Here’s a quick, easy DIY TV stand made from scrap wood. It took about an hour to build and is a friendly project for beginners learning basic woodworking skills.
During lockdown I wanted to get our flat-screen TV off the floor but had to make do with leftover offcuts. I keep most of my scrap wood, so I gathered a few pieces and built this slim, low-profile TV stand that matches a treadmill desk I recently made. The result is a simple black bench-style stand that could later be adapted into a small seat with a shoe rack underneath.
This project isn’t about fine joinery or precision furniture making—it’s functional, quick, and cost nothing because it was built from scraps. It’s designed to be achievable with limited tools and materials, and I include alternatives for common tools so anyone can follow along.
How is this a simple TV stand to make?
- It can be built using a handsaw if you don’t have power tools.
- The frame assembly is quick and straightforward with a pocket hole jig.
- If you don’t have a pocket jig, you can pre-drill and use a combi drill and screws.
- It’s uncomplicated and can be completed solo in an hour or two.
- No large workshop is required—this is a true beginner project.
- The design is adaptable: make it taller, wider, or add shelving if you have more wood later.
Equipment and tools I used
Below are the tools I used for this slim TV stand. If you don’t have some of them, I list practical alternatives after the list. This stand is intended for an LED TV; for very heavy TVs consider adding glue and clamps before screwing joints together.
- Mitre saw (used for quick, square cuts)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combi drill / driver
- Pocket hole jig (optional but very quick)
- Pocket hole screws
- Paint roller and suitable furniture paint
Step-by-step instructions
1. Gather four straight offcuts for the legs and a longer piece for the top shelf. Choose the shortest leg and mark all legs to that same length so they sit level when assembled. This particular stand is low, but you can make the legs taller if you prefer a higher unit.
2. Cut the timber to length. I used a mitre saw for speed and accuracy, but if you don’t have power tools you can clamp pieces to a workbench and cut with a handsaw or a jigsaw. Enlist a helper to hold long pieces if needed and always wear eye and ear protection when cutting.
3. Measure the desired width to fit your TV and cut the top piece accordingly. Mark positions for pocket holes on each end of the top and on the slats (battens) that will form the shelf surface.
4. Create pocket holes or pre-drill pilot holes. A pocket hole jig speeds assembly and makes the joints tidy; however, you can pre-drill and simply screw the pieces together if that’s what you have. Two pocket holes per end are plenty for this size of timber.
5. Attach the legs to the top piece using pocket hole screws (or regular screws through pre-drilled holes). Keep the assembly square and check measurements as you go. If you have wood glue, you can apply glue to the joints for extra strength before screwing them together, then clamp until the glue sets.
6. Add slats across the frame for the shelf surface. Lay the frame upside down and space slats evenly, then secure each slat with screws. If you have a single wide board that fits as a top, you can use that instead of multiple slats.
7. For additional stiffness, add a central support slat between the legs to reduce wobble. This is especially useful if you plan to make the stand taller or support heavier equipment.
Tips and alternatives
– If your TV is heavy, glue the joints and clamp them with sash clamps before screwing for maximum strength. Wipe away any glue squeeze-out before finishing.
– No pocket jig? Pre-drill pilot holes and use screws with a washer if needed to prevent splitting. Countersink screws slightly for a neater finish.
– If you prefer a single-piece top, you can glue up thinner boards or use a piece of plywood cut to size and fixed to the frame.
Finishing and paint
I painted this stand with a black furniture satin paint (a carbon-style finish) applied with a foam roller. Satin furniture paints give a slight sheen and can be rolled quickly for a smooth finish. One coat is often enough on raw timber, but check coverage and apply a second coat if needed. Lightly sand any raised grain between coats if you want a smoother surface.
Ideas to expand this project
Later you could add a 15mm plywood top for a cleaner surface, mount a second lower shelf for boxes or consoles, or add small trim pieces to refine the look. The basic frame lends itself to many customisations, so experiment with spacing, heights, and finishes to suit your room.
Materials and estimated time
- Materials: CLS structural timber offcuts (60mm x 38mm), pocket hole or wood screws, paint and roller.
- Tools: Mitre saw (or handsaw), tape measure, pencil, combi drill, pocket hole jig (optional).
- Estimated time: about 1–2 hours from gathering materials to finished paint, depending on drying time.
More scrap wood project ideas
- Shelf monitor stand with desk
- Kitchen recycling bins cupboard
- DIY coffee table
- Maple leaf trivet
- How to restore oak furniture easily
- Curtain pole batten with grab adhesive
- DIY faux marble desk with hairpin legs
- DSLR overhead camera rig
- Doorway arches for plastering
- Personalised jewellery rings (quick project)
DIY TV Stand Scrap Wood Project
Quick and easy low TV stand made from scrap timber. An accessible beginner woodworking project that can be completed with simple tools.
Materials
- CLS structural timber (60mm x 38mm)
- Pocket hole or wood screws
- Paint and roller
Tools
- Mitre saw or handsaw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combi drill
- Pocket hole jig (optional)
- Paint
Instructions
- Cut all wood pieces to the sizes you need for legs, top and slats.
- Create pocket holes in the top pieces and slats, or pre-drill pilot holes.
- Assemble the frame and screw everything together, adding a central support for stability if desired.
- Paint and allow to dry before use.
Notes
If your TV is particularly heavy, glue and clamp joints before screwing. Wipe away any excess glue and allow to dry fully before finishing.