Natural Wood TV Stand

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used to measure each component.

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking lines and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Using a home center's cutting service is recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking level 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

   Measure and Confirm Installation Location

   ≈ 15 min

   Measure the installation location of the TV stand and confirm that the Natural Wood TV Stand (1500×450×450mm) fits. Also check outlet positions, wiring paths, and the shape of the TV stand base.

   Measure

   W 1500 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 17

   Tip

   • Ideal clearance is the TV stand base width plus 100mm on both sides. Consider reinforcing the center of the top board if wall-mounted.
   • Ensure at least 50mm space from the wall to allow front-to-back ventilation.
   • If the floor is carpeted, measure assuming a hard board is placed under the legs to prevent wobbling.

   Watch out

   • If the TV stand base width is larger than 450mm, it may protrude dangerously in front. Always measure the base of the TV box before purchasing.
   • If storing AV amplifiers or soundbars, confirm the device size fits within the shelf interior dimensions (W1164×D390×H328mm).
2. 2

   Create Cut List and Order from Home Center

   ≈ 30 min

   Cut the following from 18mm Lauan plywood 1×6尺 board: top and bottom boards (18×400×1200)×2, side boards (18×400×364)×2, shelf board (18×390×1164)×1. The back board is 4mm veneer (1200×400)×1. Lauan plywood is heavy and wide; using a home center's cutting service is recommended.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 17

   Tip

   • Home center cutting service costs 30-50 yen per cut and can cut within ±1mm accuracy.
   • The wood grain direction is more attractive horizontally when viewed from the front. Specify this when ordering.
   • The side board length 364mm includes the thickness of top and bottom boards (18mm×2) in the internal dimension calculation. Provide the specified length as is.

   Watch out

   • If the plywood thickness is not 18mm (e.g., 12mm, 15mm, 21mm), side board length calculations vary. Confirm exact thickness before ordering.
   • Cutting service supports only straight cuts. Wiring holes and chamfers must be done by yourself.
3. 3

   Apply Edge Banding Tape to Cut Surfaces

   ≈ 25 min

   The cut edges of plywood are rough and different from the decorative surfaces, so apply edge banding tape with an iron. Treat visible edges—the front, back, left, and right edges of top and bottom boards; the front edges of side boards and shelf board. Set the iron temperature to medium (~150℃) and press for 3-5 seconds.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 3 / 17

   Tip

   • Edge banding tape adheres by melting resin with heat. Press with a cloth before it cools for better adhesion.
   • Trim excess tape with a cutter at an angle for a natural finish. Cut gradually in 2-3 passes rather than all at once.
   • Do not apply edge banding tape to the back board (4mm veneer) since edges are not visible.

   Watch out

   • Moving the iron continuously prevents heat penetration. Hold stationary for 3 seconds per spot, then move.
   • If the temperature is too high, tape scorches and color changes. Test temperature on leftover tape first.
4. 4

   Sand All Components

   ≈ 30 min

   Sand all components in order #180→#240 grit sandpaper. The plywood surface is already smooth, so light passes suffice. Lightly chamfer edges with #240 to prevent sharpness. Also gently finish the edges of edge banding tape with #240.

   Sand

   #180 → #240

   SandSTEP 4 / 17

   Tip

   • Sand along the wood grain. Sanding against the grain raises fibers, causing uneven paint later.
   • Chamfer edges until 'no resistance even when stroking with a tissue' as a guideline.
   • Using a vacuum nozzle near the sander reduces dust by half, enabling indoor work.

   Watch out

   • The decorative layer of plywood is thin (0.2-0.5mm). Excessive sanding exposes the gray base layer.
   • Sanding generates lots of dust. Perform sanding outdoors or in ventilated areas like balconies or garages.
5. 5

   Mark Shelf Board Positions on Side Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark the shelf fixing positions on the two side boards. Draw a horizontal line 200mm up from the bottom edge of the side boards (this is the shelf board upper surface position). Measure identically on both side boards for symmetry. Mark pilot hole positions (center of shelf board thickness = 9mm line). Use a carpenter's square and pencil for marking.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 5 / 17

   Tip

   • Stack side boards and mark one, then transfer markings to the other with a center punch for perfect alignment.
   • Shelf position can be adjusted according to equipment. Use AV amplifier height plus 50mm as a guideline.
   • Pilot hole center is half the side board thickness (18mm), thus 9mm from edge. Misalignment causes shelf offset.

   Watch out

   • Different heights on left and right side boards cause shelf tilt. Always transfer marks by stacking.
   • Pencil lines may remain visible after painting. Draw lightly to erase later after assembly.
6. 6

   Drill Pilot Holes for Shelf Board and Side Boards

   ≈ 25 min

   Drill pilot holes (φ3.5mm) into the end face of the shelf board for side board fixing—2 holes on each side, total 4 holes. Drill pilot holes through the marked positions on side boards also with φ3.5mm drill, and countersink on front side with φ8mm diameter and 3mm depth. Plywood doesn't easily split, but holes near edges require caution.

   Drill a hole

   φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 6 / 17

   Tip

   • Countersinking screw heads flush creates a neat finish.
   • Use a drill stopper to control depth and prevent breakthrough. Set stopper around board thickness minus 2mm.
   • Clamp boards firmly before drilling shelf end edge holes because edges chip easily.

   Watch out

   • Driving screws within 10mm from plywood edge risks splitting. Keep pilot holes precisely at the 9mm center line.
   • Inserting drill at an angle causes protrusion on opposite side. Drill vertically from above.
7. 7

   Temporary Assembly of Bottom and Side Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Place the bottom board on the floor and stand the two side boards on it. Align side board bottom edges with bottom board edges. Apply a thin coat of wood glue, drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from the bottom board side, and drive three 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (total 6 screws). Check angles with a carpenter's square during assembly.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 17

   Tip

   • Apply wood glue sparingly about the thickness of a toothpick length, spreading thinly. Wipe excess immediately with a damp cloth.
   • Clamp side boards for temporary fixing before drilling to prevent movement.
   • Ensure floor is flat and check bottom board is level with a level before assembly to avoid distortion.

   Watch out

   • Excess glue causes squeeze-out and prevents paint adhesion. Use thin, even layers.
   • Not drilling pilot holes before screwing causes plywood splitting. Always drill pilot holes first.
8. 8

   Attach Shelf Board

   ≈ 20 min

   Insert the shelf board (1164mm long) at marked position. Align the ends of side boards and shelf board, apply glue, drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from side board exterior, and drive two 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (total 4 screws). Check shelf board level with a level.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 17

   Tip

   • Shelf board length 1164mm equals top board width 1500mm minus side board thickness 18mm×2. Confirm measurements before proceeding.
   • Shelf screws need no countersink because holes are hidden inside.
   • To make shelves adjustable with shelf pins, drill multiple φ5mm holes here instead.

   Watch out

   • Shelf board too short causes looseness; too long pushes side boards outward. Double-check cut dimensions.
   • Uneven shelf level causes TV remotes and small items to roll off. Always verify水平 with a level.
9. 9

   Attach Top Board

   ≈ 25 min

   Place the top board (1200mm wide) on the box frame, aligning top edges of side boards. Drill φ3.5mm pilot holes from top board and drive three 38mm coarse-thread screws per side (total 6 screws). Screw heads are countersunk and can be covered with wooden dowels or wood putty for a better finish.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 9 / 17

   Tip

   • Top board supports the TV; increasing screws (4 per side, total 8) improves load capacity.
   • Filling countersink holes with φ9mm wooden dowels conceals joints and becomes invisible after painting.
   • For very heavy TVs (over 30kg), reinforce the top board center with 1x2 lumber from underneath.

   Watch out

   • Attaching top board reversed front to back causes grain direction mismatch; orient before fastening.
   • 38mm screws suit 18mm thickness well; longer screws may penetrate through to shelf board below.
10. 10

    Check Right Angles and Diagonal Lengths

    ≈ 15 min

    Verify right angles on all four inside corners of the box frame using a carpenter's square. Measure internal diagonal lengths with a tape measure and confirm both diagonals are equal within 2mm difference. If misaligned, loosen screws as needed and use clamps to correct alignment before re-tightening.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 10 / 17

    Tip

    • A diagonal difference over 5mm indicates significant distortion. Correct or the back board won't fit.
    • Applying clamps diagonally clamps the entire box to achieve right angles effectively.
    • Enlarging pilot holes to φ4mm can provide adjustment play for easier alignment.

    Watch out

    • Ignoring distortions here results in large gaps at the four corners when attaching the back board.
    • Use reliable precision squares (aluminum or steel). Plastic squares cause large errors.
11. 11

    Attach Back Board

    ≈ 15 min

    Place the 4mm veneer back board (1500×450mm) against the back side, and fix four edges and center using a staple gun or small screws (φ3×20mm). Staples should be spaced about 30mm apart, screws about 100mm apart. The back board corrects distortion, so this step almost eliminates frame warping.

    Build the frame

    Check for square

    AssembleSTEP 11 / 17

    Tip

    • If misalignment was found in previous step, clamp and correct frame while attaching back board.
    • Staple guns are faster and use thin staples like small staples.
    • Orient veneer wood grain horizontally for a clean appearance.

    Watch out

    • Do not attach back board reversed; front and back surfaces differ in color and grain.
    • Staple nails may protrude if missed. Check rear surface by hand after fastening.
12. 12

    Cut Wiring Hole if Needed

    ≈ 15 min

    To pass the TV power cable, HDMI, and antenna cables, drill a wiring hole (φ50mm) on the back board with a hole saw. Position the hole directly behind the TV input terminals. If no hole saw is available, drill multiple holes with a drill and connect them with a coping saw.

    Drill a hole

    φ50mm

    DrillSTEP 12 / 17

    Tip

    • Applying edge banding tape around hole edges protects fingers and cable insulation.
    • Confirm TV back terminal layout and cable routing path before positioning hole for clear cable passage.
    • Align hole height with outlet height for clean appearance.

    Watch out

    • Incorrect hole position prevents cables from being pulled out directly behind the TV, making the setup look untidy.
    • Hole saw slipping causes plywood surface peeling; keep drill bit centered firmly.
13. 13

    Prepare Surface for Painting

    ≈ 15 min

    Lightly sand the entire assembly with #240 sandpaper before painting. Remove all dust thoroughly with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth. Remove excess wood glue squeeze-out and burrs around screw heads. Suitable finishes include Watco Oil, Briwax, and water-based paints for indoor use.

    Sand

    #240

    SandSTEP 13 / 17

    Tip

    • Always test paint on a scrap piece first. Plywood absorbs paint differently than lumber, affecting color intensity.
    • Water-based paints are beginner-friendly as brushes wash with water.
    • Watco Oil preserves natural wood texture; apply by rubbing with a cloth.

    Watch out

    • Glue spots repel paint; lightly sand these areas with #240 before painting.
    • Failing to remove dust causes rough paint surfaces. Clean thoroughly before painting.
14. 14

    First Coat of Paint

    ≈ 30 min

    Apply paint evenly on all surfaces with a brush or cloth. Paint in order: top board → side boards → bottom board → back board, painting from larger to smaller surfaces. Brush in one direction along wood grain for minimal brush marks. Apply a thin uniform film. Allow to air dry for at least 2 hours.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 14 / 17

    Tip

    • Portion paint to use at once; leaving paint can open forms a skin that ruins remaining paint.
    • Use a foam roller brush if brush marks are a concern for more even application on flat surfaces.
    • Place drying parts in a low-dust environment; avoid direct airflow from fans or heaters.

    Watch out

    • Thick coats cause uneven drying and peeling later; thin coats applied twice are best.
    • Drying near direct heater airflow causes surface to dry while underlying paint remains wet. Allow natural drying.
15. 15

    Light Sanding and Second Coat

    ≈ 25 min

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

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 15 / 17

    Tip

    • Intermediate sanding removes surface roughness without removing paint layer.
    • Apply the second coat thinly to avoid drips.
    • Do not touch painted surfaces while drying to avoid fingerprints and dust contamination; adhere to 24-hour drying time.

    Watch out

    • Excessive sanding removes first coat paint; sand lightly with #320.
    • Thick second coats extend drying time and delay subsequent work the next day.
16. 16

    Attach Foot Pads and Anti-Tip Fittings

    ≈ 20 min

    Attach felt pads to the bottom of legs to prevent floor scratches and wobbling. For earthquake safety, install anti-tip straps or brackets at the upper back. Securing to wall studs with screws is safest, ensuring the TV stand remains upright even during large earthquakes.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 16 / 17

    Tip

    • Felt pads costing about 50 yen are available at home centers. Selecting 10mm thickness helps absorb floor unevenness.
    • Anti-tip straps can be found at 100-yen shops; specialized straps costing around 1000 yen provide added security.
    • When fixing to the wall, align screws with studs. Drywall alone cannot support fixtures.

    Watch out

    • Omitting felt pads causes scratches on flooring and unstable positioning.
    • Skipping anti-tip measures risks TV stand toppling and TV damage during strong earthquakes.
17. 17

    Final Check and Installation

    ≈ 20 min

    Transport the finished TV stand to the installation location. Check level front-to-back and left-to-right using a level. Adjust felt pad thickness for any wobbling. Place the TV, arrange cables, and verify power functionality. Initially place only light items and observe for one week until paint fully cures.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 17 / 17

    Tip

    • Place the TV centered on the top board so weight distributes evenly; placing off-center causes distortion.
    • Route cables down through back board holes and tidy with zip ties for a clean appearance.
    • If storing AV amplifiers or Blu-ray recorders on the shelf, leave 50mm clearance for ventilation front and back.

    Watch out

    • Complete curing of paint takes about one week. Using remotes or placing equipment directly on the surface prematurely causes stickiness.
    • Floors that are inclined prevent level adjustment. Vary felt pad thicknesses on left and right sides for balance.

Warnings

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

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