Updated October 2026
If you're planning a new TV unit or entertainment wall, one of the first questions is: how much does a TV unit cost in South Africa?
The answer depends on size, materials and how much storage, lighting and extras you want, but this guide gives you realistic pricing so you know what to expect. We're Durban carpenters with 25 years of experience building custom lounge cupboards and TV units in Durban, so the numbers and advice below come from real projects, not guesswork.
Average TV Unit & Lounge Cupboard Costs
Here's a rough breakdown:
- Small TV unit or floating cabinet: R6,000 – R15,000
- Medium TV unit with side storage and drawers: R15,000 – R40,000
- Full entertainment wall or lounge bar cabinet: R40,000 – R100,000+
Numbers only tell half the story, so it helps to see what they look like in a real home. Have a look at our wall-mounted TV unit in Morningside, our TV unit and passage storage in Berea, or the melamine entertainment cupboards in Hillcrest to get a feel for the finishes and detail at different budgets. You can also browse all our lounge and TV unit projects in Durban and KZN.
Cost by Material
Different materials affect price significantly:
- Melamine: Most affordable option
- Superwood: Mid to high range (painted finish)
- Melaply: Stronger and more durable (higher cost)
Not sure what material to choose for your lounge? Our guide to Superwood vs Melamine vs Melaply walks through how each board performs, how it looks and where it's worth spending a little more.
What Affects the Price?
- Size of the unit — more wall length and height means more materials and labour
- Type of board used — melamine, superwood or melaply
- Hinges, runners and hardware — soft-close vs standard mechanisms
- Storage layout — open shelves are cheapest; doors, drawers and display sections add cost
- Extras — bar sections, glass shelving, LED lighting, feature panels and passage storage
- Cable management — hidden wiring, ventilation and equipment cut-outs
- Installation complexity — wall type, uneven walls and awkward corners
TV Unit vs Entertainment Unit vs Bar Cabinet
A TV unit is a focused piece built around your television, usually the most affordable option. An entertainment unit runs along the wall with display shelving, closed storage and room for a soundbar, console and decoder. A lounge bar cabinet adds bottle storage, glass shelving and lighting, and sits at the higher end of lounge pricing. We can build any of them on their own or combine them into one continuous design.
Lounges We've Built in Durban
Every lounge is designed around the room, the TV and the way the family lives. In Morningside we built a wall-mounted entertainment centre with integrated storage and professional cable management, shown in our Morningside TV unit project.
In Berea we combined a built-in TV unit with passage storage, so one design handles entertainment and everyday storage. See the Berea TV unit and passage storage for the full story. If you'd like something simpler and more affordable, our Hillcrest melamine entertainment cupboards show how clean and minimal a budget-friendly lounge can look. For how we approach it from first measure to final install, see our lounge cupboards in Durban service.
Is It Worth Going Cheap?
Cheap units can save money upfront, but may not last. A TV unit carries expensive equipment and its doors and drawers are used daily, so quality hinges, sturdy boards and secure wall fixing matter. That said, melamine is a perfectly good choice for most lounges when it is well built and well installed.
Our Recommendation
For most homeowners, a balance between cost and durability is key. We typically recommend strong base materials with quality finishes, and spending on the things you use daily: hinges, drawer runners, secure fixing and well-planned cable management.
Learn more about materials here: Superwood vs Melamine vs Melaply. Planning other rooms too? Read our bedroom cupboard cost guide and kitchen cupboard cost guide.
TV Unit & Lounge Cupboard Cost: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a TV unit cost in South Africa?
Custom TV units in South Africa typically range from around R6,000 for a small, simple floating cabinet to over R100,000 for a full entertainment wall with bar section, display shelving and lighting, depending on size, materials and design.
What is the cheapest material for a TV unit?
Melamine is the most affordable material and widely used for budget-friendly TV units and entertainment cupboards.
What affects the cost of a TV unit or entertainment unit?
The cost depends on the width and height of the unit, the board you choose, hardware such as soft-close hinges and drawer runners, internal fittings, LED lighting, cable management, finishes and installation complexity.
How much does a medium-sized TV unit cost?
A medium TV unit, such as a wall-mounted unit with side storage and a few drawers, typically falls between R15,000 and R40,000. Where you land in that range depends mainly on the board, the hardware and how much storage and lighting you add.
Which material is best for a TV unit: melamine, superwood or melaply?
It depends on your budget and how long you want the unit to last. Melamine is the most affordable and works well for most lounges. Superwood gives a smooth painted finish at a mid to high price. Melaply is stronger and more durable, at a higher cost. Our full material comparison guide explains the differences in detail.
How much does a lounge bar cabinet cost?
A bar cabinet usually sits at the higher end of lounge pricing because it adds bottle storage, glass shelving, drawers and often lighting. Price depends on the size and finish, so a free quote with photos and measurements is the most accurate way to budget. See our lounge cupboards service for what we can build.
Do the prices include installation?
The ranges in this guide cover materials, labour and installation. Always ask for an itemised quote so you can see exactly what is included, such as hardware, handles, lighting, cable management and the removal of any old unit.
How long does it take to install a new TV unit?
It depends on the size and complexity of the job. A single wall-mounted TV cabinet is quicker than a full entertainment wall with bar section and lighting. Your carpenter should give you a realistic timeline when they quote, after seeing the space.
Is a wall-mounted TV unit cheaper than a floor-standing one?
Not always. A simple floating cabinet can be affordable because it uses less material, but secure wall fixing and neat cable management add labour. Wall-mounted units keep the floor clear and look modern, so many homeowners find them worth it. See our Morningside wall-mounted TV unit for an example.
Is a custom TV unit better than a ready-made one?
Ready-made units can cost less upfront, but a custom unit is made to measure, so it uses the full wall with no wasted gaps. You also choose the board, finish, storage layout and cable management instead of settling for fixed sizes.
Does LED lighting increase the price?
Yes, but modestly relative to the total. LED strips behind, under or inside a unit add materials and wiring labour, and they make the lounge feel more finished. It is a popular upgrade on TV units and bar cabinets.
How can I save money on a TV unit?
Choose melamine, keep the design simple, use standard door sizes where possible and focus on practical storage before adding feature panels or display shelving. Spend where it counts: good hinges and sturdy boards last longer than fancy handles.
Can you build a TV unit with passage or hallway storage?
Yes. Our Berea project combined a built-in TV unit with passage storage in one continuous design. A combined build costs more than a TV unit alone, but it gives the whole area a matching, made-to-measure look.
Are soft-close hinges and drawers worth paying for?
In most cases, yes. Soft-close hardware adds to the cost, but it protects your doors from slamming, reduces noise and feels noticeably more premium day to day. It is a small upgrade relative to the total price.
Which areas do you build TV units and lounge cupboards in?
We build across Durban, including Morningside, Berea, Westville, Pinetown, Umhlanga and surrounding areas. We have also completed lounge projects in Hillcrest. Contact us to confirm we cover your area.
How do I get an accurate TV unit quote?
Send photos of your lounge, rough measurements, your TV size and any inspiration pictures on WhatsApp. The more detail you share about materials, finishes, storage and lighting, the closer the first estimate will be to your final price.
Get a TV Unit or Lounge Cupboard Quote in Durban
We design and install custom TV units and lounge cupboards to suit your space and budget.
Get a Free Quote on WhatsApp