Home Message Center | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor use stock lumber and millwork from a home center to build a home message center that mimics a window.

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Tom and Kevin use stock lumber and millwork from a home center to build a home message center that mimics a window.

Time: 3-4 hours
Cost: $100
Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List:
Drill/Driver
Miter Saw
Headless Nail Gun
Router with a Roundover Bit
Track Saw

Shopping List:
1×3 Poplar
1×4 Poplar
1×6 Poplar
Colonial Casing
Crown Molding
3” screws
Wood Glue
Headless Nails

Steps:
1. Cut 1×3 poplar to desired length and build a three-sided frame. Use a butt joint, predrilling the hole first, and then fastening with a 3” screw.
2. Cut Colonial Casing to length, mitering the top corners of each piece at 45 degrees.
3. Glue and nail the casing to the frame, leaving a _” reveal around the inside.
4. Glue and nail the miters together on the casing.
5. Cut 1×4 poplar to desired length and build another three-sided frame with butt joints and 3” screws. This frame will be taller than the inner frame as it will be the mounting point for the crown molding.
6. Glue and nail the outside of the casing to the outer frame.
7. Glue and nail a piece of 1×4 as a flat stock above the top piece of casing. Use a filler block to ensure it doesn’t warp.
8. Mark and cut the miters for the crown molding.
9. Glue and nail the crown molding to the message center assembly.
10. Cut a piece of 1×6 poplar to length to serve as a stool.
11. Use a router with a roundover bit to roundover the edges of the stool piece.
12. Predrill and then screw through the bottom of the stool to attach it to the rest of the message center.
13. Build an apron using 1×4 poplar and toe screw it into the bottom of the stool.
14. Using a track saw or circular saw with a straight edge, cut the chalkboard plywood to size and nail to the back of the inner frame.
15. Cut a piece of _” MDF to size to serve as a back cover and secure it with screws.
16. Sand all the wood and prime the message center.
17. Fill any visible nail holes.
18. Apply two top coats of paint.

Tom used stock lumber and millwork including 1×3 poplar, 1×4 poplar, 1×6 poplar, colonial casing, and crown molding. He also used a 2’x4’ sheet of chalkboard plywood and a 1/2” sheet of MDF. For fasteners, Tom used headless nails, 3” screws, and wood glue. All of the materials for this project can be found at a home center.

Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.

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