Furniture

X-Leg TV Stand

Build your own x-leg TV stand/console for a fraction of the cost to buy it.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 3.5–6.8 hours
Cost: $$

About this build

Build your own x-leg TV stand/console for a fraction of the cost to buy it. An easy build, and it looks just like one you would purchase in store or online, but is so much sturdier!

Tools

Essential

Drill / Driver
Miter Saw
Pocket Hole Jig
Random Orbit Sander

Optional / nice to have

Bar / Pipe Clamps
Tape Measure

Materials

Item	Qty
Board, 2x2 8'	1 board
Board, 1x3 96"	2 board
Plywood, 1/2" Thick Half Sheet	1 board
Pine bead, 1/2" Thick 96"	1 board
1-1/4" Kreg Screws (fine thread)	24 each
1" Kreg Screws (fine thread)	12 each
Paint or Stain / Polyurethane	1 each

Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L
Legs	4	2" × 2" × 23"
Leg connectors	4	1" × 3" × 14"
Leg Connectors	3	1" × 3" × 41"
Console Top	1	1/2" × 18" × 45"
Bottom Shelf	1	1/2" × 14" × 41"

What to buy

Buy 6 boards at 8 ft.

2" × 2"

1 board

23"23"23"23"

1" × 3"

3 boards

41"41"
41"14"14"14"
14"

1/2" × 18"

1 board

1/2" × 14"

1 board

Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →

Start building →

Instructions

1Cut Pieces & Drill Pocket Holes
After cutting all your pieces to size, drill pocket holes into either end of all the 1"x3" pieces (all 14" and 41"). Additionally, drill three pocket holes into a side edge of two of the 1"x3"x14" pieces, and two of the 1"x3"x41" pieces. These will be the pieces that attach to the console top.
2Assemble Legs
After drilling your pocket holes (as shown), attach your 2"x2" legs via your 1"x3"x14" boards. Start by attaching the top 1"x3" piece (with side pocket holes facing the top)(flush with the top edge of the 2"x2"), then attach your second 1"x3" piece 14 inches down.
3Add The X To The Legs
- Cut the 1/2" spindle at a 45 degree angle, then measure approximately 19 inches and make your second 45 degree angle cut.
- Next cut two small 9 inch spindles with one straight edge, and one 45 degree angle edge. Double check to see if your spindle measurements will be the same as mine...it all depends on how precise your legs were. If it is off, adjust accordingly. It is best to have a snug fit, and glue in place.
4Attach Legs To Each Other
Attach the finished legs to each other via the 1"x3"41" boards. Do this on an even surface, and make sure everything is square.
5Attach Console Top
Place the console frame in the center of the top, and attach via the pocket holes drilled into the 1"x3" boards all around.
6Add Front Support
Add the final 1"x3"x41" piece to the front of your TV stand/console. Line it up with the side 1"x3" pieces.
7Drill Pocket Holes in Bottom Shelf
Drill pocket holes into 3 sides of the bottom shelf, as shown.
8Attach Bottom Shelf
Line up the bottom shelf and screw it into the sides and front via the pocket holes.
9Paint/Stain/Seal
Finally sand your piece down, and paint or stain (your choice), and seal with a polyurethane.