Cottage Hutch for the Cottage Media Console

Box

Begin by building the box as shown in the diagram above. Carefully measure out and mark the placement of the shelves on the sides and predrill all holes. Apply wood glue and attach shelves and top to sides. Adjust for square by taking a diagonal measurement from outside corners and adjust box until the diagonal match (push longer measurement opposite corners together).

Back

Attach back to the box, using 2″ finish nails and glue. Make sure you attach to the shelves too, as this will add considerable strength, and your shelves are spanning almost 4 feet.

Base Support

Now you need something to support the base and clean off the base edge. Attach a 1×4 to the base, with 2″ nails or screws from the box sides. Then add 1″ nails and glue from the back plywood into the back of the base support.

Front Face Trim

I’m such a fan of face frames because it is like adding plywood to the front and back – just increases the support and strength. And I just think it looks more finished. Bonus – if you are using plywood, the trim will cover up raw plywood edges. In fact, most hardwood furniture pieces are made with plywood with hardwood veneers, then face framed with hardwood boards. So you are only buying a few pricy maple boards, not an entire media hutch made of maple. Start by attach the header. Then attach the sides, make sure you use glue and fasten to the shelves. I would use 2″ finish nails, as they all but disappear in trim.

Step 5

Bottom Crown

For the bottom crown, make sure you use 1 1/4″ finish nails and glue. Use the top crown (see next step) as a spacer to help you know where the bottom crown goes. I like to attach the sides first, then the front. Also, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t just trim the top out in storebought crown moulding. This method is simply cheap and easy.

Top Crown

Finally, attach the top crown to both the top and the bottom crown with 2″ screws and glue. Nail directly (and carefully) through the face of the top crown into the top.

Finishing

Fill your nail and screw holes with wood filler. Let dry and add a second coat of wood filler (wood filler can shrink when it dries). Sand with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum with a soft bristled brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Prime and paint (insides first for an easier better finish) or apply wood conditioner (if needed, test out a strip of scrap board first) and stain. Apply a top coat for added durability and sheen. Safety Make sure you attach the hutch to a stud in the wall behind the hutch to keep it from tipping forward using a tip resistant kit (check the hardware aisle at most any store). Also recommended, attach the hutch the media console using a metal bracket, also available in your hardware aisle.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.