How To Build A Media Wall

The modern home seeks not just to be a place of comfort but also a space of aesthetic appeal and smart functionality. One of the most popular contemporary solutions is the media wall – a seamless integration of technology and design that provides a stylish, multifunctional focal point in any room.

Once a simple way to hide a TV, the media wall has evolved. Today, it’s a sophisticated hub for home entertainment, often incorporating smart lighting, immersive audio, and integrated storage. If you’ve been inspired to upgrade your living space by creating your own, here’s our comprehensive 2025 guide on how to build a media wall.

What Is A Media Wall?

A media wall is a purpose-built stud wall, often resembling a chimney breast, that serves as a centralised hub for all your entertainment essentials. Its fundamental function is to provide a neatly enclosed space for your TV, ensuring all cables and peripherals are hidden from view. This creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic that remains highly sought after in UK home renovations.

Beyond that, the design possibilities are extensive. Modern media walls are multifunctional, integrating features like electric fireplaces, acoustic panelling, and ambient lighting. The most advanced versions may feature:

• Smart Home Integration: Voice-controlled systems to manage lighting and entertainment hands-free.
• Immersive Audio: Integrated in-ceiling speakers for Dolby Atmos or 3D spatial audio.
• Advanced Lighting: Ambient lighting systems that can synchronise with on-screen content for a more immersive experience.
• Concealed Storage: Hidden charging stations, recessed shelving, and push-to-open cabinets that offer invaluable storage while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Planning & Design

Purpose and Functionality: Begin by determining the primary purpose of your media wall. Is it just for your TV, or do you want to integrate an electric fireplace, gaming consoles, voice assistants, and a full sound system? Knowing its functions will significantly influence your design.

If your media wall will back onto a bedroom or neighbour’s property, for example, it’s worth considering soundproof acoustic plasterboard from the outset. For everyday living rooms where acoustics aren’t a big concern, standard plasterboard is perfectly adequate.

Measurements: Knowing how much space you wish to allocate for your media wall is essential. Account for the size of your television, the optimal viewing height, and any other electronics or decorative items you plan to add.

Installing Peripheral Spaces

Shelving & Storage: Decide if you want open shelves, drawers, or closed cabinets. For a clean look, consider push-to-open cupboards or concealed charging stations for your devices. Measure and create spaces for these within the stud walls.

Recessed Spaces: For gadgets like set-top boxes, which need remote control access, consider making recessed spaces such as a recessed shelf.

Cable Management & Electrical Safety

One of the main advantages of a media wall is concealing unsightly cables. Create hidden channels or ducts within the studwork for all wires. Crucially, all electrical work must comply with UK safety regulations.

• Part P of the Building Regulations: This governs electrical safety in dwellings. Any notifiable work, such as adding a new circuit, must be carried out by a registered electrician or be reported to your local authority’s building control.
• Concealed Cables: According to BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), any cables concealed in a wall at a depth of less than 50mm must be mechanically protected (e.g., with earthed steel conduit or trunking) to prevent damage from screws or nails.
• Socket Placement: Install sufficient power sockets behind the TV and any other hardware. Ensure they remain accessible for future maintenance.

How To Build A Media Wall: Step-By-Step

Both metal and timber studwork can be used for the frame. For sustainability and structural integrity, we recommend using FSC or PEFC-certified timber, such as CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) or strength-graded carcassing timber (C16 or C24). In this guide, we will outline how to build a media wall using a wooden frame.

Framework Construction

• Gather Materials and Tools: Assemble all necessary certified timber, wood screws, a measuring tape, a spirit level, and your cutting tools.
• Plan the Layout: Sketch your media wall layout on the wall and floor, marking the precise positions for the TV, fireplace, and any shelving.
• Install Vertical Studs: Build the frame by setting up the vertical wooden studs, which will serve as the primary support structure.
• Add Horizontal Bracing: Install horizontal wooden lengths (noggins) between the studs to add rigidity. These are not for supporting the TV or fireplace directly.
• Measure Cavities: For embedding a TV and fireplace, measure the exact depth needed for their cavities or recesses.
• Build Recesses: Construct these cavities into the stud wall, ensuring they align with your previously made marks.
• Check Depth: Confirm that the TV and fireplace, when installed, will sit flush with the media wall’s final surface.
• Add Internal Support: Within the cavities, install additional studs and cross beams where heavy items will be mounted. This is essential for securely installing the TV and fireplace brackets.

For those looking for a faster and more professional-grade alternative to traditional stud framing, the Gypliner Wall System provides a pre-engineered lining solution. It offers strong structural support while allowing easy integration of insulation boards or acoustic plasterboard.

Electrical Installation

• Hire a Professional: For all electrical work, you must hire a qualified electrician. They will ensure the installation is safe, compliant with Part P regulations, and properly certified.
• Run Cables: Your electrician will run all necessary cables for power, data, and audio through the designated channels in the studwork, ensuring they are protected as required by BS 7671.
• Install Sockets: Have sockets installed directly behind the TV and fireplace locations for a neat, cable-free appearance.

Wall Covering and Finishing

• Choose Your Board: Cover the frame with your chosen sheet material.
• MDF: Provides a very smooth surface, ideal for a simple painted finish.
• Plasterboard: The standard choice if you plan to skim and paint.
• Attach Boards: Securely fix the boards to the vertical studs.
• Skim and Sand: Skim the plasterboard with plaster to achieve a smooth, seamless surface ready for painting. If you are not confident in your plastering skills, hiring a professional is highly recommended. Once dry, sand lightly for a perfect finish.

Install Hardware & Final Touches

• Install Brackets: Once the plaster is fully dry, use a stud finder to locate the internal supports you installed earlier. Securely fix the mounting brackets for your TV and fireplace into these studs.
• Mount Devices: Carefully mount your wall-hung TV and fireplace onto their brackets.
• Painting: Choose a paint colour that complements your room’s theme. A matte or eggshell finish is advisable to avoid reflections that might distract from the screen.
• Decorative Touches: This is where a media wall truly comes to life. Consider adding LED strip lighting around the TV recess or shelves. For a high-end effect, look for energy-efficient LED strips with high luminous efficacy (over 100 lm/W) and a long lifespan. Smart lighting systems can even sync with your TV for dynamic, ambient backlighting.
• Skirting: Decide whether to run your room’s skirting board across the base of the media wall for a fully integrated look or to leave it off for a more distinct, floating appearance.

How Much Does a Media Wall Cost?

The cost of building a media wall in the UK varies significantly based on size, complexity, and features. In 2025, you can expect the following price ranges:

• Basic Media Wall: For a simple stud frame with plasterboard, plastering, and basic electrics, expect to pay between £1,800 and £2,400.
• Mid-Range with Features: Adding an electric fire, a TV bracket, and some built-in shelving or cupboards will likely bring the total cost to between £3,200 and £4,000.
• High-End Custom Build: For a premium project with features like stone cladding, advanced LED lighting, high-end electric fires, and integrated sound systems, costs can range from £4,800 to £6,000 or more.

Conclusion

Building a media wall can be a rewarding DIY project, but it requires careful planning, the right materials, and a clear understanding of the safety regulations. With modern designs incorporating sophisticated technology and sustainable materials, a media wall is more than just a place for your TV-it’s a statement piece that can redefine your living space.

However, if you’re unsure about any step, especially the structural or electrical aspects, always consult or hire a professional. When done right, your media wall will not just be a hub for entertainment but a stunning, functional, and safe focal point in your home for years to come.