Billy + Besta wall
We've definitely long been fans of hacking Ikea cabinets, from a custom built-in espresso bar to a Sprinter van build. This wall of floor-to-ceiling Billy and Besta was on a different scale. It took about six months start to finish. In the end, we love it but… given the pretty massive investment of time (and to some degree, materials) I don't think I'd build it from hacked Ikea cabinets. Even given all the steps we took finishing it all (Zinsser shellac primer, paint sprayer for multiple coats of paint and poly), I don't entirely trust the finish stands up to heirloom quality. Also, given Besta is 90% cardboard it just doesn't make a great working material. Still, we're very happy with it and we learned a lot (i.e. voltage drop along LED strip lighting!). Let's see, a not-at-all-exhaustive list:
We used (3) Billy bookcases and custom cut the widths and height to fit our space (9' ceilings)
We used essentially (16) Besta cabinets in various combinations
We wired gimbal lights for the bookshelves and non-COB type LED lighting that I recessed into the undersides of the Besta shelves
I ran separate lengths of 16-gauge 2-conductor cable to each level of the lighting to avoid a noticeable voltage drop along the length of the strips
We had several unique needs to solve for, namely the window and outlets/A/V wiring
We used 5mm plywood panels and oak for the natural wood accents
We applied Rubio Monocoat 2C natural to all natural wood
We used Magnolia Aspen Stone for the cabinets and applied it with a Graco 360 paint sprayer (for which I have mixed reviews - it atomized the paint beautifully, but was finicky and the paint liner couldn't seem to stay airtight)
Everything is trimmed and additional plywood panels were used to hide any sense of the fact these were individual Ikea cabinets
I was working with a tolerance of 1/16" and needed to meet darn near perfect standards (read: more than the "2 beers or 10' rule) so this project took a long time…
https://preview.redd.it/mkw64f87z09f1.jpg?width=2540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e77d0a6294c31189de3cdf8477cd84d4107e262d
https://preview.redd.it/u0511e87z09f1.jpg?width=2540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b366970136b81bc3377f12e430bfab61672bb5cc
https://preview.redd.it/gf6h6g87z09f1.jpg?width=2540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2473deab2cac7dd8affcc3536ed29554533ae69e
https://preview.redd.it/7k931697z09f1.jpg?width=2540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=234827b28532795eccd116fb57b910d54ee690da
https://preview.redd.it/q4ipjw87z09f1.jpg?width=2540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=385e8e40e0d156db76237d4560cfc06ed571b0f7
https://preview.redd.it/2eh8qf87z09f1.jpg?width=2540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2684c614486d9b3c85ccba4aebffb9711ba6842e
https://redd.it/1ljzf86
@r_IKEAhacks
Need to hack a RÅGRUND 2 tiered shelf unit 13" wide
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ragrund-shelf-unit-bamboo-30253067/
https://redd.it/1lknrm1
@r_IKEAhacks
Adding extensions to Billy bookcases
I have two Billy bookcases. One is the 40x28x202cm bookcase, and the other is 40x28x106cm. Is it possible to add the 40x28x35cm extensions to these bookcases even though they don't have any holes in the top to attach to. For reference, I know basically nothing about DIY stuff, though my mum knows more and could assist. To add the extensions, would I need to lay the bookcases on the floor or could I keep it stood up?
Additionally, how do I go about mounting the bookcases, both the main units and the extensions, to the wall? I have had the bookcases for a number of years but feel I should probably mount them if I am looking to extend them. However, they are about 2 inches away from the wall due to the skirting board and dado rail, as well as a plug socket behind one of them, so they can't get any closer. The wall they are against is a shared wall with the next house in the terrace so it is solid.
https://redd.it/1lkm3we
@r_IKEAhacks
Raising head of Kleppstad bed
Are there be any issues with putting risers (3-5 inches) under the two legs at the head of the Kleppstad bed? I have acid reflux and need to sleep with the bed elevated. I’m hoping that the metal frame would be sturdier and allow for this. I’ve always assumed this would stress the legs at the foot of the bed.
Also, is it possible to use the Lonset slats with this bed? I know it comes with some but have heard the Lonset slats are better.
https://redd.it/1lkclw0
@r_IKEAhacks
For anyone who likes 3D printing here. Behold! my BILLY/RACKA filament storage system
https://redd.it/1lk2wfx
@r_IKEAhacks
What primer should I use to paint Ikea laminated furniture that sells in Portugal?
Hey guys,
I hope you´re all well! It's my first time posting on Reddit, and I hope that maybe some of you can help me.
I live in Portugal and I´m trying to paint a laminated Ikea furniture, The Allex cabinet to be specific, and as far as I know, the shellac-based primer is a must in order to make it right.
The problem is that Portugal doesn´t sell any shellac-based primer, and I don´t know what else I can use to avoid the peeling result...
Does anyone know what another type of product, sold in Portugal, that will do the job?
Thank you!
https://redd.it/1lj7qnk
@r_IKEAhacks
Toothbrush holder IKEA 365
https://redd.it/1ljauda
@r_IKEAhacks
Need measurements for HJÄLPA drawer bottom groove – using custom wood fronts
Hi
I'm trying to assemble the HJÄLPA drawers, but I wanted to use custom fronts (FONNES style) made from a different type of wood. I bought a 60x120 cm board and cut it into six 20x60 cm pieces. My idea was to simply screw them on, but I didn't take into account the groove where the HJÄLPA drawer bottom is supposed to go.
The nearest IKEA is quite a drive away, so I was wondering if someone could tell me the exact measurements of where the groove for the drawer bottom should be.
Thank you so much!
https://redd.it/1ljl1fn
@r_IKEAhacks
Front and sides door/wall options for Bror (84x56x190)?
I'm looking for helpful hacks to solve enclosing a large Bror setup.
I am looking to build some Bror shelves in my balcony. It doesn't need to be hermetic but I don't want to have it completely open to the elements either (it's a roofed balcony). I also have a cat, who I don't mind getting on top but I wouldn't want going into the shelves and what I'll keep there (3D Printer and a Laser Printer).
I know I can use Skadis for the sides (and I'll probably add something for the cat to climb in one of the sides) but I'm not clear on what I could use for the front. The best would be sliding/rolling doors but I don't think there's any solution for that. Other doors seems to be made for indoors and probably wouldn't work best there.
It doesn't need to be full height, but I'd like it to at least cover the middle and optionally the bottom sections:
https://imgur.com/a/qWJNgiw
https://redd.it/1ljdii6
@r_IKEAhacks
Besta as TV board with height enhancement for Sonos Bar
Hi there,
i'm trying to build something like that
https://preview.redd.it/oi9a5dhuqt8f1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=783ba26ea660cad863b4580cbdca0132786f25b1
for my besta, but not 100% sure how to maintain stability.
i put my besta on wheels and now i want to have my soundbar / tv combo on top of it.
Any ideas how i may have fixated the tv in good way / also slightly elevating it?
https://redd.it/1lj4go8
@r_IKEAhacks
Lowering Askholmen Table Height (or making it adjustable)
Heyall, the outdoor Askholmen table is a little too high to be used with the benches I have in my garden. Has anybody tried to make the height for this table adjustable before, or just making it a smidge shorter?
https://redd.it/1lij2x3
@r_IKEAhacks
Modding IKEA Besta for a Cleaner, Better TV Setup
https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/comments/1lgrlvt/i_made_a_tvwall_for_my_livingroom/
https://redd.it/1li9wij
@r_IKEAhacks
Control two FAXÄLVEN with one SILVERGLANS?
https://redd.it/1lhrh38
@r_IKEAhacks
help with cam lock
https://redd.it/1lhpr92
@r_IKEAhacks
How to go about shorten a SAMSTAD bench depth?
https://redd.it/1lhlcjo
@r_IKEAhacks
Nail polish storage
https://redd.it/1lkfdp7
@r_IKEAhacks
Something like this with ikea items?
https://redd.it/1lkkkfg
@r_IKEAhacks
STOLMEN on 3,45m tall room?
Hi everyone, any hacks on how to get STOLMEN telescope tubes to suit my nearly 3,5m tall room? Thinking about getting a set of it second-hand but the tubes only extend to 3,30m, thoughts?
https://redd.it/1lk8oiv
@r_IKEAhacks
Mounted the donut lamp to wall using Command Strips
I can’t poke holes in my walls, so I wanted to try Command Picture Hanging Strips. I removed the four felt pads on the lamp base using a hair dryer, and then attached four 15lb strips to the base. I let the strips adhere to the base for an hour before following the Command Strip instructions to mount the wall. Removing the glass cover makes this process a lot easier. So far so good after a week!
https://redd.it/1ljtb9y
@r_IKEAhacks
Creating a enclosed kitchen garbage setup using plasta+maximera
I'm trying to create a custom kitchen storage using multiple plasta units
left : 80 x 55 x 120 (cm) stacked with a 80 x 55 x 40 (cm)
right : 60 x 55 x 60 (cm) stacked with a 60 x 55 x 40 (cm)
https://preview.redd.it/2j8dg068vx8f1.png?width=1244&format=png&auto=webp&s=dfd2b9153aec30a58623b3add9eadf1b503a56e8
The bottom right 60 x 55 x 60 looks quite suitable to house one of those pull out drawers that can have those covered garbage bins. Obviously plasta doesn't have that big an option for a drawer (60 x 40 cm). I was wondering if I can hack a plasta front to a Maximera or Knivshult drawers for a what you would to in a METOD cabinet to create the garbage drawer, like so
https://preview.redd.it/8mj0n96xxx8f1.png?width=1424&format=png&auto=webp&s=17c8230b36b6fba24c233fba3e587933026009f9
Could this be done? Maximera's dimensions suggest that it is less than 55 cm, which should fit inside the plasta body, I'm willing to do some janky workarounds to get around the minor imperfections, if any.
https://redd.it/1ljn6ur
@r_IKEAhacks
Need Grey trays, how to hack it?
https://redd.it/1ljnhr0
@r_IKEAhacks
Fyresdal Daybed/Sofa
https://redd.it/1ljjdhp
@r_IKEAhacks
How to execute drop leaf tabletop idea for Alex drawer?
Basically a Lagkapten that folds down so that its just the Alex (which I can use as a nightstand) and then the tabletop would fold up to the full length Lagkapten to use as a desk for work. I am just not sure how to support it when it’s in its extended position. Any thoughts??
https://redd.it/1ljcc8q
@r_IKEAhacks
Would a 60 lb tv be too much for a Lack tv Bench with the legs removed? - more in the description
https://redd.it/1ligzm4
@r_IKEAhacks
Best process to paint Billy furniture
Hello! I've fallen down the rabbit hole of guides and posts on painting ikea furniture and there's varying guides and processes people recommend.
I'm looking to paint Billy bookcases (white) to create a built in unit in our living room. What processes have worked for people and what products have you used?
I'd really like to know:
- paint brands
- primer brands
- curing times
- application (though I'm unlikely to spray!)
- preparation (sanding etc)
As with most people, I'd like to avoid having something go wrong or having chips or to re-do it so would love to hear what's worked for everyone.
For context, I'm in the UK so anyone who's used brands that are available in the UK, I'd love to hear what you did!
https://redd.it/1lho725
@r_IKEAhacks
Does anyone have a LISABO dining table?
Worth a shot….
I need to know the width between the legs on this table as it’ll be sat against a small radiator which is 74cm across. The table is 88cm in length but the legs look narrower.
Would hate to buy it and find it doesn’t fit!
https://redd.it/1lhrpt9
@r_IKEAhacks
Can I recreate this built-in wardrobe style using IKEA components?
Hi all - - I’m hoping to recreate this style of built-in wardrobe **example 1**, example 2 with a mix of closed wardrobes and open shelving.
I was thinking of using Pax units for the main wardrobe sections, and possibly Malm or Metod drawers beside it for the lower parts. But I’m stuck on how to approach the open shelving — I’m not sure what IKEA components would blend well here, or how to make it all look seamless and built-in.
Has anyone tried something similar? I’d love to see examples or hear ideas
https://redd.it/1lhoqf9
@r_IKEAhacks
Cutting Tretur blinds
I like the Ikea TRETUR blinds but would need to cut them to fit the recess width.
Ikea say they can't be cut, but thought I'd see if anyone had tried anyway and if it was possible to hack it in someway?
https://redd.it/1lhiail
@r_IKEAhacks
