Wasn't sure where to stick this odd idea for an entertainment center...

MusiKxKaT

Hello all!

My husband and I are getting in a new flatscreen tv this week (woohoo!), and we're going to mount it above our fireplace. Currently, we are using a plywood entertainment center inherited from his grandmother that holds all our living rooms electronics. It's a basic square, open back, with a main section on the right hand side that holds the tv, and a divided left hand side that holds consoles, etc. The bottom of it is a little cupboard and open area to hold more stuff.

Now here's my question. Next week, after the new tv is in the old one is dealt with, what I really want to do is to saw off the top section of the ec and leave only the cupboard/cubby section to use as a small coffee table. However, after the top is removed, what sort of treatment should I give the top? Make a padded cushion top for a foot rest? (I'll put my feet on it no matter what, haha). Or section the sides as designated cushions and leave the middle as table? No cushions at all? Should I get a piece of glass cut to size and use it as top??

I'm very crafty and pretty darn creative, so I can figure out how to do most things. Just looking for another opinion and maybe some advice on how to make a cushion top/where to find cushions to attach, or where to find glass (we're married college students, so when considering budget, just....aim for free).

Thanks in advance!! :D

joecaption

Can you post a picture?
Onc you remove the top what's going to hold it together?

MusiKxKaT

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...s/DSCF0671.jpg

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...s/DSCF0672.jpg

There you go! Sorry for the mess. We're in the middle of rearranging and decorating for Christmas!


(And I know it's not the classiest most expensive thing in the world. Like I said before, we're not the richest!! Here's to hoping all this college pays off, eh?)

BigJim

You will probably have to do a little work to steady up the unit after you cut it down, most KD furniture isn't to sturdy especially when altered. Do you plan to use the top of the unit now for the top of the coffee table?

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Jim

MusiKxKaT

You know, I hadn't thought of that (although now I realize that's kind of a "Duh" observation). I could indeed. Should we nail it down to help keep it together? Or screw some of those right angle plates to the top and sides so we won't be nailing into just particle board?

ddawg16

That is NOT plywood......it's partical board with paper (that looks like wood) glued to it.

You are going to be in for a very upset awakening when you cut it....

My advice......put both the TV and 'entertainment' center on CL. If you lucky, you won't have to pay someone to take it. Then, go buy a wall mount for the TV.

As for your 'collection' of video's.......you have too many.....You are a good canidate for Netflix....except for kids movies....no real reason to have that many. I think you would be shocked at how much money you have spent on video's. Just from the pic, I would say that you have about $3000 worth.

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joecaption

Partical board does not like to hold nails or screws very well. That's why most often it's held together with those twist lock fastners.
I'd be look at the DAV or Goodwill store for something that would work far better then trying to change that one.
With the doors messed up like that There not even going to want it at Goodwill.

MusiKxKaT

Well, 1) I did correct myself and say particle board later on, it was just a slip up, 2) we have Netflix! And use it the instant everyday. 3) I believe I already said that we were going to MOUNT THE NEW TV OVER THE FIREPLACE. So, thanks so much for your absolutly useless info.

With the exception of one gentleman, you have all been absurdly unhelpful. Thanks for stopping by!

Fix'n it

well isn't that a fine howdy-do !

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i didn't make this world. i just live in it.
be careful of whom you make fun of. one day, that could be you...

funfool

I thought it was good advice, except for the video collection.
Simply nobody business how many videos one collects.

I have done exactly what MusiKxKaT is asking about.
But in my case I had real plywood and oak veneer on the sides.
I cut the top off and used the base to hold the new flat screen, the top is next to my desk and holds my printer and things.

In this case, that is particle board with paper, the bottom may be solid enough.
The top will be worthless. when you cut the top will be end grain from the particle boards showing.
I had to cut the sides and leave a 1/16" so the blade did not cut into / mess up the top.
Then used my grinder to to bring the sides even with top, and then sand and stain to match.

I say go ahead and cut it, see if you are satisfied with the results.
If not, keep cutting, will be easier to fit in the trash can.
I would rather spend my time looking in thrift stores looking for something that is real wood, could sand down and refinish.

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ddawg16

As one Texan to another.....your not being very friendly......

Sorry you didn't like the advice.....

However, it is us who should say "Thanks for stopping by."

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