Last year, I posted a very high level overview about building an Ikea standing station conversion. This year, I’m showing you:
1: Read this guide
2: go to Ikea
3: Daydream about making some of the rooms yours:
4: Find and purchase the following:
~Lack side table (21×21″)
~Antonius shelf (31×11″)
~brackets of your choice
5. Gather your materials. You will need
– side table
– shelf
– brackets
– power drill with 1/16″ bit and Phillips had screw driver bit
– screws of appropriate dimensions.( I raided our junk drawer to find some. You want at least two that are just under 1/2″, and about four more that are about 1″)
– a pencil
– a buddy
6. Assemble the table according to the included instructions (recruiting a buddy helps save fatigue in your forearms)
7. Figure out where you want your keyboard to be by putting the table on your existing desk. Bend your elbows to mimic typing comfortably at a keyboard (usually around 90°) and mark off this height discretely with a pencil on the inside of the table leg.
8. Measure and mark the holes for the brackets on the bottom of the shelf
I couldn’t find my measuring tape, so I just eyeballed it.
9. Drill a shallow pilot hole for each of the screws using a 1/16″ bit. Only go deep enough to get through the veneer
10. Line the brackets up as planned, then screw them down. Your screw should just fit:
11. Referencing your pencil marks from step 7, mark where you’ll be attaching the other side of the bracket to the table
12. Drill pilot holes *just* through the veneer, and use the smallest bit (1/16″ is what I used). Get your buddy to brace the table so it doesn’t fall over on you. He or she can hang out and lend some leverage through the next steps.
13. Mount the shelf to the table using 1″ screws.
14. Place standing station conversion on your existing desk, move your monitor, keyboard, and mouse as needed and Ta da: standing station
* if you use too big of a bit, drill too far, or use screws that are too short, you might experience the painful conclusion of your shelf falling off when you place your table upright
Don’t worry, if plan “A” fails, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. Plan “B” for me was to spin the table around and correct for my mistakes. The damaged part faces the wall anyway, so no one will see.
My trip to Ikea included the parts shown above, crafting beads, and lint roller refills. My bill came to $33. The table itself should be around $7-9, the shelf around $6-7, and the brackets around $6-7. Not a bad deal for $20!
I talked to someone there who had already made his version and he was helping a friend build one. This was #2 for me. Are you going to tackle it? Comment below with your thoughts.
MegsFitness 