DIY Network

Custom Game Console Cabinet Serious gamers need serious storage. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-304

Tom and his son love bonding over a videogame before bedtime – but they don't like all the clutter that goes along with serious gaming. They need storage for their multiple gaming consoles as well as games, controllers and even plug-in bongo controllers. Host Karl Champley helps them corral the clutter with a custom cabinet for all their gaming needs. A swanky new hideaway video projector also helps them game in style. Since this room also doubles as a guestroom, he even installs a space-saving Murphy bed that folds down for guests, but flips out of sight when it's playtime.

Karl replaces this clutter of consoles and cords...

with high-scoring storage.

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Custom Game Console Cabinet

Tools: safety glasses electric screwdriver screwdriver nail gun sandpaper circular saw paint rollers, trays, brushes studfinder

Materials: primer and paint ¾ inch birch plywood screws ¼ inch birch plywood 1x2 cabinet facing nails wood glue trim adjustable shelf tracks and clips

• Sketch out a plan. The best part of a custom cabinet is that it can be tailored to fit just about any need. For this videogamer's cabinet, Karl and Tom measured the different consoles and peripherals to make sure the final cabinet would have ample space for all of the equipment and games — plus room for new acquisitions.

• Cut plywood. Wearing safety glasses, cut 3/4" plywood to the dimensions for the cabinet pieces. Cut all pieces except the back panel, which will be made from 1/4" plywood.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw or other power tools.
  

  Figure A

• Build the box. Use wood glue and a nail gun to build the basic cabinet frame (figure A). Apply wood glue to all joints before securing them with nails for a stronger bond. Make sure joints are square and true before nailing.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use extreme caution when working with a nail gun. These powerful tools can drive a nail through wood – or a hand or foot – instantly.

• Add shelves and facing. Carefully position the built-in shelves and attach using wood glue and a nail gun. Check the shelves for level before nailing. Also use wood glue and nails to attach the facing pieces to give the cabinet a more finished look.

  Tip: Shelves don't have to be square on the back. Follow Karl's example and cut a contour in the back of the shelves to allow cords and cables to pass through easily.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Add backing. Cut a large piece of 1/4" plywood to the dimensions of the back of the cabinet. Attach this backing sheet with nails (figure B).

  Tip: For electronics cabinets, consider cutting a hole in the backing to allow cords and cables to pass through. To do this, dry-fit the backing on the cabinet and mark the desired location for a hole – such as just above or below a built-in shelf. Lay the backing flat, drill a wide pilot hole and insert a jigsaw to cut the hole. Install on the back of the cabinet with nails.

• Trim and finish. Sand the piece. Attach any wood trim with wood glue and nails. After all of the glue has dried, sand the unit and fill in any nail holes with putty. Finish with wood stain or primer and paint as desired.

• Install movable shelves. Once all finishes have dried, use an electric screwdriver to attach adjustable shelf tracks on the inside of the cabinet. Make sure the tracks are plumb and lined up with each other before attaching. Install shelf clips and movable shelves as desired.

• Install the cabinet. Working with a helper, move the cabinet into position (figure C). Find and mark the position of the wall studs behind the cabinet. Use screws to secure the cabinet to the wall studs. This will prevent the cabinet tipping over.