So I’ve just moved into my new place and my wife and I wanted to convert our upstairs hall into a study area for the both of us.
Problem is that I wanted a standing desk and my wife was having none of it. So a comprimise was in order…in this case we’d have 2 desk one for each, mine would be a standing desk and hers a regular sit-down one. I’m no master carpenter so our greatest hope was to hack ikea. If you’re wondering what hacking ikea means, well the ‘original’ Ikea Hackers says:
Essentially, an IKEA hack is a modification/repurposing of an IKEA product. Why I chose to call it a hack? In it’s own little way, it breaks into the IKEA code of furniture assembly and repurposes, challenges and creates with surprising results. And yes, some furniture may be destroyed in the process and you may, please be cautioned, compromise the structural integrity of the furniture and its safety standards, so hacking does have its risk. Don’t say you’re not warned. 😉
The rules are simple, use one Ikea furniture for something it wasn’t intended to do…and that’s an Ikea hack. The website is just amazing and it’s a constant source for inspiration to a new house owner like myself. You may check them out at http://www.ikeahackers.net (beware the fakes!!)
What I did was quite simple, get an expedit 2×2 shelving unit and connect that to a expedit desk with some metal brackets I bought from my local hardware store. You’ll need 2 metal brackets to secure your desk, one along each of your expedit side.
Once you’re done you’ll get a nice desk that looks something like this…sorry I took the picture after the entire desk was complete.
Then I needed to make my standing desk. I used a 26cm Lack shelf and secured that to the top of the expedit like so:
You’ll need metal brackets, short ones would suffice, a some tools shown in the picture. You can force screw the screws into the shelf but I wouldn’t advise it. The 26cm Lack shelf will act as a base for the 121cm Lack Shelf to be the actual standing desk. You’ll need 2 brackets for a secure mount.
Finally assemble a 2nd Expedit 2×2 shelving unit and a Lack 26cm as a base (similar to the first one) , and use a 121cm Lack to connect the two, and secure it with similar metal brackets (Lack on Lack). You’ll need to repeat this steps twice as one lack shelf doesn’t have enough depth to be a standing. Eventually with some accesorizing and a proper stool (in case you get tired of standing) you’ll end up with something like this:
Hope you enjoyed it.
Keith, thanks for this great idea.
What do you mean when you say, “You can force screw the screws into the shelf but I wouldn’t advise it”? How did you secure the brackets into the shelving unit if not with screws?Also—in the photo, it looks like you used 2 more 26cm lack shelves and secured them in a “T” shape, perpendicular to the other 26cm lack shelves on each side. (Here’s the part I’m talking about: http://cl.ly/H4B3). Can you give a little more info about that part?
Hey Jack, yeap it has to be screwed in, but you can either:
1) Force Screw it using brute force; or
2) Create a grove first and then screw it in
I recommend (2). You should use something like the red tool, next to the yellow screwdriver in the 2nd last picture of this post.
As for the “T” shape, I just used it cause I had additional lack shelves. My workmanship isn’t so good either, so I used them to cover up some ‘untidy’ work as well, and they do provide a solid platform.
Overall, unless you’re familiar with carpentry work, I’d recommend the “T” shape as well.
Hey Jack, yeap it has to be screwed in, but you can either:
1) Force Screw it using brute force; or
2) Create a grove first and then screw it in
I recommend (2). You should use something like the red tool, next to the yellow screwdriver in the 2nd last picture of this post.
As for the “T” shape, I just used it cause I had additional lack shelves. My workmanship isn’t so good either, so I used them to cover up some ‘untidy’ work as well, and they do provide a solid platform.
Overall, unless you’re familiar with carpentry work, I’d recommend the “T” shape as well.
This is brilliant! My boyfriend and I are in the same situation. I want a standing desk, but he’s utterly unconvinced. How tall is your desk? I’m 5’4″ and I suspect this might be a bit tall for me.
possibly … I’m 6 feet and it’s fine for me. your height might be a tad too short 🙁
Thank you! I bought the 2 X 2 shelf, but didn’t realize it wouldn’t connect to the desk. Luckily I found your blog. Such an easy fix. Thanks 🙂
Didn’t notice you were the one doing this! I’ve read this before knowing your Unifi router post or blog… A re-visit made a new discovery, heheh
I can’t seem to find the LACK shelf you have, it’s not this one is it? http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60103750/ seems to be missing a side.
Yea, that’s the top piece.