A DIY builder recently completed a custom furniture project that combined the practicality of a workbench with the aesthetics of living room furniture, using IKEA Kallax shelving units as the foundation.
According to the source, the builder sought a solution that would be deeper than standard cabinets (typically 40 cm) but more affordable than custom-made furniture, which was quoted at around 1,000 euros per unit. Kitchen cabinets offered suitable dimensions at roughly 60 cm deep, but lacked acceptable design options. After exploring alternatives, the builder decided to modify IKEA Kallax 2x2 shelving units, having successfully used a similar setup in a previous apartment.
The project reused an old desk from the builder’s basement as the work surface. The original desk measured 160 cm by 80 cm, which was cut into two 80 cm by 60 cm pieces. The builder noted that the first cut using a mini circular saw was difficult and required finishing by hand with a Japanese saw over 30 minutes. A sharper blade for the second cut reduced that time to just a couple of minutes, demonstrating what the builder called the transformative impact of proper power tools.
The construction process involved several components: two Kallax 2x2 units, MDF boards from a hardware store, self-adhesive decorative foil, rubber sheets, and screws. The builder pre-drilled and countersunk all holes using paper templates to ensure precise alignment. Rubber sheets were incorporated to absorb vibrations from equipment like a 3D printer and pen plotter.
A key lesson emerged during testing: IKEA panels are not solid, so screws cannot bear the same load as with plywood. Over-tightening risks breaking through the panel. The builder discovered this during trial drilling on the old unit, allowing adjustments before the final build.
Final assembly occurred upside down, proceeding smoothly after all pre-drilling was complete. The builder noted that actually screwing the tabletop to the base made a significant difference in stability compared to the previous setup using a loose MDF board.
The builder encountered some complications when installing internal shelves. Holes initially marked asymmetrically caused fitting issues. Using inverted clamps to lift shelves to the exact desired height, then marking hole locations without measuring, resolved the problem on the second attempt.
The approximate cost per unit totaled 130 euros: Kallax 2x2 (40 euros), inserts with drawers (25 euros) and door (15 euros), MDF boards (17 euros total), screws (3 euros), decorative foil (12 euros), and rubber sheets (18 euros). The desktop was recycled from existing inventory.
Key facts
- Custom workbenches built using IKEA Kallax shelving units cost approximately 130 euros per unit
- The builder reused an old desk as the work surface to reduce costs
- IKEA panels are not solid and cannot bear as much screw load as plywood
- Rubber sheets were added to absorb vibrations from equipment like 3D printers
- The project involved cutting an old desk, pre-drilling holes using templates, and assembling components upside down