A model from the Ikea “Alex” series was the inspiration for the conversion of this drawer element. The narrow version that we use is available from $49. In principle, you can of course turn any chest of drawers into a real eye-catcher. Our step-by-step guide shows how to do an Ikea hack for a chest of drawers to give it the look of an industrial crate.
Steps to do an Ikea hack for a chest of drawers
Important: The pull-out panels of the drawers must not be curved and arched in the front view, otherwise screwing them on becomes problematic. Handles are of course also a hindrance because they have to be removed as the first step to do an Ikea hack for a chest of drawers.
Even if everything looks rustic: Precise measuring and sawing is necessary with the width and height of the drawer panels, otherwise the original areas underneath can be seen through too wide gaps. A corresponding thickness of the formwork boards is necessary because it makes the 2 to 3 millimeter wide gaps correspondingly deep.
The materials needed
Consumables: screws, wood glue, sandpaper, spray paint in signal red, thick paper for stencils, scissors.
Building materials: formwork boards, according to the dimensions of the cabinet (here in 100 mm width). Their thickness should be over 20 mm. Four rubber castors.
Tools: cordless screwdriver , circular saw with rip fence, screw clamps.
Construction
The cupboard is converted with simple formwork boards and creates a traditional shipping box. Lovingly cut out stencils provide the crucial detail.
Two strips , to double the lower and upper drawer, are sawn off.
Use wood glue to place the two strips on the lower and upper drawer panels.
The cut boards are raw wood! So sand down carefully (gloves!).
To ensure that the front housing boards are correctly aligned, stop a board.
Spacer plates of 2-3 mm ensure the non-contact, parallel fit of the boards.
The roles (here: rigid at the back, rotatable at the front) are selected as required (with brake if necessary).
You can find the templates under the search term “packaging symbols” on the Internet.
Tacks hold the originals in place. Then the acrylic spray paint is used.
25 mm wide webbing serves as a replacement for handles. Slightly melt the cut edges.
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Gerhardt Richter is a writer and a trainer at trade technical colleges, specializing in carpentry, plumbing, mechanics and construction.
