Art Workbench

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring all parts.

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Using home center cutting service is recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking horizontality during assembly.

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining.

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing.

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Measurements and Installation Location

   ≈ 15 min

   Measure the installation space for the TV stand and confirm if the art workbench (1200×700×720mm) fits. Check the location of power outlets, wiring paths, and the shape of the TV stand.

   Measure

   W 1200 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 17

   Tip

   • Ideal clearance is TV stand width plus 100mm on each side. If wall-mounted, consider reinforcing the center of the top board.
   • Choose a location that allows at least 50mm space behind for ventilation.
   • If the floor is carpeted, measure assuming a hard board will be laid under the legs to prevent wobbling.

   Watch out

   • If the TV stand depth (700mm) is less than the TV stand base, it may protrude dangerously. Always measure the bottom of the TV box before purchase.
   • If storing AV amps or soundbars, verify if they fit within shelf internal dimensions (W1164×D390×H328mm).
2. 2

   Create Cut List and Order from Home Center

   ≈ 30 min

   Cut from 1×6 foot Lauan plywood 18mm boards: top and bottom boards (18×400×1200)×2, side boards (18×400×364)×2, and shelf board (18×390×1164)×1. Back panel is veneer 4mm (1200×400)×1. Since plywood is heavy and large, using the home center cutting service is recommended.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 17

   Tip

   • Home center cutting costs 30-50 yen per cut with precision within ±1mm.
   • The wood grain direction should be horizontal when viewed from the front. Specify this when ordering.
   • The side board length (364mm) accounts for thickness of top and bottom boards (18mm×2). Provide this exact measurement.

   Watch out

   • If plywood thickness differs (12mm/15mm/21mm etc.), side board length calculation changes. Measure actual thickness before ordering.
   • Cutting service only does straight cuts; holes and chamfering must be done by yourself.
3. 3

   Apply Edge Banding Tape

   ≈ 25 min

   The raw edges of plywood are rough compared to the finished surface, so apply edge banding tape with an iron. Treat visible edges—front, back, and sides of top and bottom boards, front edges of side boards and shelf board. Use medium iron temperature (around 150°C) and press for 3-5 seconds.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 3 / 17

   Tip

   • Edge tape adhesive melts with heat to bond. Press with a cloth before cooling for better adhesion.
   • Trim excess tape with a cutter at an angle in 2-3 passes for a natural finish.
   • No tape is needed on the back panel (4mm veneer) edges as they are not visible.

   Watch out

   • Moving the iron continuously prevents heat from transferring properly. Press stationary for 3 seconds before moving.
   • Too high temperature burns the tape and changes color. Test temperature on leftover tape first.
4. 4

   Sand All Parts

   ≈ 30 min

   Sand all parts using #180 then #240 sandpaper. Since the plywood surface is originally smooth, a light sanding is sufficient. Lightly round corners with #240 to avoid sharp edges. Also gently finish edges of the edge tape with #240.

   Sand

   #180

   SandSTEP 4 / 17

   Tip

   • Sand along the wood grain. Sanding against the grain raises fibers and causes uneven paint.
   • Round corners until a tissue can be brushed over without snagging.
   • Sanding near a vacuum nozzle reduces dust by half, making indoor work tolerable.

   Watch out

   • The plywood veneer is thin (0.2-0.5mm). Sanding too hard exposes gray substrate.
   • Sanding generates a lot of dust. Work in ventilated areas like balconies or garages.
5. 5

   Mark Shelf Board Position on Side Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark the shelf board fixing position on the two side boards. Draw a horizontal line 200mm up from the bottom edge (this will be the top surface height of the shelf board). Mark the pilot hole positions along the center line of the shelf board thickness (9mm line) using a carpenter's square and pencil.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 5 / 17

   Tip

   • Stack the two side boards and mark one; transfer markings to the other by punching to ensure exact match.
   • Shelf height can be adjusted according to equipment size; AV amp height + 50mm is a guideline.
   • Pilot holes are at the thickness center line (9mm from edge). Misalignment causes shelf misplacement.

   Watch out

   • If side boards differ in height marking, the shelf will be crooked. Don't forget to transfer markings while stacked.
   • Pencil lines may remain visible even after painting. Draw lightly, planning to erase after assembly.
6. 6

   Drill Pilot Holes in Shelf Board and Side Boards

   ≈ 25 min

   Drill pilot holes (φ3.5mm) at two points each on both ends of the shelf board end grain for side board fixing (total 4). Also drill through pilot holes (φ3.5mm) on the marked positions on side boards with countersinks (φ8mm×3mm depth) on the front side. Plywood is less prone to splitting, but holes close to edges must be done carefully.

   Drill a hole

   φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 6 / 17

   Tip

   • Countersinking screw heads flush creates a neat finish.
   • Use a drill stopper for depth control to prevent through holes; set to board thickness minus 2mm.
   • Clamp shelf board firmly before drilling pilot holes into the end grain to prevent splitting.

   Watch out

   • Screwing within 10mm of edge risks splitting. Keep aligned on the 9mm center line.
   • Drilling at an angle causes protrusion on opposite side. Drill vertically from top.
7. 7

   Temporary Assembly of Bottom Board and Side Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Place the bottom board flat. Set the two side boards vertically on the edges aligning their bottom edges to the bottom board edge. Apply thin wood glue, then from the bottom board side drill pilot holes (φ3.5mm) and insert 3 coarse-thread 38mm screws per side (6 total). Check right angles between side and bottom boards with a carpenter's square while working.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 17

   Tip

   • Use a toothpick amount of glue spread thinly; immediately wipe excess with a damp cloth.
   • Clamp side boards temporarily to prevent movement when drilling pilot holes.
   • Ensure the floor is level before assembly by checking bottom board with a level.

   Watch out

   • Applying too much glue causes overflow that repels paint.
   • Driving screws without pilot holes causes plywood splitting. Always pre-drill.
8. 8

   Attach Shelf Board

   ≈ 20 min

   Insert the shelf board (1164mm length) to align with the mark on the side boards. Apply glue, drill pilot holes (φ3.5mm) from the exterior side of side boards, and drive two 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (4 total). Confirm shelf board is level using a level.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 17

   Tip

   • Shelf board length (1164mm) = top board width (1200mm) minus side board thickness (18mm×2). Confirm measurement is correct before proceeding.
   • Shelf board is internal and hidden; countersinking screw heads is unnecessary.
   • If using adjustable shelf pins, drill multiple φ5mm holes here to accommodate.

   Watch out

   • Shelf board too short causes gap; too long causes side boards to bow out. Reconfirm measures.
   • Shelf board must be level to prevent TV remote or small items from rolling off.
9. 9

   Attach Top Board

   ≈ 25 min

   Place the top board (1200mm width) onto the box, aligning its edge with the top edge of side boards. Drill pilot holes (φ3.5mm) from top board side and drive three 38mm coarse-thread screws on each side (6 total). Countersink screw heads and optionally fill with wood dowels or putty for a cleaner finish.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 9 / 17

   Tip

   • The top board bears the TV load; increasing screws to four per side (8 total) enhances strength.
   • Filling countersunk holes with φ9mm wooden dowels camouflages joints and is unnoticeable after paint.
   • For heavy TVs (over 30kg), add a 1x2 reinforcement timber beneath the top board center.

   Watch out

   • Installing the top board reversed causes grain direction mismatch.
   • 38mm screws match 18mm thickness well; longer screws may penetrate the shelf board below.
10. 10

    Check Right Angles and Diagonals

    ≈ 15 min

    Check the entire box's right angles by placing the square at all four inside corners to confirm 90°. Measure the internal diagonal lengths with a tape measure and verify both are equal within 2mm. If misaligned, loosen screws slightly, use clamps to correct, then re-tighten.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 10 / 17

    Tip

    • If diagonal difference exceeds 5mm, distortion is large; back panel won't fit. Correct immediately.
    • Clamping diagonally tightens the box square easier.
    • Enlarging pilot holes to φ4mm provides play for easier adjustment.

    Watch out

    • Ignoring distortion now leads to large gaps at corners when attaching back panel.
    • Use a high-precision square (aluminum or steel). Plastic squares have large errors.
11. 11

    Attach Back Panel

    ≈ 15 min

    Place the 4mm veneer back panel on the back side and fix all edges and center using a stapler or thin screws (φ3×20mm). Staple every 30mm or screw every 100mm. The back panel fixes the right angle and removes nearly all distortion at this stage.

    Build the frame

    Check for square

    AssembleSTEP 11 / 17

    Tip

    • If diagonal check indicates distortion, use clamps to correct while attaching back panel.
    • Stapler is faster; it's a tool that drives thin staples like an oversized staple gun.
    • Place the back panel grain horizontally for a neat appearance.

    Watch out

    • Do not attach the back panel reversed; front and back have different color and grain.
    • Stapler staples may protrude if not driven properly; check by feeling the back surface with your hand after work.
12. 12

    Create Wiring Holes (If Needed)

    ≈ 15 min

    Drill wiring holes on the back panel using a hole saw (φ50mm) to pass TV power cords, HDMI cables, antenna cables. Position holes directly behind TV connection terminals. If no hole saw, drill multiple small holes and cut connecting lines with a coping saw.

    Drill a hole

    φ50mm

    DrillSTEP 12 / 17

    Tip

    • Apply edge tape to hole edges to protect fingers and cable insulation.
    • Confirm TV rear connector layout before deciding hole location for straight cable routing.
    • Align hole height with power outlet for a neat look.

    Watch out

    • Incorrect hole positioning prevents cables from exiting behind TV neatly.
    • Hole saw slipping peels off plywood surface; ensure drill center bit bites well.
13. 13

    Prepare Surface for Painting

    ≈ 15 min

    Lightly sand all surfaces with #240 sandpaper before painting. Use a damp cloth and dry cloth to remove all dust. Remove glue overflow and burrs around screw holes. For indoor use, Watco Oil, Briwax, or water-based paints are easy to apply.

    Sand

    #240

    SandSTEP 13 / 17

    Tip

    • Always test paint on scrap material; plywood absorbs differently than wood leading to unexpected color intensity.
    • Water-based paints are easy for beginners; brushes can be cleaned with water.
    • Watco Oil leaves a natural wood texture finish; apply by rubbing with a cloth.

    Watch out

    • Glue residue repels paint; sand with #240 before painting.
    • Dust left on surfaces causes rough finish; clean thoroughly before painting.
14. 14

    First Paint Coat

    ≈ 30 min

    Apply the paint or finish evenly using a brush or rag, in order: top board, side boards, bottom board, back panel. Brush with the grain in one direction to avoid streaks. Apply thin uniform coats, not thick. Allow natural drying for over 2 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 14 / 17

    Tip

    • Divide paint into small portions; leaving can open forms skin and ruins paint.
    • If brush marks appear, swap to a foam roller for flat surfaces.
    • Place drying parts in low-dust areas, avoiding direct fan airflow.

    Watch out

    • Thick coats cause uneven drying and peeling later. Two thin coats is essential.
    • Drying near heater direct airflow causes skin drying but inner paint remains wet. Wait for natural drying.
15. 15

    Intermediate Sanding and Second Coat

    ≈ 25 min

    Once the first coat is fully dry, lightly sand surface with #320 sandpaper (intermediate sanding) to remove roughness. Remove dust and apply the second coat thinner than the first to achieve a smooth finish. Allow at least 24 hours drying.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 15 / 17

    Tip

    • Intermediate sanding lightly smooths surface without removing the paint layer.
    • Second coat must be thin to avoid drips.
    • Do not touch painted areas during drying to avoid fingerprints and dust; follow full 24-hour drying.

    Watch out

    • Excessive sanding removes the first coat.
    • Thick second coat delays drying and prevents next day work.
16. 16

    Attach Leg Pads and Anti-Tip Hardware

    ≈ 20 min

    Attach felt pads to the bottom of legs to prevent floor scratches and wobble. For earthquake safety, mount anti-tip belts or brackets on the upper rear and fix them to wall studs with screws. This prevents TV stand toppling during strong earthquakes.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 16 / 17

    Tip

    • Felt pads cost about 50 yen each at home centers; 10mm thickness absorbs floor unevenness better.
    • Anti-tip belts are available at 100-yen stores; dedicated TV stands hardware costing around 1000 yen is more reliable.
    • Wall fixing must align to wall studs; plasterboard alone won't hold.

    Watch out

    • Omitting felt pads causes floor damage from scratching.
    • Omitting anti-tip hardware risks TV stand and TV damage in major earthquakes.
17. 17

    Final Check and Installation

    ≈ 20 min

    Move the completed TV stand to the installation place. Use a level to confirm front-back and side-side horizontality. Adjust wobbling with felt thickness. Place the TV, route cables, turn on power, and verify operation. Place only lightweight items initially and observe for one week until paint fully cures.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 17 / 17

    Tip

    • Place the TV centered to distribute weight evenly on the top board; placing it off-center causes distortion.
    • Route cables through back panel holes and use cable ties for neatness.
    • When placing AV amps or BD recorders on shelves, ensure 50mm clearance front and back for ventilation.

    Watch out

    • Complete paint curing takes one week. Placing devices or remote controls directly on fresh paint causes stickiness.
    • Uneven floors prevent leveling; adjust felt pad thickness on each side to compensate.

Warnings

• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent wood splitting.

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