Floating entertainment unit to hide internet cables

[JoeAzza]

Tasmanian Oak stained with clear varnish and fitted with magnetic latches used to build a floating entertainment cabinet to conceal internet cables.

• The project
• Tools and materials
• Steps
• More inspiration for your project

The project

I am currently painting a bedroom that has the NBN modem and internet cabling. The unit was located on a mobile shelf. I wanted something that would be permanent in the room.

I decided to make this timber shelf/cabinet that would conceal the cabling, powerpoint, powerboard and the RJ45 internet outlets. The cabinet is made from Tasmanian Oak, with two coats of water-based clear varnish, Satin. The 90 x 19mm timber was glued together to make up the width of 180mm bevelled at the end, glued and biscuit joined. (I had to make a jig to allow me to cut the biscuit cuts into the bevelled joints).

The front covers are made of 110 x 12mm Tasmanian Oak. These are attached using magnetic latches. I also attached plastic spacers/bumpers. This allows for the spacing in between the front panels.

The size of the unit is 940 x 300 x 180mm deep.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• 90 x 19mm Tasmanian Oak
  
  
• 110 x 12mm Tasmanian Oak
  
  
• 50 x 20mm Tasmanian Oak
   
• Screws for mounting the cabinet
  
  
• 6mm custom-made Dominos cut down to suit for the bevel joints
  
  
• Home-made jig for biscuit joints
  
  
• Wood glue (Titebond 1)
  
  
• Satin clear coat water-based varnish
  
  
• 120 grit sandpaper
  
  
• 240 grit sandpaper
  
  
• 4 x magnetic catches to suit
  
  
• 4 bumpers/spacers to suit.

Tools used in the project:

• Mitre saw
  
  
• Router 
  
  
• 6mm router bit
  
  
• Sander
  
  
• Drill
  
  
• Irwin quick grip clamps
  
  
• F clamps.

Steps

Step 1

I cut the 90 x 19mm material, 10 to 15 mm longer than the finished length. This allows for discrepancies when gluing the timber together, glued and clamped. I allowed 24 hrs to dry, then sanded flat, using 120 and 240-grit sandpaper.

Step 2

The timber was then cut at 45 degrees at each end. Cut to length using a mitre saw.

Step 3

I routered the bevels for the dominos/biscuit joiners (jig made to suit).

Step 4

The bevelled timber with dominos are then glued and clamped together and allowed to dry overnight.

Step 5

The front panels were cut to fit. Magnetic catches and bumpers were installed.

Step 6

Router a gap at the back of the shelf and mounting timber (20 x 50mm) to wall to allow cabling to connect to NBN and modem unit.

Install 20 x 50 mm timber using screws that were drilled. This was done from underneath to conceal them.

Step 7

Remove all fittings, re-sand and paint. Mount unit to wall using wall mates and screws. Fit off the NBN, modem and cabling. Job done.

More inspiration for your project

Workshop community member Starkers_17 built a floating shelf which hides unsightly cables and wires.

Check out our Top 10 most popular indoor furniture projects and 10 home office project ideas for more creative ideas from Bunnings Workshop community members.