DIY Television Stand

I'm sure we've all been there. With TVs as lightweight and flat as they have been for quite some time, most of us make the decision to stick our TVs on the wall, about two minutes after getting them out of the box. So then what happens? About a week later, once we're quite confident that we don't have to return it to the store because of some defect, we wonder "why would I still need the box?" You know, the one who's only purpose at this point is to hold the factory base that originally came with the TV that would allow us to place it on a cabinet or desk. The base that we didn't need because the TV is already in it's happy place, on the wall right? So we head for the recycle bin to toss the box, and along the way, chuck that base right in the trash.

Well, for some of us, we may discover some time later, that this reliable little TV has now outlasted its prominence on the wall. So at this point, it gives way to a more sizable and feature filled replacement. Alas, what to do? Rather than send a usable monitor off to clutter up a landfill, or spend time and energy trying to recycle or sell it to someone who wants to see it working and in good shape before they offer you $5 for it, I decided that my makeshift ManCave could be a nice alternative spot for it. So as I make plans to set the TV up on my work desk along with an old PS2 that went to the wayside once the Xbox was connected, I realized, oh yeah.. The base! Yup. What had long been discarded with the box years before, right now seemed pretty valuable. It was one of those "you don't know what you've got until it's gone" moments. Well, maybe not that dramatic, but I was still wishing I had thrown it in a drawer at this point. The challenge was that my work desk already earned a spot in my ManCave/shop and faced the center of the room, so a wall mount was not an option. As I found that leaning it against some paint cans was too problematic, I did what any resourceful guy would do in that situation. I built a Stand.

The Materials

Now that I knew which route I was going, and not wanting to waste time driving to the hardware store and spend more money than the TV was worth, I began rummaging around for materials. Wanting to keep it simple, I went with some scrap MDF (medium density fiberboard) since it would be easy to cut and paint. An assortment of drywall screws were always in plenty of supply around the shop for assembly. And my trusty plastic cashew container that was now my catch-all for all those random extra screws that come with just about everything, revealed just the right threaded screws to attach the TV to the new stand. How about that?! Once I found some wood glue and some black spray paint, I was ready to build.

The Plan

Once I figured out the placement of the TV monitor and the PS2 on the desk, I took some measurements to make sure everything would be easy to plug in and be at a good ergonomic height. With that done, I began to measure the wood for my cuts. Since not all TVs are the same, I'm certain that my dimensions for my base are not quite universal. The bigger the TV, the bigger the base would need to be, of corse. However, I believe the general shape and concept could be applied to come up with something useful.

The Construction

First thing I do is place the TV monitor face down onto a towel. Next, I take one piece of the MDF which I will use as the support, and mark it about an inch or so wider than the mounting holes on the back of the monitor. Then I measure this piece about four inches longer than the distance from the top mounting holes, to the bottom of the monitor. Then I make my cuts. Next, I place correction tape over the mounting hole studs which will transfer location marks to the wood. After marking the TV monitor where the top center of the MDF will line up, and after marking the top center on the MDF, I align the MDF with the mark, I press firmly on the MDF, and barely "scrape" the wood over the screw holes to transfer the marks. With the marks transferred, I darken them with a sharpie or pencil. Next I want to make sure the screws are the right length so they don't damage the TV by going in too far. Then, using a drill bit just slightly larger in diameter than the screws, I drill out the holes. I take the second piece of MDF that I will use for the base of the stand, and mark it approximately 2/3 the width of the monitor. After I cut out the base, I align the support piece with it so that the monitor will be centered over the base. Then once I mark the position of the support, I mark the locations for two pilot holes. Next, I drill these holes out and countersink them on the bottom side of the base pad for the screws to sit flush. I'm using 2 1/2 inch screws to join the support to the base. Holding the pieces together, I run the drill bit approximately 1/4 inch deeper than the base in order to mark the support. Then I pre drill approximately 1 1/2 inch deep into the support using a slightly smaller drill bit than the screws. I apply wood glue where the pieces will join and secure the pieces with the 2 1/2" screws. I wipe off any excess glue. Once the glue dries, I temporarily install the monitor with screws to check alignment and function. Once I'm satisfied that the new base is functional, I remove the monitor and use gloss black to spray paint the new stand. Once the paint is dry, I attach the monitor permanently to the stand with the mounting screws. Now my little TV is ready for some gaming! With my PS2 hooked up, I am now good to go.