New look for an Ikea desk

I found this great project while I was browsing the internet that I must try.  Since I take so long to get fired up to do any projects lately, I thought I show you via the site I found it on matsutakeblog.


You need a basic unfinished dining table from Ikea for $69.

Just cut a few strips of 1x2 to make the sides.  The base of the new side (that horizontal strip on the floor) is a 2x2.  Join all the pieces of wood with dowels.

This method of joining wood doesn't require any special tools other than a drill, it makes a clean joint with no hardware sticking out, and the bond is extremely strong. (1) Drill a hole, (2) fill it with glue and stick a piece of dowel in it, (3) drill a hole in the other piece and fill it with glue, (4) push it into the dowel and connect.  Wipe off the excess glue.

For this desk lay out all the wood strips on the floor and join them first. Then drill the holes all the way through the Ingo legs and slide the whole side structure in. After the glue dries, fill the holes with wood filler and sanded it smooth.  Use paintable caulk to make the seams where the wood strips meet very flush. Then tons of sanding over the whole thing and about 4 coats of glossy white paint.

Looks amazing!