How To Build A Speaker Box: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make Speaker Box » How To Build A Speaker Box: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Build a Speaker Box PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Steven Racz and Eric McClure

Last Updated: June 19, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Steven Racz and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Steven Racz is an Audio, Video, & Automation Expert and Owner at Altitude Audio Video based in Littleton, Colorado. With over 15 years of professional experience, Steven and his team of technicians specialize in installing residential and commercial audio systems, theater design and installation, Josh AI voice & control systems, and Control4 automation. They also provide Wi-Fi home networking services designed to eliminate dead zones and ensure optimal connectivity throughout the entire home. They are experts at installing secure, efficient home networks and integrating them with smart home automation systems. At Altitude Audio Video, Steven and his team strive to tailor the perfect system for their customer’s needs. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 707,526 times.

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

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  1. Step 1 Determine the size of the speaker box. 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. Step 2 Check the internal volume against the manufacturer’s recommended speaker box internal volume. 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.
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  3. Step 3 Add the thickness of the wood to your dimensions to figure the box’s external dimensions. 3 Add the thickness of the wood to your dimensions to figure the box’s external dimensions.
  4. Step 4 Measure the height, width and depth of the space available for the speaker box to be sure the box will fit. 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. Step 5 Construct the speaker box. 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. Step 6 Brace the speaker box with 1-inch x 1-inch (2-1/2 cm x 2-1/2 cm) strips of wood (battens). 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. Step 7 Fit the cut pieces together to make sure they match up. 7 Fit the cut pieces together to make sure they match up.
  8. Step 8 Pre-drill all holes and bead carpenter’s glue along each joint as you assemble the box. 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. Step 9 Place the speaker in the box and check that it fits. 9 Place the speaker in the box and check that it fits.
  10. Step 10 Mark the mounting screw holes while the speaker is in the box. 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. Step 11 Apply silicon caulk over the speaker box’s internal seams and all openings to ensure the box is airtight. 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. Step 12 Set up the speaker box. 12 Set up the speaker box.
    • Hook up the speaker wires.
    • Cover the back, top and bottom of the speaker box 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.
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I build a ported box for a 15" subwoofer? Community Answer Community Answer This method would work -- you just need to adjust the measurements to fit a 15" driver. It's probably easier to look up a guide designed specifically for a sub though.There are loads of them on car audio sites. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 24
  • Question What is poly fill (referenced in step 12 of how to build a speaker box)? Community Answer Community Answer It's Polyester fluff for filling stuffed animals, comforters, and I assume for stapling to the inside of this box. Ask someone at a craft store or in the craft section of Walmart. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 12
  • Question How do I build an 8 inch speaker box? Community Answer Community Answer Just follow the steps in the article. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 47
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Tips

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Warnings

  • Don’t construct a speaker box that has walls with equal dimensions. The shape diminishes the speaker’s effectiveness. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
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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

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dealing with speakers, check out our in-depth interview with Steven Racz.

References

  1. http://www.termpro.com/articles/buildbox.html
  2. http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/FAQ/Build/

About This Article

Steven Racz Co-authored by: Steven Racz A/V Expert This article was co-authored by Steven Racz and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Steven Racz is an Audio, Video, & Automation Expert and Owner at Altitude Audio Video based in Littleton, Colorado. With over 15 years of professional experience, Steven and his team of technicians specialize in installing residential and commercial audio systems, theater design and installation, Josh AI voice & control systems, and Control4 automation. They also provide Wi-Fi home networking services designed to eliminate dead zones and ensure optimal connectivity throughout the entire home. They are experts at installing secure, efficient home networks and integrating them with smart home automation systems. At Altitude Audio Video, Steven and his team strive to tailor the perfect system for their customer’s needs. This article has been viewed 707,526 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 26 Updated: June 19, 2025 Views: 707,526 Categories: Audio Speakers In other languages Spanish Russian Italian Portuguese Arabic Chinese Dutch Japanese
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  • John Puri

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    Jun 19, 2016

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Steven Racz Co-authored by: Steven Racz A/V Expert Click a star to vote Co-authors: 26 Updated: June 19, 2025 Views: 707,526 John Puri

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Jun 19, 2016

"Very clear, easy to understand. Good on you wikiHow." Louie Gregorio

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