TV Stand Assembly: Build, Position and Tidy Cables
How to assemble a TV unit properly, check weight limits and ventilation, route cables neatly and avoid tipping hazards with large screens.
A TV stand looks simple, but it carries an expensive and sometimes heavy screen, and a lot of cables. Taking time over the build and layout makes the room look better and keeps the equipment safe.
Pick the right unit for the screen
Before building, check:
- Width. The unit should be wider than the base of the TV, or the feet should fit within the top.
- Weight limit. Compare the TV's weight with the stand's rated capacity, and include any soundbar or console.
- Height. Think about viewing position when seated. Eye level should be roughly in line with the screen centre.
- Depth. Shallow units may be unstable with large, deep-set televisions.
Assembly tips
Work on a protected surface
Glossy and veneered finishes scratch easily. Use the packaging or a blanket, and keep small parts in a tray.
Build the frame square
Hand-tighten all fixings, check that the diagonals are equal, then tighten. A twisted frame leaves doors that will not close and shelves that rock.
Fit glass shelves with care
Place rubber or plastic supports as shown, and handle edges carefully. Never over-tighten fixings against glass.
Install back panels last
Thin hardboard backs make the structure rigid. Nail or fix them consistently from one corner, keeping the unit flat.
Level before loading
Use a spirit level and adjust feet, because the TV's weight will stress a slanting frame.
Cable management
Plan routes first
Decide where the power strip, set-top box and consoles will go. Give them air and access for remotes.
Use the built-in holes
Many units have cut-outs at the back for cables. Pass cables through before positioning the unit against the wall.
Tie and label
Use cable ties or hook-and-loop straps, and label each lead with masking tape. This makes later changes much less frustrating.
Ventilation
Avoid stuffing consoles and boxes into closed compartments. Heat build-up shortens their life, so follow the equipment's guidance on airflow.
Safety with large screens
Modern TVs are top-heavy and can topple if knocked or pulled. Consider:
- Fixing the TV to the unit or wall with the manufacturer's strap or bracket.
- Anchoring the stand if it is tall or light. See anchoring tall furniture to walls.
- Keeping the set away from places where children can climb.
Wall-mounting a TV is a different job, usually involving checking wall construction and weight ratings, and is best handled by a competent person.
Time and cost
A simple unit typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour for an experienced assembler. More complex units with doors and drawers take longer. See how long flat-pack furniture takes.
A step-by-step build for a typical TV unit
- Check the weight limit and width against your screen and its feet, not just its diagonal size.
- Lay out the panels and count the fixings.
- Build the base and sides, tighten lightly and square the frame.
- Fit shelves and doors, leaving back panels until last.
- Stand the unit upright with a second person and move it to its position.
- Level the feet, then load from the bottom up, heaviest items lowest.
Ventilation and heat
Games consoles, set-top boxes and amplifiers produce heat. Do not enclose them in a closed cabinet without airflow, and leave a gap at the back so cables are not crushed. If the unit has a closed back, check for vent slots or add cut-outs for cable passes.
Common mistakes
- Putting a screen on the unit before it has been levelled and loaded.
- Choosing a unit narrower than the TV feet, leaving the screen overhanging.
- Squashing power leads behind a back panel.
- Leaving trailing cables along the floor where children and pets can reach.
- Using a glass shelf that is not rated for the weight.
Safe use with young children
A top-heavy unit with a heavy screen can be a tipping hazard. Fix it to the wall if the maker provides anti-tip fittings, and consider a wall bracket for the screen itself; see anchoring bookcases and tall furniture and how to hide TV cables on a wall.
Weight, depth and placement checks
Look at the unit's stated load limit and compare it with the screen's weight including any soundbar or console on the shelves. Check the depth, too: a deep, older-style set needs more than a slim modern one, and the screen's feet may sit close to the front edge. In small rooms, allow space to reach the back for plugging in. If the unit stands against a skirting board, a small spacer or cut-out stops it tilting forward.
When to ask for help
A glass-topped unit, a very large screen or a unit that must be anchored to the wall is worth a second pair of hands. An assembler can build the unit and set cable routes in one visit if you mention it when you request help.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a TV stand be compared to the screen?
Ideally slightly wider than the TV so it sits comfortably, though some TVs sit on a central pedestal. Check the TV's footprint, not just its screen size.
Can I put a TV on a flimsy stand?
Not safely if it exceeds the unit's rated weight or stability. Choose a unit designed for the screen's weight and size.
Do I have to fix the TV down?
It is advisable, especially with young children or pets. Use the strap or fixing recommended by the TV manufacturer.