Good Questions: Cost for a Custom Media Hutch?

Hi AT,

If I had a sleek flat panel TV, I'd probably leave it out, but I have a bulky, conventional 27 incher, and I prefer to hide it. So I'm wondering about the cost of a custom-made media hutch to go on top of this console (the Windham Media Storage Cabinet, from the Crate and Barrel Ready-to-Assemble line).

I'd really to love to put a hutch on top of the cabinet, like this one from Restoration Hardware. I don't need the fancy bi-fold doors -- just regular doors, but I *do* want crown molding. How much would such a piece of cabinetry cost, and where in the Bay area could I go to find a good deal on this kind of service?

Thanks! Rina

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Anyone?

Comments (5)

wont a cabinet cost as much as a new TV?

posted by jako on April 10th 2007 at 7:00am
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I know this isn't what you're looking for, but I would look into a new TV. Prices have just gone done drastically. You can get an LCD bigger than your current TV for less than $1k.

I just ripped out bustom built-ins that the previous owner had built for his old TV. I think building around something that is (or will soon be) outdated is a waste of money.

posted by jenniejen on April 10th 2007 at 7:05am
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Hi, this is the question asker (I'm excited that this got posted!) Hmmm, perhaps I have no idea of the cost of a custom piece like this. I was hoping I could get an unfinished hutch for about $300 (really, it only needs a top, sides, and doors, and it doesn't need to be very solid 'cause nothing heavy is going on top).

Any woodworkers or cabinet makers out there who can give me a quote?

The other argument, besides cost, against a new TV is my available space. I've got a full component stereo system, including turntable, inside the console, and the only space for the speakers is on top -- the two speakers are now sitting on either side of the TV. If I get a TV that takes up the top of the console, I'll have to figure out something else to do with the speakers (I've just moved to a new studio, and the wall I liked best for the media spot is fairly narrow, between a window and a doorway, as you can kind of see in the picture).

posted by rina on April 10th 2007 at 9:33am
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Have you checked out unfinished furniture stores? They might sell the pieces separately and you can paint it to match.

posted by jenniejen on April 10th 2007 at 1:48pm
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Rina, to build what you describe, even out of a paint-able material (like MDF) rather than a nice hardwood is at least $400 and likely significantly more (not including the charges to deliver it to your home). Your best bet, for quotes, is to take pictures of what you want to a few local wood shops and let them give you a realistic quote (I drop off a note, with pictures, and let them get back to me).

You really Are better off getting a new TV, and there are many flat panel sizes available in the $500 range, and either wall mounting your speakers or buying smaller ones (mine are just 6" square and provide great sound).

posted by Rucy on April 11th 2007 at 4:37am
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