TV Shelf

Yesterday, I worked for a while more on my under the TV floating shelf. I used my new router and router table, a Christmas gift from MY Jane. I now have the shelves cut to shape and rabbet slots cut in the two sides into which the shelves will fit. Also, I have rounded over the edges of the sides and routed a nice profile on the front edge of the three shelves. The picture below shows the top two shelves dry fitted into position.

The bottom shelf is ready as well, but first, I have to make a few cuts at the back of the middle shelf to allow for wires and cables and power bar. By the way, the power bar came with the TV wall mounting bracket assembly and has two USB ports for charging I phones or iPads. The outlets themselves are fitted with plastic sliders that kid-proof the thing. Pretty good!

Knowing that I am going to paint this shelf black, I used very cheap finger-joined boards for this project. Total cost of the wood was about $30.

The middle shelf will accommodate the cable box, blue ray, PS3 and SONOS, while the bottom shelf will provide space for about 100 CD’s and DVD’s. The top shelf will be clear (until Jane uses her decorating magic!).

Once I finish the assembly, I’ll paint it a matte black colour and hang it in place and then install the wall mounted assembly for the flat screen TV. I’ll use the French cleat system for hanging the cabinet.

A French cleat is as ingenious as it is simple. It involves securing a strip of wood with a 45 degree bevel to the wall, and then securing an opposing beveled strip on the back of a cabinet or anything you want to hang. Its incredibly strong and versatile. Its a great way to hang and it can be used to make an awesome modular wall storage unit.