Top products from r/ikeahacks

Honestly, just buy the real thing. I love ikea and I love idea hacks. But if you want something super solid that won't tip and can handle two large kids (and sometimes 3), the original learning tower can't be beat.


Little Partners' Kids Learning Tower - Child Kitchen Helper Adjustable Height Step Stool, Wooden Frame, Counter Step-Up Active Standing Tower (Soft White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F14266/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Wd1TDb1D8RJSM

These!! I tried plain white stickers and plugs, but these are like very thin dots of melamine. I used them to cover up a few hundred holes and they look great!

-Hedgie came from a great breeder
http://www.welovehedgehogs.com/index.html

-KALLAX Shelving unit, high gloss white
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20305745/

-Stanley Hardware 40-3426 1/4" X 6' Plastic Track in White Coated
by Stanley Hardware Link: http://amzn.com/B000NHLJE6

-SUPERNIGHT 5-Meter Waterproof Flexible Color Changing RGB SMD5050 300 LEDs Light Strip Kit with 44 Key Remote and 12V 5A Power Supply
by SUPERNIGHT Link: http://amzn.com/B00ASHQQKI

-Prime-Line Products 191928 Self-Adhesive Medicine Cabinet Pull, Clear, 2-Pack
by Prime-Line Products Link: http://amzn.com/B002YGNDAW

-Coroplast Model # CP4896S Internet # 205351385 Store SKU # 1000118572 48 in. x 96 in. x 0.157 in. White Corrugated Plastic Sheet
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Coroplast-48-in-x-96-in-x-0-157-in-White-Corrugated-Plastic-Sheet-CP4896S/205351385

-Model # 80077-ZWS77CM1 Internet # 202081502 Store SKU # 748867 1-1/4 in. x 2 in. x 84 in. Vinyl Brick Moulding Set (3-Pieces)
http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-1-4-in-x-2-in-x-84-in-Vinyl-Brick-Moulding-Set-3-Pieces-80077-ZWS77CM1/202081502

-Veranda HP Model # H120AWS6 Internet # 205309788 Store SKU # 1000052907 1/2 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. White PVC Trim
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-HP-1-2-in-x-48-in-x-8-ft-White-PVC-Trim-H120AWS6/205309788

-DAP Model # 00688 Internet # 100128841 Store SKU # 686064 2.8 oz. Silicone Aquarium Sealant
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-2-8-oz-Silicone-Aquarium-Sealant-00688/100128841

-One Day Glass - Peninsula Glass Company
https://www.onedayglass.com/
Type: Tempered Glass
Shape: Square/Rectangle
Thickness: 1/4"
Tint: Clear
Edgework: Flat Polish (a,b,c,d)
Width: 28"
Height: 11 1/16"

Thank you! This definitely feels like the way to go. I'm considering these to strengthen the back, and I'll pull the Alex drawers forward so they're flush with the front.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DSZVTI/

Yeah, its an old 2007 model I got for free from a friend. A Toshiba Regza: http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-REGZA-42HL167-42-Inch-Version/dp/B000MXYD0I

Yes, that's an insert ring. It'll basically cover the rough edges and kinda hide the hole to give a cleaner look overall. This is a hole saw that will fit that exact ring - https://www.amazon.com/Vulcan-961641or-Metal-Hole-Saw/dp/B000X2ILXS/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1486606762&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=2+3%2F8+hole+saw.

Basically, mark out where you want to make the hole, then make a dent directly in the center of where you want it to be to keep the hole saw from slipping while the drill threads cut in. Then just attach the hole saw to any drill, put moderate pressure and medium speed at first, and let the drill do the rest. Just make sure you stay as well directly on top of it as you can.

One option is furniture securing straps. If you live somewhere prone to earthquakes, you've probably seen them before.

The same people also make special putty for securing stuff to shelves. That was very helpful for childproofing at my house.

I have a similar set up. First I used the spare leg mounts like u/moep0r mentioned.

But finally got around to replacing it with one of these.

Simpson Strong Tie ST6236 14-Gauge 33-13/16-Inch Strap Tie https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VYD41W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A5cDCbG841KJ9

If you look up tutorials online, a lot of people do it without sanding! The key is getting a really good primer. The one I see most often recommended for ikea furniture is Zinnsser BIN.

Something like this maybe? You just hang it from the top rod.

https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Double-Closet-Rod-Organizer-/dp/B000QWKP7K?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-iphone-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000QWKP7K

Hole saw sizes: 1 1/2" for the smaller/lower hole, and a 2" for the larger/upper hole. These sizes typically come standard with a hole saw kit ($14.02): https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-71-120-Assortment-5-Piece/dp/B0009ZAEY8/

NOTE! The official IKEA FIXA hole saw kit does not come with the correct corresponding sizes!

My specific hack requires a grommet to achieve a tight yet adjustable fit while utilizing standard hole saw sizes ($7.49): https://www.amazon.com/HYCC-Flexible-Desk-Grommet-Color/dp/B01KNXAPK8

The Container Store is a store that sells home organization stuff; IMO, it's an IKEA without furniture.

Their desk legs. See their examples on that page.

Other desk leg from Amazon.

As for the suggestion I made, check out some of the ideas here:

http://sasayuki.com/laminate-countertop-desk/laminate-countertop-desk-superb-diy-do-it-yourself-search/ (random website I found with a few 'countertop' desk examples) Note the example where they added a matching keyboard tray.

I mean, you really just need to find a suitable surface and then whatever you want that's the right height to use for legs. If you have the budget, you could even get a motorized sit/stand desk frame and attach whatever top to it you want.

I used inexpensive glass door hinges and suitably cut-to-size coroplast, or particleboard with success. You could do it with plexiglass, but figure there'll have to be notches on the hinge side.

• LAUTERS Table Lamp
  
• This cheap tripod from Amazon
  
• 1x #6 x 2-1/2in wood screw
  
• 1x 1/8in x 1in washer
  
  Assemble the lamp but don't bother with the wooden legs.
  
  Take apart the tripod. Remove the head apparatus and the pole that goes through the middle, until all that's left is the leg piece. The pole will need to be sawed in half before it can be removed (a metal hack saw should do it in a minute or two with minimal mess).
  
  Remove the screw from bottom of lamp, and use the washer and the longer screw you bought to fasten bottom of lamp to top of tripod leg piece, and you're done!
  
  I needed to do this because I like the lamp and want to put it behind my computer monitor, but it's a few inches too short. Now I can adjust it to precisely the right height.

I've done it twice - we usually get a [kit from Amazon.](Westinghouse Lighting 7028600 Single-Light Mini-Pendant Kit with White Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WEMHF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xaSxybKT6JADF)

They're similar to this (https://www.amazon.com/Woods-8-5-Inch-Reflector-150-Watt-6-Foot/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474126402&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=aluminum+reflector+lght). I have four of them with identical bulbs. I also have a light stand that I set up in front of the opening. I bounce that light off a piece of white poster board.

It's the Dark Walnut Varatahane. I just did one coat, though, could have done a second if I wanted it darker.

https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Pipe-Table-Legs-x25C8/dp/B000AKEYOS

I googled "'legs' with flanges at both ends" and looked under images. They might have an 8" version, I didn't check.