now that you have a wonderful new plasma screen TV for your home, you life is about to change. But, of course, you still need to purchase that new TV stand that is large enough o fit the new television. Hopefully, you won’t have to buy a new living room to fit the new TV stand.

I often say that once you have saved enough money to buy your nice new 50” plasma screen TV, chances are, after you buy the pricy TV stand, you’ll only be able to afford a 12”. So, if you are someone that this sounds like it might pose a problem for, I have a couple tips for you to conquer the market and get around those high prices.

Many of the more traditional wood TV stands can support your TV just fine. The only problem is how are you going to support your kids after you buy it? You can purchase one that looks similar from somewhere like Ikea but then you are going to have to replace the TV stand every year and a half. I you are like me and like the more modern look, you are in luck because a TV stand kit made from steel (also with tempered glass) can cost around the affordable price of $100. Even if you’re not a professional craftsman, you won’t have any trouble throwing one of these bad boys together. And, they are extremely sturdy. They can sometimes hold upwards 250 pounds. Don’t quote me on that but that’s what I’ve seen.

Most stands can handle 150 pounds fairly well and this will be sufficient for most TVs. But you’re going to love that new steel TV stand with your new plasma screen. Most of the time, the TV stand will also come with tempered glass shelving for you other electronics—your DVD player, your Wii, your Playstation, etc. Just make sure the glass is tempered or very strong plexiglass or acrylic. Trust me; it’s well worth the little extra price.

Another option I have commonly suggested is creating your own TV stand. There are tons of plans online you can take a look at. Another of my hubpages, DIY TV Stand Options, has a comment on it with a wonderful site for woodworking templates. It takes a bit of work but it pays off and you feel like quite the handy man when you’re done.

You are more than welcome to just go there and get a pattern but I will give you a few simple steps you can follow also. Get a few 90cm x 60cm pieces of cedar. Cedar is great because it requires no finish or stain.—saving you moola. Make sure the board is at least 2.5cm thick.

Curve the edges with a saw or router or the tool of your choice and then smooth out all the edges with sandpaper.

Now, make a groove in the wood a couple inches in where you want the first shelf to go. Make the grooves ½ inch deep for the shelves to be inserted in. You can also do this with a router or other tool.

If it were me, I would just buy shelves. You can get them dirt cheap. Just get them wide enough for your TV stand. You can also get L supports from Home Depot or Ace Hardware to add additional supports.

If this has been helpful, you can also visit my TV Stand Helper.