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Q: Is IKEA MOSJÖ stable without the backboard?

I recently got one of those small IKEA MOSJÖ TV stands.

It’s mostly perfect for what I need. I have a 55″ Oled TV on it and a center speaker + a stand to lift the TV — all sitting in the middle of the bench top.

IKEA MOSJÖ TV unit

MOSJÖ TV stand | IKEA.com

Overall weight sitting on the top is about 62 lbs. Specs say Max. load: 99 lbs / Max load/shelf: 44 lb.

Given the middle shelf is much thinner, I assume the 99 lbs refer to the bench top…

On the middle shelf I have a cable box and a bd player (both pretty lite), and on the bottom shelf a pretty small AVR that weighs 18.08 lbs.

Now here’s the issue:

This has a very thin fiberboard, paper foil backboard with a couple of half circular small holes for each shelf for cables. It’s sitting a little bit inside the frame in a slot (it can be seen in one of the pictures below).

With all the wires (lots of speaker wires with banana plugs, several hdmis, ethernet, electric cord), it is very narrow and crowded in the back, so much that the AVR sticks out of the unit for about 1″, and if I need to pull it out to change or add stuff, it’s quite hard.

backboard

MOSJÖ TV stand | IKEA.com

I thought of getting rid of the backboard as it seems so thin that I couldn’t see it contributing anything to stability.

To be sure, I contacted IKEA support to ask if it’s safe to remove it and they claimed it has a function in keeping the structure intact and prevent sagging in the middle, and went on about removing it invalidates the warranty bla bla bla.

I would love some input from anyone whether it would be safe to remove that backboard or any other ideas to make the backside more spacious and manageable.

My ideas so far are:

  • Removing the backboard completely.
  • Expand the hole so the whole cables part of the AVR can be pushed in.
  • I read some suggestions for other type of products, like angle braces or using the IKEA OBSERVATÖR Cross-brace.

Thanks!

~ by Moses

***

Hi Moses

IKEA tends to be very economical in their design so every piece in the assembly does play a part in the whole.

In the IKEA MOSJÖ TV unit, I do think the backboard serves to stabilize the unit by keeping it square, so that the screws can do their job of holding the frame together.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the situation.

My first thought would be to disassemble and remove the backboard to test its stability. Reassemble without the backboard and set up your peripherals on the unit.

I’d check whether it is stable without the backboard? Or is there a wobble when you gently push the unit from side to side? Any warping?

If so, then I’ll replace the backboard and widen the holes. Or make additional holes in the middle section of the backboard for the cables. Which may be a quick and easy fix.

But if you like to ….

Remove the IKEA MOSJÖ backboard and … ?

Fix 1: Install brackets

However, if the backboard is still in the way and you would like to remove it, reinforcing with angle brackets on all 8 corners will help strengthen the TV unit without its back.

Fix 2: Make a new smaller backboard

If you don’t want to go on the bracket route, use a piece of scrap wood equal to the length of the TV stand. It does not need to cover the entire height of the back, maybe just 6-8″ wide. Nail or screw the short edges of this new, slim backboard into the sides of the back frame. (This new board is not inserted into the grooves). This way, you’ll have more space at the back with a backboard that is pushed further behind. Making the board smaller will also allow for a wider opening for your cables to go through.

IKEA MOSJÖ hack
Fix 3: Secure the middle shelf

For me, this is the easiest fix but it’ll sacrifice flexibility. Screw in the middle shelf to the sides of the TV unit (instead of leaving it as an adjustable shelf). If you don’t want visible screw heads on the side of the TV unit, use brackets on the inside.

IKEA MOSJÖ hack

The secured middle shelf will hold the side panels in. Which will help the frame keep steady against the downward weight of your devices.

Hope these suggestions help.

Happy hacking!

Jules

Hacking may compromise the structural integrity of the item, so please be aware of the risks involved before modifying or altering any IKEA product. Alterations and modifications will also void any warranties or return policies you may have received from IKEA. IKEAhackers.net is not liable for any product failure, injury or damage resulting from the application of suggestions, ideas and hacks featured on this site.

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