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I'm currently doing a TV stand, pretty new to woodworking. And I was wondering if this would be able to hold the weight of the TV + soundbar? Let's say 40 kg / 88 pounds. The TV base is about 99 cm/39.3 inches wide 25 cm/9.9 inches depth. The TV stand is made using 3/4 inches birch plywood.

This is a rough sketch of it. Sketch look from the front

So basically 2 meters wide, 56 cm tall (+ legs). Supported by 5 walls: edges, middle, and 2 walls 40 cm away from the center. (As seen in the picture). The walls are 3/4 thick.

Basically:

Edge wall - - 60 cm - - Wall - - 40 cm - - Center wall - - 40 cm - - Wall - - 60 cm - - Edge wall.

Edge wall - - 23.625 in - - Wall - - 15.75 in - - Center wall - - 15.75 in - - Wall - - 23.625 in - - Edge wall.

Everything, except the legs is 3/4 in birch plywood.

The legs are just mostly for looks. They are wood planks, 8.8 cm/3.46 wide, about 2 inches tall. They are going to be distributed like this. Sketch look from below

And at the top we are also using some screws to secure the walls in place (and glue). 5 screws by wall, separated by 10 cm/ 3.94 in along the "wall" Sketch look from above

I have been wondering if this is going to withstand the load... I'm going to use some bricks to test the load once the tv stand is done and wait a week or two, just to be safe. But what do you think?

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    Hi, from sketch I think this would take 200kg no problem!
    – Volfram K
    Feb 3 at 5:58
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    3/4" (18mm) plywood is very strong. You won't have a problem.
    – FreeMan
    Feb 3 at 11:53
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    You could probably build this out of 1/2" plywood to save money and still not have to worry about supporting the weight of a TV and soundbar.
    – gnicko
    Feb 3 at 14:18
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    In WW2, the US built ocean going PT boats out of 3/4 " plywood. Very successful, too!
    – user11670
    Feb 4 at 4:11
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    IKEA would sell you the same thing made with 3/8" MDF. Yours will hold up a tank.
    – J...
    Feb 4 at 13:27

2 Answers 2

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If you build this right I think you could safely park a motorcycle on top of it. And no, I'm not exaggerating. A (very large apparently!) TV and soundbar should not pose any risk whatsoever.

As already mentioned in the Comments 3/4" / 18mm birch ply is strong, assuming it is decent quality very very strong. And glue-and-screws construction is also a strong and reliable way of putting together plywood projects. So you're lining yourself up for success already.

In addition, in case you're not aware, the back can add a very significant strength component to cabinetry. By fixing firmly to a back panel (even a relatively thin one) you effectively lock the entire shape which prevents racking, barring the fasteners snapping, tearing free or ripping out chunks of plywood.

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    Or a B-52. ATLAS-I 'designed to test the radiation hardening of strategic aircraft systems against EMP pulses from nuclear warfare. The world's largest structure composed entirely of wood and glue laminate.'
    – Mazura
    Feb 4 at 6:20
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3/4" plywood is VERY strong. I have some on a shelf in my shed holding my turning wood, I used full 4'x8' sheets and I have several hundred pounds on it. no dipping. I also have some 1/2" plywood on 32" wide shelves and it does a pretty good job.

So yes. A top only 19" wide with even less support than you are planning would have no problems with a an 88 lbs TV. It should look pretty nice when you are done.

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