A subwoofer box is a wood attachment that allows you to listen to low-frequency sounds seamlessly and without interference from the high-frequency audio. Most people opt to buy a sub box, but for others, building is more cost-effective. However, not everyone knows how to build a subwoofer box to specifications.
This post by our audio team will teach you how to make one successfully.
Materials and Tools
Constructing a subwoofer box is made possible with certain materials and tools. Making a subwoofer box is more cost-effective because the materials used are inexpensive and readily available.
In building a subwoofer box, you need the following materials and tools:
- Electric drill
- MDF for the cabinet or enclosure
- Table saw
- 2-inch drywall screws
- Caulk
- Carpenters glue
- Terminal cup
- Circular saw
Building a Subwoofer Box to Specifications
Building your sub box is the best way to get the right fit for your subwoofer cost-effectively. It’s straightforward, and it takes less than two hours to get the construction done. Plus, you have the creative freedom to design your subwoofer that’s on par with expensive ones.
Step 1: Measure Your Subwoofer
This means identifying the height, width, depth, and volume of your sub.
The minimum depth is the front to back dimension of the box when mounted at the front. After measuring the depth, add two inches to it.
You also need to measure the height and the width. If you plan to add a front grille, allow extra spaces to accommodate it. Determining the height and the width is essential to know the space the box will occupy.
Remember, all the above is for the external dimensions. You still need to know the internal dimensions of the box as this impacts the box performance (resonant frequency). To obtain the volume, you need to remove the thickness of the box material from the external measurements and then multiply the height, depth, and width.
When you have the final result, convert the measurements from inches to cubic feet to know if they are compatible with the speaker’s specifications, which has the recommended measurements in cubic feet. Divide the measurement by 1,728 to obtain the final figure in cubic feet.
After obtaining the final internal dimensions, add the inches you subtracted. If you work with the wrong internal and external dimensions, the sub’s performance will be affected, and there would be an enormous unnecessary space.
(Looking for the best device to play your music? Well, you can check out some of the top subwoofers for music here)
Step 2: Make a Sketch with Final Measurements
Now that you have the final measurements, it’s time to sketch your subwoofer box using them. Your box may appear rectangular or wedge-shaped. However, you don’t need to fret if your box appears wedge-shaped, provided you used the right measurements.
Step 3: Cut Wood
Using a table saw, cut the MDF into pieces for the front, side, back, and top. You could also use a circular saw for that, or better still, have the MDF cut for you for a small fee if you bought the wood at a large improvement store.
Step 4: Label Pieces
After cutting the wood, label each of the pieces using any marker provided in the package. Then make a woofer cutout using a compass on one of the front wood pieces.
Step 5: Drill the Holes
Make a hole around the cutout edges on the board using a drill press or a handheld drill. The hole must be large for the jigsaw to cut through. Cut out the circle with the jigsaw, and you will have a large woofer opening.
(If you want an easy placement for you subs, we also have a list of excellent in-wall subs that you can consider here)
You also need to make a rectangular hole at the box’s back panel to hold the terminal cup. Rub a silicone caulk around the edges of the cup and screw it into the box.
Step 6: Attach Wood Pieces Together with Glue
First, join the front and back pieces and then add the top and bottom sides by fastening with 2″ drywall screws. Drill holes around the edges and drive screws into them. MDF is susceptible to splitting, so you need to use carpenter glue to seal the wood.
Step 7: Smooth the Surface and Edges
After the glue and caulk have cured, smoothen the surface and the edges with sandpaper if the woofer opening is a bit small, sand to enlarge the hole.
Tips + Tricks
When building a subwoofer box, remember to match the box with the specifications provided in the manufacturer’s guide of the speaker.
Additionally, when putting the pieces together, start with the front and back sides because they are the largest. They will overlap with the other sides better for greater rigidity [1].
(If you are having an issue about your soundbar-sub connection, you can also read our guide about fixing Samsung soundbar-subwoofer not linking problem here)
Conclusion
Making a subwoofer box is simple, but it can be a long, complicated process for others. Thankfully, you don’t need to feel that way because our audio team has made the process of making a sub box straightforward. With these tips on how to build a subwoofer box to specifications, you can construct a high-end sub box without breaking the bank.
In search of different subwoofer products at various prices? Well, you can also check our list below:
