Skip to main content

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.


The post Q: Is IKEA MOSJÖ stable without the backboard? appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

KALLAX desk ideas: Three ways to set up a workstation

Three great ideas for a KALLAX desk . #1 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required. IKEA item used: KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm) KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all.  If you want to strengthen the structure you would need to drill a couple of holes in order to use the long middle shelf of the KALLAX unit as a back reinforcer. Easy and it works. ~ by Fabio Tudela #2 KALLAX standing desk I choose to stand at work because it makes me feel infinitely more productive. Our department recently moved into a new building and we had the opportunity to design our own spaces. Items Used: VIKA AMON / TORNLIDEN table top x 2 (discontinued, replaced by LINNMON ) KALLAX 4 cube x 2 KALLAX drawer unit x 2 8 – 3″ locking casters / wheels 1 – 6′ zinc brace I had a few VIKA AMON tables ...

SKÅDIS: 5 ways to make the IKEA pegboard even better

IKEA introduced its own pegboard system, SKÅDIS, two years ago and I’d say it’s one of the best systems IKEA launched in recent years. I love how super customisable it is, with a growing range of accessories that help keep things organized. It works everywhere, in your wardrobe to bathroom . Probably anywhere you have a flat surface to hang it up. Photo: IKEA.com SKÅDIS pegboard system See it on IKEA.com But no matter how perfect a system, you can trust IKEA hackers to improve on the SKÅDIS. And they’ve settle these 5 issues you may have faced with the handy IKEA pegboard. Read on for their fixes. 5 IKEA SKÅDIS issues and fixes #1 Expensive hooks? You’ll need quite a number of hooks and accessories to fill up the SKÅDIS pegboard, and Kenyer was shocked at how quickly they all added up. So he figured he could make his own hooks to save cost. Photo: Kenyer Over at Instructables , he shows us how to twist copper wires into the SKÅDIS hook shape. It works s...

Amped up KURA bed with drawers and safety rail

We saw other KURA beds with storage drawers underneath on this site. So, we also wanted the same — to make space for LEGO s and wooden trains under the bed. We installed the additional headboard panels because the configuration of the room and the location of the windows in the room meant that we wanted the children’s heads on the right and the ladder on the left. The KURA plans did not seem to allow this configuration, though I have seen online that there are models of this bed from 2003 that allowed more options for setup. Additional safety features Safety rail panel for the lower KURA bed helps our two year old feel secure, as he just transitioned from a crib directly to this bunk. Likewise metal handles on the ladder. They added a lot of confidence for both the five-year-old and the two-year-old when climbing up to the top bunk. We are aware that the bunk is now even higher than before and both children are under 6. Use caution and common sense before making these modifi...