Ikea Expedit TV Stand with Birch Plywood

Hey! If you missed the tutorial for our TV stand at Infarrantly Creative last month, make sure to check it out below! This space looks SO much different with our fabric panel wall now!

Several months ago, I saw this project on Ikea Hackers, I loved the simplicity, added durability, and warmth that the wood added. Here's my spin on it!

You will need:

Shelving unit (I used Ikea Expedit, which is now discontinued, Ikea Kallax is similar)

1/4 Birch Plywood 

Liquid Nails

Wax (to seal the plywood)

Primer/Paint

2x4 (for the base) 

Legs (x4) (I used the legs from a thrifted chair) 

Table Saw

Clamps

Drill

Sander 

Here's how to do it:

First, cut the 1/4" birch plywood to fit inside the shelving unit cubbies. I decided to cover the interior perimeter (bottom, top, and sides) 

Measure the length and width of each section and cut the plywood on a table saw to fit. 

Once you've cut the plywood to fit, protect the wood with clear wax, stain or polyurethane.

Next, move onto the base. Measure your base and determine alignment - ours lined up with the outer vertical sections. Rip the width a 2x4 pine board to 2.5" inches and cut to make a box. Create pocket holes (we used the Kreg Jig) and join the base together.

Sand any rough edges with 120 grit sandpaper.

Prepare to attach the legs. We repurposed legs from a $6 thrifted chair (a great way to save money!)

The anchor included with the chair was placed into the new base.

Finish the base. Screw the legs into the base and paint it to match the shelving unit. Attach the base to the shelving unit with liquid nails and use screws from underneath, going through the base and shelving unit.

Finally, the 1/4" birch plywood was installed. Using liquid nails formulated to join wood, adhesive was placed all over (tip: apply the adhesive about 2" from the sides to avoid it seeping out when compressed.

The plywood was clamped in place with cardboard between the clamp and wood to protect the surface. Clamp until the adhesive has set.

Once dry, fill it up with your favorite accessories!

The plywood will help prevent scratches from baskets sliding in and out.

The legs makes it the perfect height for watching T.V.

I found a diving helmet (formally an ice bucket), minus the top at a thrift store for $1, it makes the perfect planter for succulents!

This was a super fast project, complete in about one evening!

Total cost was about $90 ($60 shelving unit, $6 legs and $24 birch plywood) I hope you'll give it a try!