I'm not cutting up any furniture in today's post. Even so, I think I have some tips for you on how to make this repurposed dresser tv stand from an old 90's pressed wood piece. It may look like it has nothing to offer, but it still has a lot of purpose left.
Repurposed dresser tv stand
Y’all know I won’t turn down anything that’s free, so I was happy when this dresser landed on my doorstep.
Dismantle cheap dresser
As I’m trying to figure out how to add strength to the bottom, you can see that the pieces that separate the drawers are made out 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 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 in place.
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 on the back corner.
To get a good angle inside the dresser with the Finish Max, it’s best to lay it down on it’s back.
Even after painting the top of the dresser, you can see that it still needed a little TLC.
Add new plank top to repurposed dresser tv stand
Here, you can see 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 giving them a smooth finish with my orbital sander, I broke out the Dark Walnut stain by Minwax.
While the stain was drying, I started work on the underneath side of the dresser so I could sturdy it in order to add some wheels. Because it was pressed wood, as I tried to remove the corner brace, I busted the wood. It was not bothering 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.
Beef up dresser 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 run into trouble while attaching the wheels. You can also see the original chipped wood piece. Not shown is the piece I messed up while removing a very stubborn corner brace that I spoke about earlier.
To prepare the original dresser top to accept the new pine top, I drilled some holes down through the pressed wood.
Wood glue to attach plank top to dresser turned tv stand
I then used some Gorilla Good Glue to make sure the new top would stay 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 going right back to my friend’s house to hold her t.v. components on 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 3 drawers, hmmmm, what to 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.
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 š
Sheila
I love this...almost as much as the adorable grey table that is in my guest room! š
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!