Introduction:
Have you ever wanted the perfect TV Lift Cabinet? Are you tired of your TV always being on display and taking up space? Look no further – we have a solution for you! With a TV lift cabinet, you can have the best of both worlds: a stylish piece of furniture and a hidden TV. And the best part? You can build it yourself for under $300! In this article, we will go through the steps to help you create your own TV lift cabinet and provide you with all the information you need to know. So let’s get started!
Why Do You Need One?
If you’re someone who doesn’t want your home decor dominated by a flat-screen TV, a TV lift is the perfect solution. It allows you to save wall space and have a piece of art hanging on your wall instead. It’s also great for those who prioritize family pictures over their source of entertainment. With a TV lift, you don’t have to choose between the two. Moreover, TV lifts can resolve conflicts between partners who have different preferences for home and wall space. One person may want a nice-looking cabinet, while the other wants the TV in the same area. With a TV lift cabinet, everyone gets what they want. Plus, let’s not forget how cool it is to push a button and have a TV magically pop up out of nowhere!
Where Can You Use a TV Lift?
The great thing about TV lifts is that you can use them anywhere! They are perfect for family rooms or dens where you don’t want the flat-screen TV to dominate the space. If you have a man cave or she shed, a TV lift would be a perfect addition to your sanctuary. You can even install a TV lift in your bed’s footboard, allowing you to watch TV in bed while saving space. Some people also incorporate TV lifts into kitchen counters, hiding the TV when it’s not in use and maximizing counter space. Now you can cook along with your favorite cooking shows without having to sacrifice valuable kitchen workspace.
How Does a TV Lift Work?
A TV lift mechanism is essentially a linear actuator specially designed for lifting TVs out of cabinets. It consists of an actuator mechanism that the TV is attached to. At the push of a button, the linear actuator either pushes the TV up or retracts it back down. The TV lift is powered by electricity and requires access to a wall outlet for installation. To get a better idea of how a TV lift works, you can watch this informative video on our website Kienthucykhoa.com.
Rear or Floor Mount, or Both?
When it comes to TV lifts, you have the option of rear mount or floor mount, or even both! Rear mount TV lifts can be attached to an existing structure like a cabinet or console. They are great if your cabinet or console has a sturdy back. On the other hand, floor mount TV lifts are a better option if you don’t want to attach the TV lift to a stand, console, or cabinet. You can simply mount it to the floor and place an object in front of or behind it. This option works well if your console or furniture doesn’t have a back or has a different shape. The choice between rear mount and floor mount depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Floor Mount
In some cases, you may prefer a floor mount TV lift when you don’t want to attach it to a stand, console, or cabinet. This option makes more sense when you have a console or furniture that doesn’t have a back or has a different shape. By using a floor-mount model, you can attach the TV lift to the floor and place it inside the console or cabinet. This gives the appearance of the TV being attached without having to drill into your furniture.
Rear Mount
Rear mount TV lifts are an excellent choice if you have a sturdy back on your cabinet or console. They are easy to attach and provide a clean and seamless look. If the piece of furniture that will house your TV is a regular rectangle, you shouldn’t have any problems attaching a rear mount TV lift. Rear mount TV lifts also offer the advantage of avoiding the need to place holes in your floor.
Should You Flip Your Lid or Keep it Attached?
Now that you’ve decided on the type of mount for your TV lift, you need to consider whether you want the top of your cabinet to flip back or stay in place. This largely depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Fixed
A fixed lid means that the lid of the cabinet is attached and stays in place the entire time your TV is up. This eliminates the need for hinges and keeps the lid fixed in place at all times. It’s important to note that fixed TV lift lids are ideal for homes without curious little hands. If a child’s hands are in the way while the TV is lowering, the weight of the lift and TV can cause serious damage. To address this safety concern, we recommend attaching the TV cabinet lid to the TV lift with strong magnets. These magnets will automatically disconnect if something like a child’s finger gets caught between the lid and the cabinet as the TV lift is retracting.
Flipped
If you find yourself getting distracted by something on top of the TV, a flipped lid may be the better option for you. With a flipped lid, the top section of your cabinet flips up to allow the TV to rise. Don’t worry about the TV hitting the top of your cabinet each time it pops up – the lift is designed with rollers to prevent any contact between the lid and the TV. However, it’s worth considering that if you tend to leave items on your TV stand, such as beverages or glasses, the flip option may not be suitable for you. You wouldn’t want to risk any spills or accidents.
DIY Projects Mean Safety First
Before we dive into the steps of building a TV lift cabinet, it’s essential to note that although you don’t need to be a carpentry expert to build one, you should be comfortable and familiar with basic woodworking tools. If you’ve never used power tools before, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from someone experienced in DIY projects. Safety should always be a priority when using tools and equipment. Building your own furniture comes with a certain level of risk, so make sure to follow safety guidelines and use common sense throughout the process.
Steps to Build a TV Lift Cabinet
If you already have an existing cabinet that you want to convert into a TV lift cabinet, adding a TV lift is a great idea. With some basic carpentry skills and the right materials, you can transform your cabinet into a functional and stylish TV lift cabinet. Here are the steps involved in building a TV lift cabinet:
1. Choose Your Material
Decide on the type of material you want to use for your TV cabinet. If you plan to stain the cabinet, oak or maple are good options as they have great natural grain and durability. If you prefer to paint the cabinet, plywood or MDF will work just fine.
Materials List:
- One 4’x8′ x 1/4″ plywood board
- Seven 2″x4″ x 8′ wood for framing
- Rear Mount TV Lift
- Piano hinge (if opting for a flip-back lid style cabinet)
- 1.25″ nails
- Wood glue
- Legs (if desired)
- 2 packs of Hardwood flooring for finishing the outside and the lid
- 220-grit sandpaper
In addition to these materials, you’ll need the right tools. Make sure you have a drill or electric screwdriver, a circular saw with the ability to cut at a 45-degree angle, clamps (or alternative methods) for securing the hardwood, and other basic tools.
2. Make Your Cuts
After gathering all the materials and tools, it’s time to make your cuts. The specific dimensions for the cuts will depend on the size of the TV or cabinet you want to build. Cut the necessary pieces for the frame using the 2″x4″ wood and plywood for the bottom and lid. Screw them together using 1.25″ screws, making sure to align the center pieces with the tabs on the side of the TV lift mechanism.
3. Screw on the Plywood Base
Attach the plywood base to provide a sturdy mounting surface for the TV lift system. You can also consider adding caster wheels to make the cabinet portable.
4. Hiding the Lift
Carefully follow the mounting instructions provided by FIRGELLI Automations to install the TV lift inside the cabinet. Ensure that you decide on the desired height for the TV lift before drilling into your newly built cabinet.
5. Sand the Cabinet Frame
Sand all the wooden surfaces of the cabinet frame until they are smooth. This may require multiple rounds of sanding, wiping, and drying. Always ensure that the wood is completely dry before proceeding to the next steps.
6. It’s Got Legs
If you want your TV stand to have legs, measure and mark the positions for the front and back legs. Pre-drill holes and attach the legs according to the specific instructions provided. Make sure the legs are secure and aligned correctly.
7. Don’t Leave Unhinged
If you plan to add doors or sliding panels to your TV stand, this is the time to install them. You can use hinges or tracks to attach the doors and ensure they align correctly with the rest of the cabinet.
8. Make Room for the Cords
Create a small hole on the back of the TV stand to allow cords to pass through. You can use a paddle bit or a hacksaw to make the hole, depending on the tools available to you.
9. Put a Lid on It
Attach the lid to the top section of your cabinet. This can be done using a piano hinge if you opted for a flip-back lid style cabinet. Alternatively, for a fixed lid, attach the back piece of the lid to the top of your TV lift. Ensure the lid is securely attached and aligned with the rest of the cabinet.
10. Place Your TV Inside
Attach the TV to the TV lift according to the instructions provided by FIRGELLI Automation. Make sure everything is securely connected and in place.
11. Add the Hardwood Flooring to All Sides
Now it’s time to add the finishing touch to the outside of your TV lift cabinet. Using the hardwood flooring, cover all four sides of the cabinet. Cut the hardwood flooring at 45-degree angles to achieve a neat fit. You can use glue or a nail gun to attach the hardwood to the frame.
12. Put the False Back On
If you added a false back and shelves, reinstall them to complete the cabinet. Ensure they are securely in place and aligned correctly.
13. Admire Your TV Lift Cabinet
Clean up the workspace and take a moment to admire your newly built TV lift cabinet. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite TV shows in style!
Conclusion
Building a TV lift cabinet is an exciting and rewarding DIY project that allows you to have a stylish piece of furniture while keeping your TV hidden when not in use. With some basic carpentry skills and the right materials, you can create a personalized TV lift cabinet that fits your needs and budget. Remember to prioritize safety and follow the instructions provided by FIRGELLI Automation for installing the TV lift. So why wait? Start building your own TV lift cabinet today and enjoy the best of both worlds – style and functionality!
If you need any further assistance or have any questions, feel free to visit our website Kienthucykhoa.com or contact us at 1-866-266-0465. We’re here to help you put your plans into motion!
