Build a Speaker Box

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Learning how to build a speaker box allows you to customize the fit and design of the box to match your desired audio quality. The basic two-speaker box designs are sealed and vented. This article details how to build a sealed speaker box, which separates the front and rear sound waves to improve the bass.

Steps

  1. Determine the size of the speaker box.
    • Reference the speaker’s template to find the speaker’s measurements.

      • The template is included with the rest of the basic speaker information upon purchase. If the template can’t be found, contact the manufacturer for the information or measure the speaker yourself:

    • Figure the depth (front-to-back dimension) of the speaker box by adding 2 inches (5 cm) to the depth of the speaker.
    • Use the speaker’s height and length measurements as the box’s internal height and length dimensions.
    • Multiply the depth, height and length to determine the internal volume of the box.
  2. Check the internal volume against the manufacturer’s recommended speaker box internal volume.
    • Adjust the measurements as needed until you reach the recommended range.
  3. Add the thickness of the wood to your dimensions to figure the box’s external dimensions.
  4. Measure the height, width and depth of the space available for the speaker box to be sure the box will fit.
    • Use your measurements to sketch out the speaker box depending on the space you need to fit it into.
  5. Construct the speaker box.
    • Trace a pattern onto the MDF (medium density fiberboard) using the exterior box.

      • Include the circular openings needed for the face of the speaker and the connectors. The measurements are found on the speaker’s template. If there is no template, trace the circumference of the face of the speaker on the front piece and a 2-inch (5-cm) hole on each side piece for the connectors.
    • Use a jigsaw to cut out the pattern pieces.
    • Cut out the circular openings with a router.
    • Sand all rough edges.
  6. Brace the speaker box with 1-inch x 1-inch (2-1/2 cm x 2-1/2 cm) strips of wood (battens).
    • Cover 60 percent of each interior edge with a batten.
    • Screw the batten into the MDF.
  7. Fit the cut pieces together to make sure they match up.
  8. Pre-drill all holes and bead carpenter’s glue along each joint as you assemble the box.
    • Use furniture clamps to keep the speaker box aligned.
  9. Place the speaker in the box and check that it fits.
  10. Mark the mounting screw holes while the speaker is in the box.
    • Remove the speaker and pre-drill the mounting screw holes.
    • Allow the glue to dry.
  11. Apply silicon caulk over the speaker box’s internal seams and all openings to ensure the box is airtight.
    • Let the silicon caulk cure for 12 to 24 hours.
  12. Set up the speaker box.
    • Hook up the speaker wires.
    • Cover the back, top and bottom of the Install a Ceiling Speaker in a Tile Ceiling with 1 inch (2-1/2 cm) of poly fill to minimize resonance.
    • Insert the speaker and run the connectors through their appropriate holes.
    • Secure the speaker with screws through the mounting holes.
    • Caulk any openings to ensure the speaker box is airtight.
    • Allow the caulk to cure for 12 to 24 hours.

Warnings

  • Don’t construct a speaker box that has walls with equal dimensions. The shape diminishes the speaker’s effectiveness.

Things You'll Need

  • Speaker with all necessary wires and connectors
  • MDF (medium density fiberboard)
  • Wood for battens
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
  • Furniture clamps
  • Poly fill
  • Silicon caulk
  • Sandpaper
  • Jigsaw
  • Router with ¾-inch (2 cm) bit
  • Electric drill with bits for drilling holes and driving screws

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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