Creating a wooden TV cabinet with sliding barn doors is a great woodworking project that adds a rustic yet modern touch to your living room. This project is not overly complex, but it does require some basic woodworking skills and tools. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to build your own wooden TV cabinet with sliding barn doors.
Materials Needed:
- Wood for the frame and shelves: Choose hardwood like oak, pine, or maple for durability. You’ll need boards for the sides, top, bottom, and shelves.
- Barn door hardware kit (sliding track and wheels): This will include the track, rollers, and necessary mounting brackets.
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Sandpaper (220-grit for finishing)
- Wood finish (polyurethane or lacquer)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular saw or table saw)
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Clamps
- Pencil for marking
Step 1: Plan Your Dimensions
Before cutting any wood, it’s essential to have a clear plan. Measure the space where you intend to place the TV cabinet to ensure it will fit perfectly. A standard TV cabinet might be around 60 to 70 inches wide and about 24 inches high, but adjust these dimensions based on your space and TV size.
- Height: 24-30 inches (depending on your preference for viewing height)
- Width: Based on your TV size (60 to 70 inches is typical)
- Depth: 16-20 inches for a solid base.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Using your saw, cut the wood pieces according to your measurements. You will need the following pieces:
- 2 Side panels (for the left and right of the cabinet)
- 1 Top panel
- 1 Bottom panel
- 2 or 3 Shelves (depending on how many compartments you want for storage)
- Back panel (optional, can be made from plywood)
- 2 Sliding barn doors (cut to the size of the cabinet opening)
Step 3: Assemble the Cabinet Frame
Start by assembling the frame of the TV cabinet. You can use wood glue and screws to attach the sides to the top and bottom panels. Make sure the edges are square by using a carpenter’s square to check for right angles.
- Attach the sides to the top and bottom pieces: Use wood screws to secure them at each corner.
- Add the back panel (optional): If you choose to add a back, attach it now using screws or nails, but leave space on the back edge for the barn door track system.
Step 4: Install the Shelves
- Drill shelf support holes: If you want adjustable shelves, drill holes on the inside of the side panels for shelf brackets.
- Install the shelves: Place the shelves inside the cabinet and secure them using screws or brackets.
Step 5: Sand the Wood
After the cabinet frame is assembled, sand all the edges and surfaces using 220-grit sandpaper. Sanding is essential to ensure that your cabinet has a smooth surface, especially if you plan to stain or paint it.
Step 6: Prepare the Barn Doors
- Cut the doors: The barn doors should be cut to fit the width of the cabinet opening, leaving a slight gap on each side for smooth sliding.
- Finish the doors: Sand the edges, then apply wood stain or paint to match your desired finish. Let the doors dry completely before attaching the hardware.
Step 7: Install the Barn Door Track
Now, it’s time to install the sliding track system that will allow your barn doors to slide open and closed.
- Measure and mark the door opening: Determine where the track will sit above the cabinet.
- Install the track: Using the included hardware kit, mount the track securely to the top of the cabinet. Be sure to level the track to ensure the doors slide properly.
Step 8: Attach the Barn Door Hardware
- Install the rollers on the doors: Attach the rollers to the top of each barn door as per the instructions in your hardware kit.
- Hang the doors: Once the rollers are attached, carefully hang the doors onto the track. You may need help for this step, as the doors can be heavy.
Step 9: Final Touches
- Adjust the doors: Once the doors are hanging, you may need to adjust the rollers or track to make sure the doors slide smoothly. You can also install stoppers at each end of the track to prevent the doors from falling off.
- Apply finish: If you haven’t already done so, apply a final coat of polyurethane or lacquer to protect the wood and give it a shiny finish.
Step 10: Organize the TV Cabinet
Finally, you can organize the inside of the TV cabinet, placing electronics, media, or other items inside. The sliding barn doors will give you easy access while keeping your living area looking neat and stylish.
Final Thoughts
This project requires some patience and precision, but the result is well worth the effort. A wooden TV cabinet with sliding barn doors not only looks fantastic but also provides practical storage for your entertainment center. Whether you choose a rustic wood finish or a painted design, this project will enhance your home’s decor.
If you’re new to woodworking, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course, which offers step-by-step instructions and plans for hundreds of projects, including furniture like this TV cabinet.