Expert: Jamie Yocono - 12/29/2007

Question
I have a custom-built oak entertainment center with a 34" opening in the center for a TV.  It's a massive, heavy unit, 6' wide, 5' high, 2' deep, with two attached cabinets with glass doors and adjustable shelves, one on each side, a center shelf on the top, and two wonderful deep drawers under the TV spot.

It obviously won't be any good for a wide screen TV, if I ever decide to get one.  Would it theoretically be possible, or worth it money-wise, to get it taken apart and re-done for a wide flat-screen TV?  Something I could move would be ideal.

I don't even know if it's something I should pursue, or just try to sell it and start over. I hate to, since I had it built by a local (retired) craftsman.  

Answer
Hi Mary Jo,

I read your question yesterday, and had to think it over for a bit. A picture would be more helpful to me for giving a more detailed answer. So if you want, you can send an image to my personal e-mail - jamie@wooditis.com.

But- I'll still offer an opinion. I absolutely think it's worth tearing it apart and using the components to make a new piece, one that can accommodate a larger TV. See, most woodworkers build large pieces by assembling various components they build into one large piece. I'm just guessing, but I suspect that your piece can be disassembled quite easily. You may have to ask the person who built it to recommend someone to build another section. I get a fair number of referrals that way.

I advise finding a TV first, and then doing a little measuring to figure out which parts you want to keep, and what you might need to turn this into an entertainment center that really works for you.

BTW- I've done something similar for two customers - taken apart a piece I've built and tweaked it a bit by adding something to it. It can be done, but I think (unless you're handy with tools) it's going to require someone with tools and skill. I might even be able to give you the name of a woodworker in your area, if you tell me the city where you're located. I belong to the Furniture Society and I can look up your area in my membership book.

Send that picture if you want, and write again if you need more help.

Happy New Year to you.  :)

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com