Improving the load capacity of a Lack (or other) console table

Question

I have a IKEA lack console (max load 44lbs) table I've used happily as a TV stand for a number of years. I'm looking to upgrade to a 65" TV and noticed it would exceed the weight capacity of the Lack by 20 lbs (about 10kg). I looked at some other IKEA TV stands that are tall, and most of them have a max capacity of 55lbs, which would still be short of the 58lbs or so I need.

I'm wondering if the load capacity is dictated by the particle board support members, and it i could improve the capacity by using some metal supports or brackets. Something like https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Mending-Plate-Connectors-Furniture/dp/B0BTHGK6WH

Or is this a fools endeavor since metal frame tables are available at a comparable cost from Amazon, albeit, they look a bit worse.

Answer 1

Sell it used, buy a different table.

IKEA is value-engineered to just about meet its specs and often turns out to be built of laminate sheets over a cardboard core where you might expect something more substantial in "normal" furniture. It makes it light, affordable, and able to do exactly what it claims, not much if any more.

If you think the metal ones look worse, go looking for some actual wooden tables. Those can be had easily in construction from delicate to dancing on the table is fine.

If you own, or rent from a reasonable landlord (check first about drilling holes in the walls, though), you might also consider a TV wall mount.

Answer 2

Yes you can.

The answer from @Ecnerwal provides good advice, and if you're willing to take it, just go do that. This answer will help you if you insist on proceeding this way. It's not impossible.

Ikea's weight limits are generic ones that assume you do the worst possible thing in the dumbest possible way. You can usually adapt the furniture to do one specific thing safely if you do it smartly.

The piece is tall and narrow. Place it free-standing in the center of a room with a floral arrangement in a large vase weighing 55 pounds sitting in the middle. You are within the weight limit! But disaster will soon follow.

On the other hand if you stablize the table and the object and place the weight over the legs it can probably hold a lot more.

The legs of a 65" TV will be quite near the ends of the table -- about 10 inches from each end. The table will obviously be against a wall.

Fasten the table to the wall securely with at least 2 wall brackets. If the included brackets employ plastic or fabric straps don't use them. Those only prevent falling. Use metal angle brackets. Follow the furniture's instructions regarding where to screw the bracket to it. With the paper honeycomb furniture, you can't guess. There is wood structure somewhere. Then fasten it securely to the wall so that the console is unable to sway left-to-right and so that the weight of the center of the console is partly taken by the wall.

Finally, fasten the TV to the console and/or to the wall. Not to support its weight but to prevent it tipping. If you fasten the TV to the console AND to the wall that will make the whole arrangement even stronger.

Yes, you'll be drilling and fastening to the wall but this is much, much easier than hanging a 65 inch TV on the wall. The wall isn't supporting much weight. You don't need a TV bracket and you don't have to level it. The wall is just just stabilizing the console to prevent skewing and tipping.