kaboodle hack: create a contemporary TV unit

In this handy hack, we will step you through how to create a stylish and functional TV unit using kaboodle products!

Looking to spruce up your existing TV unit? We have an affordable DIY hack that will allow you to create a designer look, while also having some fun in the process!

kaboodle products you’ll need

You may also need shelf supports (if you would like to create additional internal storage), a benchtop stain/finish of your choice and some screw-on feet!

tools you’ll need

  • drill with a number 2 screw tip

  • 4mm countersinking drill bit

  • 5mm drill bit

  • a circular saw with a fine-tooth timber blade

  • masking tape

  • clamps

  • long straight edge

  • orbital sander or sanding block with 120 and 240 grit sandpaper

  • tape measure

  • adjustable square

  • pencil

  • paint brush or applicator and rags (as required by your chosen benchtop finish), and of course, all the appropriate safety gear

handy tip: a jigsaw with a fine-tooth timber blade or a 50mm hole saw drill bit can be used to add cable holes to the unit if needed.

step 1

Start by cutting the benchtop pieces with a circular saw, carefully following the instructions provided with the benchtop. Remember to mask the cut and ensure the good side is facing down.

Cut one piece 1265mm x 325mm (this will be for the top of the TV unit) and 2 pieces 392mm x 325mm (these will be for the sides). The bottom panel can be cut from what you have left. It will need to be 1200mm wide but depth is not important as it is only a trim for the front of the unit.

step 2

Sand the benchtop according to the instructions provided and coat with your choice of timber finish. Kaboodle clear hard wax oil is the ideal product to use on our timber benchtops, however to create a more modern look we have chosen to use a black timber stain, which you can find at your local Bunnings Warehouse.

handy tip: always follow the timber finish product instructions carefully, and remember to ensure that your chosen finish is food safe if it is going to be used on a food preparation surface.

 step 3

Assemble the slimline cabinets as per the assembly instructions provided. Because this unit will house some low height items, we have cut an additional 564mm x 280mm shelf to add to one of the slimline cabinets using some melamine particleboard and the circular saw. To add the shelf with ease, we drilled new shelf support holes in each side panel prior to assembly using a 5mm drill bit to a depth of 10mm. These can be added at any height as long as the holes on each side are level at both front and back. The shelf supports can be purchased at Bunnings.

step 4

Once the cabinets are assembled, clamp them together and pre-drill using the 4mm drill bit. Once you have done this, screw them together in all four corners using the 28mm screws provided with the cabinets.

step 5

Attach the benchtop pieces in the same way, making sure that the four hinge mounting plate holes in the cabinet are located at what will be the base of the unit. This is so that the door will open downward rather than up.

The top panel will sit on top of the side panels and the bottom trim will fit in between them. The panels will all be flush with the back of the slimline cabinets to allow for the door overhang, except for the bottom piece which will be flush with the front of the other panels.

step 6

Add the screw in feet, and drill or cut any cable holes that you will need into the back or base panel of the unit. This may be easier to do prior to assembling the panels if you can work out where you want the holes to end up.

step 7

Attach the doors and hinges according to the product instructions, and any chosen handles or push to open mechanisms (if you are using them).

handy tip: as these doors open downward, they will be inclined to drop - so care should be taken when opening them. A flap stay can be added to the doors in order to limit the opening angle.

step 8 - enjoy!

You can create this TV unit with any kaboodle door colour you like - why not make one to match your kaboodle kitchen? Or match it with this coffee table which you can create using another one of our simple kaboodle hacks.

We hope you enjoyed this kaboodle hack and have inspired you to get thinking about your next DIY project!