I'm not cutting up any furniture in today's post. Even so, I think I have some awesome tips for you on making this repurposed dresser TV stand from an old pressed wood piece from the 90s. It may look like it has nothing to offer, but it still has a lot of purpose left.
Repurposed Dresser TV Stand
As you all know, I won’t turn down anything for free, so I was happy when this dresser arrived on my doorstep.
How To Dismantle a Cheap Dresser
As I’m trying to figure out how to add strength to the bottom, you can see that the pieces separating the drawers are made of cardboard.
I began ripping out the pieces of cardboard and the drawer slides.
Of course, I saved the drawer slides and screws because they were in great shape!
Add Plywood Shelves To The Repurposed Dresser TV Stand
I used thin plywood (underlayment) for the shelves. It was thin enough to slip into the slot intended for the cardboard.
Each shelf is now in place, and I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my Airstrike Staple Gun to secure them.
Paint With a Finish Max Paint Sprayer
The dresser was ready for a coat of DIY Chalky paint primer (Behr Polished Pearl) with my HomeRight Finish Max. NOTE the damaged area in the back corner.
To get a good angle inside the dresser with the Finish Max, it’s best to lay it down on its back.
Even after painting the top of the dresser, you can see that it still needed a little TLC.
Add A New Plank Top to The Old Dresser
I have added some trim on the bottom (sides) to cover up that pressed board defect I showed you earlier. I am also doing a dry fit of some pine boards for the top.
Kreg Jig Pocket Holes for Plank Dresser Top
I used my Kreg Jig to drill some pocket holes to join the boards together.
After joining the boards and smoothing them with my orbital sander, I broke out the Dark Walnut stain by Minwax.
While the stain was drying, I started working the underneath side of the dresser so I could make it sturdy enough to add some wheels. Because it was pressed wood, I busted the wood and tried to remove the corner bracewood. It did not bother the structural aspect of the piece, but it sure did “ugly it up.” I cut a piece of scrap (underlayment) plywood to make a false side to cover the bad spot. g.o.n.e.
Strengthen The Dresser Bottom In Order To Add Wheels
You can see I added some 2x6 pieces across the bottom of the dresser to give it strength and give me a place to attach the wheels. I used pocket holes strategically spaced so that they wouldn’t interfere with the screws holding the wheels on. Had I not planned this process, I may have encountered trouble while attaching the wheels. You can also see the original chipped wood piece. The piece I messed up while removing a very stubborn corner brace I spoke about earlier is not shown.
I drilled holes through the pressed wood to prepare the original dresser top for the new pine top.
Attach Plank Top With Wood Glue
I then used some Gorilla Wood Glue to ensure the new top stayed put. I put the new pine top on and secured it with screws going up from inside the cabinet into the new top.
This two-toned look - cream color (or white) and dark stain is still my favorite. My coffee table and kitchen table both sport the same look.
Repurposed Dresser TV Stand
I believe this repurposed dresser TV stand is returning to my friend’s house to hold her TV Components top and her collection of throws/blankets on the shelves.
This project is sitting on my Easy DIY Faux Hardwood Floor.
This was a pretty simple re-do, but I think it added years to the life of this 90’s dresser. I now have three drawers. Hmmmm, what should I do?
gail
find more great ideas here: Elizabeth & Co Remodelaholic
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Barbara Warner
You sure prettied that old dresser up, Gail. You do beautful ork. I, too, have a table with Minwax walnut stain on the top, and the sides and doors are white. Nice combination.
Michele
This is really cute. Since I bought my house, I have barely had time to look over all the cool projects you do. Do you like the color I chose for my house?
Cynthia - Clockwork Interiors
RESPECT for your DIY skills! That is one beautiful transformation and I'd never guess it was the same piece--and what a treat for your friend to get it back that way! Cheers!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
What a great save Gail! It doesn't even look like the same piece. Featured you at our party this morning. Always happy to have you join us!
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage
Love and pinned! Such an awesome after. Totally cute and up to date! Bravo girl :)))
Sarah @ 2paws Designs
Wow! The end result is gorgeous. I love reusing old furniture - amazing what can be done and so better than toss in the landfill. Plus, the end result is nice & unique versus the store bought look that matches everyone else's house. Pinning for future inspiration.
Selina
You are my idol, you saved this and made it awesome and it was trashy cardboard furniture!
Stephanie@cre8tive
It would of been a great dresser too the way you re-did it. Either way, it's SO much better than before 🙂
Sheila
I love this...almost as much as the adorable grey table that is in my guest room! 🙂
You do amazing things, keep on inspiring us!
Mindi
It looks beautiful, so much better and free projects are the very best!! You know that two toned look is my favorite too!
Marti
Love this. I just turned a dresser into a closet/dresser. I used the slides from in it, to make a wine glass holder!
Edie Marie
Love your project Gail and let me just say I've GOT to get a Finish Max for projects this year!! I watched the video on it and I'm sold. Thanks for sharing such a great product with us.
Blessings and happy painting, Edie Marie
cassie
so much better like this! your diy skills always amaze me- you make it look so easy!
Anne@designdreams
That looks fantastic! I have an Ikea dresser that I love but the drawers don't slide properly anymore. I was going to chuck it but now I have a new idea!! Thanks Gail!
terry hayes
I love how this turned out. Loving the background also! Too smart.
Lisa W.
Cute, and good choice on the teal throw!