Ikea Kallax Hack: Craft Room Storage

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture isn't just inexpensive. It's also super adaptable!

Next Project
Time

Multiple Days

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$101–250

Introduction

Hack the Ikea Kallax shelf to build a worktable with a huge surface, convenient craft storage and easy mobility by sandwiching three small storage units between a base with casters and a plywood top with hardwood edging.

Tools Required

  • Cordless drill
  • Table saw

Materials Required

  • (2) - IKEA Kallax Insert with Two Drawers (No. 702.866.50)
  • (3) - IKEA Kallax Shelving Unit (No. 202.794.59)
  • 3" locking swivel casters (4)
  • 3/4" x 1-1/2" birch or maple solid wood - 20'
  • 4' x 8' x 3/4" birch plywood (2)
  • Birch iron-on edge banding - 25'
  • No. 12 x 2" flat-head sheet metal screws (24)
  • Polyurethane
  • Wood glue

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Basic Kallax Unit

Ikea Basic Kallax unitFamily Handyman

Build this craft room storage table with just three Ikea Kallax shelves and other basic materials. Start by assembling the shelving units following the IKEA Kallax instructions. Plus: Check out these other incredible Ikea hacks you can DIY.

Step 2

Make the Top and Base

make top and bottom of craft room storage tableFamily Handyman

Cut hardwood plywood for the top and base and install hardwood edging and iron-on edge banding.

Step 3

Fasten Units to Base

fasten ikea kallax units to baseFamily Handyman

With the assembled shelves (following the IKEA Kallax instructions), position two Kallax shelving units back to back and fasten them to the base with flat-head sheet metal screws after drilling countersink pilot holes through the Kallax frames. The frames are hollow panels, so be careful not to punch through their thin faces when drilling the countersinks. Make sure the screw heads sit flush.

Step 4

Fasten Top

fasten top to ikea kallax craft tableFamily Handyman

Install the third Kallax unit across the front of the base, using the same method. Then tip the assembly over onto the top and fasten it as before.

Step 5

Attach Casters

Attach casters to ikea kallax craft tableFamily Handyman

Install locking swivel casters.

Step 6

Round Edges and Install IKEA Kallax Drawers

Round Edges and install drawers to craft tableFamily Handyman

Tip the assembly right-side up and round over all the top’s sharp edges with a router and a round-over bit. Complete the job by installing IKEA Kallax drawer inserts and applying your favorite finish to the top.

Additional Project Information

There’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to new ways to use IKEA products. Here are 12 fantastic IKEA hacks.