How to add a shelf to old TV cabinet?

Question

Hello, I'm wondering what the easiest way to add an extra shelf to an old TV cabinet would be.

The depth of the cabinet is 51cm and the width is 67cm.

I would use the cabinet as a pantry, if that makes a difference.

Wondering best type of wood to use, and if we can just use brackets to secure the shelf or we need another method? Also the tools needed for this project.

If there is an easy way to create a shelf we could remove on occasion, that would be great too. The top shelf that's currently there can be adjusted.

The cabinet itself is a 90s style timber veneer, though the back of it is only a thin plywood. See photos attached.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @orps,

Many thanks for coming back and updating us. It's fantastic to hear you were able to follow Jacob's advice and get the shelf completed over the weekend.

I'm also pleased to hear Brian was able to assist with cutting the timber to size for you. I'll make sure your kind feedback is passed on to him and the team.

Mitchell

orps · Answer

Thanks Jacob, we were able to follow your advice and made the shelf this weekend. Shout out to Brian at your Oxley store who was able to cut the wood to size for us on Friday night. A real help!

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @orps,

Adding an extra shelf to a cabinet like this is a fairly straightforward project, and since you'll be using it as a pantry, I'd recommend making the shelf adjustable or removable so you can easily accommodate taller items in the future.

Coincidentally, my colleague @EricL has just uploaded an article about how to do exactly this. Check it out for some guidance.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/343143/how-to-add-shelves-to-cabinetry

The easiest option, like in Eric's article, would be to install shelf support pins. You can drill a series of evenly spaced holes down each side of the cabinet, then sit a shelf on four pins. This would match the adjustable shelf already in the cabinet and allow you to move or remove the shelf whenever needed.

For the shelf itself, a piece of 16mm or 18mm plywood would work well. Given the 67cm span, this thickness should provide plenty of strength for pantry items without noticeable sagging.

For tools, you'd typically need a tape measure, pencil, drill/driver, drill bits and a circular saw to cut the shelf to size.

Once cut to size, you could add a stain to help your new plywood shelf blend in with the existing timber as closely as possible.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob