Help for repurposing a simple table in to a media center

Pilan
by Pilan
I purchase this sturdy well built table from a retired cabinet maker. I want to make this into a media center for my flat screen and install 2 shelves as well as cover sides and front. Anyone have a suggestion how to start on the assembling of the two shelves.
  6 answers
  • Chris Bryngelson Chris Bryngelson on Jul 24, 2016
    If you want the legs to show (I would, with the detail) I'd make a sort of 5-sided box INSIDE the legs and screwing directly into the legs from the inside. The bottom of the box will be one shelf. Then, put braces on the side walls to support your second shelf. To hide the face of the material, trim the front of the box and the shelf.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Jul 24, 2016
    How about creating a shelf below the tabletop and using decorative baskets for storage?
    • Pilan Pilan on Jul 26, 2016
      Yes, I will be using decorative baskets for the bottom shelf. I have a long sound bar going on the bottom and 3 electronic boxes that need open space on the top.
  • Jemma Dee Jemma Dee on Jul 24, 2016
    Install 1 x 2 boards on the inside of the legs to act as supports for shelves. Measure plywood to fit and fasten to top of the supports.
  • Connie Farber Connie Farber on Jul 25, 2016
    Do you want upper shelves or lower shelves? I love the recycle stores for windows and old closet doors. If upper shelves appeal to you, you can buy decorative metal braces and maybe cut an old wooden door down or some rustic wood...I love working with the decorative metal braces. Easy fix for extra shelves where shelves were not an option before.
  • Rita Botha Rita Botha on Jul 25, 2016
    I have almost an identical table, other than the detail on legs and drawers (mine is plain). If I am correct, you will be able to follow the method of the original piece if you turn the table upside-down. You should be able to see right up to the bottom of the table top how the cabinetmaker put it together. Usually slots are cut into the legs and sides a special shaped bracket is inserted from legs to sides which keeps the entire construction together. That takes care of the sides. For the shelves, it would be a matter of choice what you do about them - whether you would like them to slide out or not. Sliders are available from hardware stores which get attached to the sides as well as the shelf which will ensure that it does not fall out. If you prefer to have stationery shelves, it would be as easy as attaching 2 x 4's all around on the inside and lay your shelving wood on top of these. Be precise about the level of the 2 x 4's otherwise your shelves will not be straight. If you prefer open shelving, that would be the sum total of what you need to do since the legs will finish off the raw edges of the newly added sides. If not, it is up to you to decide the fashion of doors for the front. That should also not present a problem if you can source ready-made doors. And then just finish off your new media centre in the colour/finish of your choice. Hope this helps a little with clarifying the method in your own mind.
    • Pilan Pilan on Jul 26, 2016
      Thank You Rita Botha I pretty much did follow how the table was built and just added more.
  • Pilan Pilan on Jul 26, 2016
    I have almost finished it. I am just putting on some trim. I think for a first time I did well. It was really tough working in my garage with 105 degrees so it took me 5 days to get this far. Next time I will work in my art studio where I am finishing up the touch up and painting. I decided to make it just white because I have white baseboards and white ceiling trim. I can always do more to it if I want to. Thank you for your response and help.