Modifying A TV Cabinet
Installing A Wall Mounted TV On An Existing Cabinet
A client recently asked me if we could modify their existing tv cabinet to accommodate a larger tv. The problem was that this cabinet was built between two stairs and columns. The client wanted a tv that was 2 to 3 times larger than their existing tv and that meant it would be the same width as the tv cabinet.
After some research, we were able to find a tv that was dimensionally narrower than the width of the tv cabinet by 2-inches.
The discussion then turned to removing the cabinet doors and somehow mounting a projecting shelf to allow a larger tv to sit on. the problem with that idea was that the feet on the tv projected 7-8 inches into the room. After some thought, I decided the best solution was to fill in space where the old tv was with Birch plywood and use a tv wall mount.
The decision was also made to leave the bottom half of the cabinet open for a soundbar speaker, Apple TV and access to the power outlet, etc/
Modifying The TV Cabinet – Problem Solving
The first order of business was to remove the cabinet doors, door slides, and shelving. Once that was complete I measured my tv wall mount and the tv. I wanted to install the tv as high as possible but not restrict it from being lifted off the wall mount for service or replacement. I settled on to allow a 1-inch space above the tv and cabinet overhang to allow for this.
Once this was determined I cut three pieces of 1″ thick wood to use as a backer to secure my plywood to. I installed two 18″ long vertical backer boards and one across the top with 2inch screws.
Then I cut the Birch plywood. Using a Festool track saw I back cut a 5-degree cut on the top and side of the panel to create a snug tight fit into the existing cabinet opening. The Birch plywood was then secured to the backer boards with 6-screws.
Mounting The Wall Hung TV – A Simple Solution
I again checked my measurements ensuring that I allowed enough clearance to be able to lift the TV off the mount and not hit the cabinet counter overhang. Once I was sure I centered, leveled, and mounted the tv wall mount. Once that was all set and we tested the TV on the mount we took the tv and mount off for painting.
TV Wall Mounting TIP:
Start with a center mark and level line. Install one screw first snug but not tight. Level the mount and install the other screw [ensuring level] before filling in the rest of the screws.
Finishing Touches – Modifying A TV Cabinet
Freshened up the existing paint, applied paint to the unpainted areas and we were on our way to binge-watching some tv shows!
Once the paint was dry we remounted the tv wall mount, hung the tv, and called it a day. By modifying this TV cabinet we solved the need for a larger tv without an expensive remodel of the existing space.
