DIY Farmhouse TV Console with Sliding Barn Doors

Updated 4/27/2020

We’ve gotten so many requests for the tutorial on how to build this DIY farmhouse TV console, so we are finally typing it out so you can build one too!

This was the second piece of furniture that Andrew and I ever made. We had built a coffee table that had a lift up top so that we could eat dinner on the couch and store all of our board games. Once we tackled that, I thought we could conquer the world (even though the table was pretty basic).

So when Andrew was about to move into his first apartment without a roommate, I saw it as an opportunity to decorate my own place (even though I wasn’t living there).

Luckily, Andrew agreed it was time to get rid of his tiny Ikea TV stand that was probably 2ft off the ground and not a great height for a TV, and agreed to build this awesome TV console with me. To this day, it’s still my favorite piece of furniture in our house.

We modified plans from Ana White to create this DIY console. We built this baby before our blog was even a thought, so we’re lacking in-progress photos, but we finally created 3D plans to help you follow along with each step. Download them here (for free)!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)!

Tools

• Drill
• Kreg Jig
• Glue
• Wood Filler
• Finishing Nails
• Optional: Nail Gun
• Optional: Electric Sander

How to build a DIY farmhouse TV console

Cut list

Below is our cut list. We recommend making cuts as you go through the project rather than cutting them all upfront. This way you can double-measure as you go along. The measurements provided are what we used, but you might find that yours will vary from ours.

The final dimensions of our TV console were approximately 83.5″ x 19.5″ x 28″.

Before we get started, don’t forget to download the free PDF plans at the bottom of this post (complete with 3D renderings of each step)!

STEP 1: BUILD TWO FRAMES

To assemble the frames, create a rectangle with a frame top, bottom, and 2 sides. You can use pocket holes and glue to attach each piece.

Then attach the middle supports. The supports should be equally spaced, but do not need to be perfect. Both of these frames will be completely hidden.

STEP 2: ATTACH THE SIDE PANELS

Attach the side panels to the sides of the frames with glue and screws. The side panels should be flush with the front and should overhang by .25″ in the back. This will allow the .25″ back to be flush with the sides when you add it in the end.

STEP 3: ATTACH THE FACE FRAME

Lay your TV console on it’s back so that you can attach the face frame. Attach your face frame to the sides and support frames using glue and nails.

Note: your frame support boards and middle face frame boards will not line up. The entire frame will be covered, so don’t worry about this.

STEP 4: ADD SHELVES

Lift your TV console up and lay the bottom shelf on top of the bottom frame. Secure the shelf using glue and nails. The nails should not be any longer than 1.25″.

Note: your sides should still overhang by .25″ on the back. The bottom shelf should be flush with the bottom frame, not the sides.

Attach the shelf supports to the inside of your 5 vertical face frame boards (so they are hidden from the front) using glue and 1.25” nails. Then add a support to each side.

Next, add the 5 supports along the back. For these, attach them to the bottom using pocket holes and glue.

A few things to note: Make sure your pocket holes are facing the back so you don’t see the holes from the front. You’ll also want to position these in line with the face frames so they are hidden. They should also be placed .5” from the back of the bottom shelf. I will explain why in the next step.

Before we can add the middle shelf, we have to assemble it. To make the middle shelf, attach the 1×8 and 1×10 together using pocket holes and glue.

Alternate directions when drilling your pocket holes. They shouldn’t all be going from the 1×8 into the 1×10 or vise versa.

The shelf will only measure 16.5” deep, meaning there will be a 1/2” gap between the back of the shelf and the back of the tv console. We left this gap so that we could run cords between the two shelves. If you would not like a gap, make your frames (and side pieces) 1/2” smaller from the get-go.

Now it’s time to install the middle shelf.

Glue every side of your shelf that will be touching your current TV console frame and glue on top of every shelf support. Place your shelf inside and nail the shelf into the shelf supports for extra security.

STEP 5: ATTACH THE BACK

Attach the plywood to the back of your TV console using 1.25″ nails. The back should now be flush with your sides.

STEP 6: MAKE THE DOORS

Build your two doors by attaching (5) 1×4 boards to one another using pocket holes.

“Frame” your doors by gluing and nailing 1x2s top of the boards you just attached.

To create the x pattern, place a 1×2 board over your door and mark where it needs to be cut. Cut using a miter saw. The x-pattern is created using 3 separate pieces. Attach the x pattern using glue and nails.

STEP 7: ATTACH THE HARDWARE

The final step is to install the barn door hardware by installing the metal bar to the top face frame and the wheels to the doors using the included bolts.

We attached an additional 1×2 to the 2×3 frame right behind our top face frame in order to make sure the bolts were screwed into something thicker than just the face frame for added stability.

Note: you’ll want to make sure that you install it in line with the bottom of the top face frame so the wheels will fit without hitting the top when it slides open and closed.

STEP 8: ATTACH THE TOP

Build the top of your TV console by attaching the two 1×10 boards with pocket holes. Be strategic with how you layout your two top boards. We were able to closely match the wood grains so it looks like a single board.

Attach the top of your TV console to the top frame using 1.5″ metal right angle brackets evenly distributed. The front should hangover by 1/2” and the back will be flush. The sides will overhang by approximately 2.5” on each side.

Now it’s time to go find the perfect place in your home for your new TV console! Get ready for lots of compliments and people staring in disbelief when you say that YOU built this beautiful piece of furniture from scratch!

We can’t wait to see your TV console! Take a picture and tag us on Instagram (@craftedbythehunts) so we can see your awesome craftsmanship!

And don’t forget to download the free PDF plans (complete with 3D renderings for each step!)