Vika Amon, Hacked

Materials: Vika Amon and Capita Legs

Description: Step 1: Search tirelessly over the internet for a coffee table that will be just right for your space.

Step 2:Fail at step 1

Step 3:Browse Ikea countertops looking for a nice wood selection.

Step 4: Browse legs and determine that straight legs are boring.

Step 5: Notice the Vika Amon table top is 1/4 the price of the counter tops.

Step 6: Uniquely marry the Viko Amon Table top and the slanted Capita legs into a unique coffee table.

When joining the legs, drill a hole straight through the bottom table top.

The thickness of the table pairs perfectly with the length of the "ready-rod" which allows you to sandwich the bottom shelf by joining the legs together through the shelf. Don't over tighten as you might scratch the table top, or if you drilled in an area without backing, crack it even.

I recommend drilling where there is backing, but in order to get a funky look you may have to offset it a bit.

~ Shane, Vancouver Canada

Double desk, light and full of storage space

Materials: Vika Alex, Capita, Micke

Description: My girlfriend needed to have her own space, but I needed to have a place for my Personal Computer.

I found the creative-ikea-desk on Ikeahackers, and it gave me inspiration.

So I used 2 MICKE drawer units for the both ends of the workstation, and VIKA ALEX in the middle to hide my personal computer.

Thanks to capita legs I have been able to add a table top above the 3 consoles.

The next steps are :

- A USB hub encased in the shelf
- Ventilate the console hosting the PC.

~ Guillaume, France, Rennes

Numerar standing desk

Materials: NUMERAR/VIKA BYSKE LEGS

Description: Looking to transition to a standing only setup, I purchased two NUMERAR counter tops (double sided). They were 73 inches wide, with silver trim.

They are extremely HEAVY. Then I purchased 5 BYSKE legs for each .. and Capita brackets with the LACKY top.

~ Eric, Baltimore

Creative IKEA desk

Materials: Stolmen, Capita, Vika Amon

Description: Use two Stolmen chests, with Capita legs, and four Capita bracket and one Vika Amon.

~ Pasquier Nicholas, Nantes - France

Ikea door TV stand

Materials: Ikea cupboard doors, Capita legs, stainless steel tube, threaded rod

Description: We needed a place for the entertainment center and didn't want to pay hundreds of euros for a decent looking stand. The stand also needed to be 2.5-3 metres wide to accommodate TV and speakers.

I found a dozen cupboard doors for 2 euros per piece in Ikea discount section and got also two sets of 11 cm Capita legs.

From scrap metal yard I bought a few metes of 25 mm stainless steel tube and M10 threaded rods along with some nuts.

Ikea doors are too thin and flimsy to bear enough load without bending so two doors were glued and screwed together making six 24 mm thick shelves. Then 15 cm was sawed off from the back of each shelf.

25 mm stainless steel tube matches Capita legs in thickness and finish. The tube was cut in 16 pieces, each 20 cm long. Threaded rods were cut in eight 50 cm pieces. M10 nuts matches the thread of the rods and M12 nuts are just big enough to fit inside the steel tube. One M10 nut and one M12 were glued together using epoxy making 32 centering guides for leg tubes.

Working upside down, three shelves were stacked and 11 mm holes were drilled for leg rods through two of the shelves. Then the mounting plates of Capita legs were attached to the bottom shelf (to be the top shelf later).

The rods were attached to the Capita's threading using sleeve nuts. M10/M12 nut pairs were then twisted to proper heights to support each end of the tubes and first round of tubes was installed before the next shelf.

After the last shelf, Capita legs were twisted into the remaining threading of the protruding rods. The bottom legs tighten steel tubes in between the shelves making the whole stand robust.

Two similar but mirrored stands were made. Total weight is almost 100 kg. They are meant to stand next to each other forming a 256x56x45 cm stand. 20 cm clearance between shelves is enough to fit A/V equipment, and dvds and bluerays if needed. 56 cm total height lifts the speakers to almost correct height.

I'm planning to disassemble the TV stand for painting later on during the summer, but for now it's quite OK as it is.

~ Jani, Finland

Desk riser to dog dining table

Materials: Desk riser, Capita legs

Description: We wanted to raise the dog's food up off the floor, but didn't like the wire food dish holders they sell at the pet store. We were going to try to hack our old lack coffee table and make a mini dog dining table, but in the location our dog eats, we really didn't want squared edges. While in IKEA, we had the idea to use their desktop risers and Capital legs. It's a super easy re-purpose.

See more of the dog diner.

~ Christina, East Coast

Best(a) Island for kitchen

Materials: Numer�r kitchen counter, small Besta shelves, Besta bottle rack, Capita stand, Vinna handles

Description: Background
- Always wanted to have a kitchen island that matches the overall kitchen style
- Needed more space for cooking books that were stored on window ledge (can be seen on the first picture background)
- Wanted to accommodate dustbin and waste-paper as well as empty glass bottles (can be seen on the left hand of the picture below)
- Needed more work space in order to cook with more people in a communicative way

Approach
- From the originally built in kitchen I had remaining from the Numer�r kitchen counter
- Bought at Ikea the following
o two small Besta shelves for 30� each
o four Capita stands for 16� total
o Besta bottle rack for 10�
o Vinna handles for 10� for towels
- Bought a flake board at the hardware store for 10�

Technical build
- I started by building the Vinna handles on to the sideboards of the Besta shelves.
- I then finished the corpus of both Besta shelves and placed them back to back on the flake board
- Screwed the flake board on the Besta shelves
- Screwed the base of the Capita stands through the flake board and in to the Besta shelf corpus (for better stability)
- Screwed the Numer�r kitchen counter on top of the Besta shelf corpus

It was a one day project including shopping at Ikea. Material costs amounted to 100� roughly.

Books and bottles are now stored within one side / corpus and dustbin, waste-paper as well as glass bottles are stored within other side / corpus.

~ Neal, Hamburg, Germany

Headset Wall Mount

Materials: Capita 11cm Article number: 200.545.63

Description: I saw the headset stand made here on Ikeahackers, and wanted to make one for wall mount instead.

I just took the Capita saw some of the metal away, painted it black and good to go!

~ Daniel Bachmann Mikalsen, Norway, Vestfold

VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK

Materials: The materials for this desk are 100% IKEA! One stop shopping:
1 x LAGAN Countertop (96 7/8� x 25 5/8� x 1 1/8�) - $59.00
4 x VIKA KAJ Leg, adjustable ($15.00 x 4) - $60.00
2 x CAPITA Bracket, stainless steel ($15.00 x 2) - $30.00
� and if you are just starting with a standing desk, get a barstool to take sitting breaks as you build up your tolerance for standing. I recommend:
1 x STIG Bar stool with backrest (29 1/8�) - $19.99
Total Cost w/chair (pre-tax) = $168.99
Time to build: 3-6 hours (once you have the materials)

Tools
Circular Saw
Drill (w/screwdriver bit)
Jigsaw
Pliers
Measuring Tape
Random Orbit Sander and/or sandpaper

Description:
Like other standing desk hackers who have submitted ideas, I had a sore back from sitting at a desk all-day and wanted to try a standing desk without shelling out $800+ for a geek desk, which is functional, but industrial looking. I wanted it to look good, and also wanted stability. I love the paper filled fiberboard that IKEA sells for desktops, but I really needed a wood worktop surface and a desk stable enough to free-stand away from a wall. It also had to be simple, so I could take it apart easily, bring it to my office, and reassemble it without much effort. My budget was $200.

Behold� the VIKA BR�D (yes, I named it after myself):

First, I cut the countertop in half. I used a piece of wood and two clamps to keep the saw straight, but you can skip this if you have a steady hand. IKEA sells a 49� version of the LAGAN counter top, and you can substitute two of them, but that will add $20.

After cutting, I used the sander on the cut edges to (a) smooth them, and (b) held the sander gently at a 45-degree angle to the top and bottom of each cut edge to replicate the bevel on the rest of the countertop. Then I examined the two pieces to see which face was the best, and used this for the top. I labeled each face lightly in pencil so I wouldn't get mixed up.

Next, I made a freehand cutout in the bottom desktop using a jigsaw so I wouldn't rub against the bottom desktop while standing if I leaned in. You can do this any way you like or skip it. I measured in approximately 9� from each end, traced a drinking glass to make the semicircle, and then drew a line between the two curves with a straight piece of wood. Go slow with the jigsaw, as the countertop is thick. I sanded smooth and beveled it with the random orbit sander and used sandpaper wrapped around the glass to sand the curves.

Next, I installed the 4 VIKA KAJ legs on the four corners of the bottom desktop. I measured in 3� from each face of the corner, and where the lines intersected, I centered the round leg bracket.

Next, I installed the CAPITA brackets. You can orient them different ways, but make sure the CAPITA bracket bottom bolt will not fall on the same spot as the VIKA KAJ legs when you attach the top desktop to the bottom desktop. To install the CAPITA brackets, first attach the side with multiple screws to the underside of the top desktop.

Once you have done this, set the top desktop gently on the bottom desktop with the CAPITA brackets facing down as in the photo. Measure where the bolts on the bracket fall relative to the edges of the bottom desktop to make sure the top desktop is centered on the bottom desktop. When doing this, measure the distance front to back and side to side. I had to make a bunch of small adjustments to get this right. When you like are happy with the position, use a pencil and trace around the four CAPITA bracket bolts.

Next, remove the top desktop and set it against a wall gently so you don't bend the CAPITA brackets. Drill holes using the drill bit size recommended in the CAPITA bracket instructions. Pick up the top desktop and set it down on the bottom desktop as before, inserting the CAPITA bracket bolts into the holes. I did not use the large black plastic washers on the bottom of the CAPITA bracket, as I assumed those were to prevent water from getting under the bracket. I suppose you can use it if you want. Tighten the nuts and washers on the bolts with the pliers and you are done!

Things to consider
The finished desk is height adjustable. I am 6� tall and the work surface is around 43� for me. I don't think this design will go much taller than that. If you are taller, you may want to consider using the CAPITA table leg that is a few inches longer, rather than the CAPITA bracket I used and is about the same price.

Also, I considered using a router to carve out shapes in the top face of the bottom desktop to hold pens and a coffee mug, but I haven�t done this yet.

Finally, you will need to use finish or oil on the wood surfaces periodically. IKEA sells BEHANDLA Wood treatment oil ($4.99), which works fine.

Happy standing.

~ Brad C., North Carolina, USA

Hi-Fi Stand for little monitors

Materials: Capita, Lack (X2)

Description: This is a slight variation to this hack.

I bought a couple of Lack shelf, and used a couple of Capita legs, but the 16cm version (in that hack they are smaller). Total: 12� per stand.

~ Andrea Maschio, Italy

Large Standing Desk for 200$

Materials: Expedit Bookcase, Capita legs, Vika Amon table top

Description: This is a simple but nice looking standing desk.

It's about 45" tall, which is perfect for somebody 6' tall, but can easily be made 40", 47" or 49" as well.

Is is fairly inexpensive for the size, about 200$ and a working surface of 79"x24", plus some storage.

More info here.

~ thibaut colar, United States

$12 Monitor Stand

Materials: Capita Leg + Ekby Laiva

Description: Ekby Laiva shelf: $1.99. (They were good size: 9 1/2 x 23 1/4")

A set of Capita Leg for $10.

You can also go for various height using the different size of Capita leg.

Screw them together and I get this stand. Very simple, cheap and fast LCD stand to elevate the height of your LCD and allow you to put stuff below such as small CPU or other office item :)

This is similar to the Lillangen & Ekby Viktor stand but cheaper. The 4 legs are independent so you're flexible on position for them

~ bao nguyen, nc, usa

Railing desk

Materials: Vika Annefors - Numerar - Capita - Glenn

Description: I replace the existing railings which threatened to collapse, a structure formed by Ikea elements to create an office.

~ Pasquier Nicholas, Nantes - France

Custom IKEA bar with storage and prep area

Materials: EXPEDIT shelves, NUMERAR Countertop, CAPITA Brackets, VIKA BYSKE Leg

Description: I needed a versatile bar for my balcony and this is what I came up with. It has customizable storage and a tucked away prep area. It is also easy to get in and out of because of the single leg.

Expedit has many extras you can add for further customization:
- The wine rack insert
- The door insert
- The drawer insert

Construction is fairly straight forward. The brackets are the only tricky part.

1. Screw only one corner of the Capita brackets to the Numerar countertop at the desired location (a few inches from the edges). Not too tight, you may need adjustment.
2. Align the brackets to the edges of the countertop.
3. Measure the distance between the two bolts on the brackets and use that measurement to drill 2 large holes through the top of the Expedit at the desired spot.
4. Insert the Capita brackets through the holes with the countertop attached and get them straight. If the Vika Byske leg is not on yet you will need 2 people for this. If the holes are not fully aligned you should still be able to adjust because of only using only the 1 screw above.
5. Once you are satisfied that everything is straight and lined up you can use a pen or anything sharp to mark out the remainder of the holes for the bracket screws.
6. Remove the countertop from the Expedit and screw in the remaining screws.
7. Reattach and bolt the Capita's to the Expedit.
8. Attach Vika Byske leg to the countertop.
9. Place the bar where it is needed and adjust the leg until the bar is level.

See more of the Expedit bar.

~ Ryan, California

DIY TV Riser

Materials: NORTORRP shelves, CAPITA legs

Description: Needed to raise my TV about 6-8" and did tons of research online and it seems most home theatre guys make their own out of MDF. Since I'm not very handy, I decided to try to look for an IKEA solution. I got some inspiration from how other people made monitor stands out of shelving and legs so off I went.

I used Ikea's NORRTORP shelving since it is solid pine (the EKBY JARPEN was my second choice, but it is particle board), and 6" CAPITA legs. With the shelving and legs, the TV was raised 7". The total cost was $70, but the NORRTORP set comes with another shelf so I can use that for another project.

I temporarily fastened a second set of legs in anticipation of getting a new center channel speaker to place under the TV. This way I can rearrange the legs later to make sure the legs don't get in the way.

See more of the DIY TV riser.

~ Kevin

Vacation Inspired Coffee Table

Materials: (2) x Billsta table tops, 1 pack of (4) 6" Capita, 1 pack of (4) 8" Capita
NON-IKEA - (4) 2"x 1/4" sunken machine screws, nuts, and washers

Description:
On a vacation to Sweden (yes, the motherland of IKEA) I ran across a coffee table that I'd been looking for. Unfortunately, the price, not to mention shipping back to the US, was way more then I would ever spend.
Once back home, fruitless internet searches failed to find what I was looking for. So, I started looking online for parts. I ended up on the IKEA site and found several parts that would work.

Here's what I did:




1. For the first table top, I flipped over and drew cross lines at 90� (dividing the table into 4 quarters).
**Tip: You can use the pre-drilled holes as a guide for the cross lines

2. At the outer end of each line, I measured in 2.5 cm from the edge of the table top and marked a line in pencil

3. I placed the plate of the capita leg (group of four holes towards the inside), the outer edge of the plate centered on the 2.5 cm mark and the inner edge centered on the cross line. Mark the holes.
**Tip: There are six (6) holes in the capita plate, use the inner four

4. Pre-drill the holes with an 1/8" bit, making sure not to go through the table. (You are only wanting to make sure you don't move off center when screwing in the screws)

5. Screw in the plate.
**Tip: Screw in the screws halfway and remove. Use the tip of the screwdriver to clean the hole as the material tends to rise and may make the level of the plate uneven.

6. Screw in 6" legs, making sure to twist all the way down.

7. Repeat Steps 3 - 6 for the remaining three (3) legs

8. Place the second table top right side up. Set the first table top with legs on top.

***Measuring is IMPORTANT for the following steps****

9. Align the two tops. DON'T eyeball this, it will not come out right.
**Tip: We used a right angle for this.. and checked and double checked several times.

10. Once the tops are aligned, use a pencil to trace the base of the 6" legs. Remove the first table and flip over with the legs on top.

11. Remove the flat base on the four legs. You can just pull them off. You will want the four plastic black pieces.

12. Pre-drill hole for 1/4" machine screws in the center of the plastic pieces.

13. Place the black plastic bases on the traced circles on the second table.

14. Making sure the black plastic piece is centered, drill 1/4" hole through the plastic piece and all the way through the table. Do this for all four bases.
**TIP: Use a large phillips head to enlarge the whole on the bottom side of the table. This will allow the machine screws to be flush with the top.

15. Place the screw through the base of the table, through the black plastic piece. Place washer and screw on nut.
**Tip: If you didn't drill the hole completely center, use the traced circle to align the black plastic piece. You may also need to use a metal file to shave the washer on one side if it's to big to fit in the plastic piece.

16. Place the first table onto the second aligning the legs into the plastic bases. If you measured and drilled right, they should go right in.

17. Repeat steps 1 - 7 for the remaining legs.
**Tip: I set the 8" legs on opposite sides and made sure that the legs were aligned with the 6" legs before drilling.

That's basically it. It's a little tricky with the measuring as it's a circle so there is no corner or base to measure from. Just don't get rushed on lazy on the measuring or it won't align right.

~ Gennine, Houston, TX

New-ish dining room table

Materials: Capita

Description:
Finally got around to "remaking" the dining room table. The top is from the old table...the cart was bought on Craigslist. The Capita braces are from IKEA.

Here is the link to the project.


~ Wan Chi Lau

Custom Ikea island for meal prep/dining/pantry/recycling

Materials: (2) Akurum cabinets, (6) casters, plywood, (1) Numerar counter top, (2) Capita brackets, (2) Henriksdal stools, (2) Hemma cord set, (2) Fantsa shade; power drill and drill bits, nuts, bolts, washers, dry wall screws, Liquid Nails

Description: The base of the island is two Ikea cabinets (base Akurum cabinets in Applad white; 2x$105). We screwed the two cabinets together and replaced the legs with six casters ($60). The back side is simply 1/8" plywood painted flat white. One cabinet is used for pantry items. The other holds our recycling bins and garbage; we left the drawer fronts off for easy access.

The island's surface is our main prep surface (Ikea Numerar in black-brown; $59). We used dry wall screws to secure from below.

We also lofted a custom stainless steel shelf (interdynesystems.com; $300) with four Ikea Capita brackets ($20). We used a scrap piece of 1" thick wood on the underside of the hollow shelf and attached it with Liquid Nails.

We added two bar stools (Ikea Henriksdal; 2x$80), and this is our eating space. The eating area is complete with two small lights hanging over the island (two Hemma cord sets with red Fantsa shades).

See more of Kate's custom Ikea kitchen.

~ Kate, Lowell, MA