Home Decoration Views: Vika Kaj

Everything but the kitchen sink desk

<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GLA3E4hzHKOtsP2fvLY_TWjdLsy0FX9iJ71EerGsRC6twswPL09GNr6O5ypTRnqv_6bS52gDYH_jy29Cq-Vb3FH_8pocTjZMhZat3XUfkNkBPaZJQkruaUEjOwwW6NxdRsCbPTHJBE8/s1600/ikeea+adjustable+legs+and+desktop+counter-714166.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718855530835624450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GLA3E4hzHKOtsP2fvLY_TWjdLsy0FX9iJ71EerGsRC6twswPL09GNr6O5ypTRnqv_6bS52gDYH_jy29Cq-Vb3FH_8pocTjZMhZat3XUfkNkBPaZJQkruaUEjOwwW6NxdRsCbPTHJBE8/s640/ikeea+adjustable+legs+and+desktop+counter-714166.jpg" width="450" /></a></div> Materials: Vika Kaj adjustable legs, Ikea hollow core desktop Description: I moved in to an old storefront and I needed a kitchen sink counter surround fast and cheap. I ran out to Ikea just before closing to buy a counter top and when I got there I was told ikea had no counter tops left. A fire had destroyed a warehouse and there were none available for love or money. So instead I bought some Vika Kaj adjustable legs and went home to poke around in the garage. There I found an old hollow core Ikea desktop. Since what I needed didn't have to last forever, I cut a hole in the desktop for the sink. Then I polyurathaned it, set the sink in, attached the legs, re-attached the plumbing and caulked. As you can see from the photo, I needed adjustable legs because the sink is located above a narrow lip of concrete. ~ anne, Los Angeles

Everything but the kitchen sink desk

Materials: Vika Kaj adjustable legs, Ikea hollow core desktop Description: I moved in to an old storefront and I needed a kitchen sink co...

VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK

<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5iqgKBu3QPfOpiaVf8qguceYpTRxAOmu9haQtBpIiN0qvZEKekgsK0_WKCaJ_QbhKOQGSDKma6q7eXf2Cg4AzYhvBUnixM778p3nuSzPlovPfiBnqpisRCQacm3iyF6Pj9u6GgwPGa1_/s1600/rsz_img_0319-750374.jpg"><img alt="VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699972434676865890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5iqgKBu3QPfOpiaVf8qguceYpTRxAOmu9haQtBpIiN0qvZEKekgsK0_WKCaJ_QbhKOQGSDKma6q7eXf2Cg4AzYhvBUnixM778p3nuSzPlovPfiBnqpisRCQacm3iyF6Pj9u6GgwPGa1_/s640/rsz_img_0319-750374.jpg" width="450" /></a></div> 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): <a name="more"></a> <div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj667ScxL4GMiE08B7qU4mXvgAbQMn22fpuAKPZMbeMSmXQlBG8dbGQCKWXnPHAe9nbeMWGxCwcCAmTR8R9DSoT87r2B4MQCOjpwIL95uGMMbBgMnqroog4jwXjva_fuEwlU8olylqmWeI8/s1600/rsz_2img_0303-1-745722.jpg"><img alt="VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699972412764506098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj667ScxL4GMiE08B7qU4mXvgAbQMn22fpuAKPZMbeMSmXQlBG8dbGQCKWXnPHAe9nbeMWGxCwcCAmTR8R9DSoT87r2B4MQCOjpwIL95uGMMbBgMnqroog4jwXjva_fuEwlU8olylqmWeI8/s640/rsz_2img_0303-1-745722.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT2jPDZTw_Pb56QnBWzRdX1GfLCwvf9_WgtlXqCNRWE3h_RYzzwkFpf14CA0EaGvUBWySXZ2ElgXxl4nSuOnO7DstBR1icziZuJteOqT8uKz-4ny-59jcXfbyDZow2axYZe8mko8wIWYi/s1600/rsz_img_0304-746450.jpg"><img alt="VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699972416265048210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT2jPDZTw_Pb56QnBWzRdX1GfLCwvf9_WgtlXqCNRWE3h_RYzzwkFpf14CA0EaGvUBWySXZ2ElgXxl4nSuOnO7DstBR1icziZuJteOqT8uKz-4ny-59jcXfbyDZow2axYZe8mko8wIWYi/s640/rsz_img_0304-746450.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ME8CKc4eSxilixLfejjKRA6FWMOg8zyqLdAtnvIKWkLDWhTxvlQENZzZiJeL5Gn4vyp0Yf-GhV4I7YEeosKScskRYWT-oqMH8zVyXKvhMmsNfIUwEQvn5p42ZHqM6xbsGNPOtftHpe8N/s1600/rsz_img_0306-747570.jpg"><img alt="VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699972419735125922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ME8CKc4eSxilixLfejjKRA6FWMOg8zyqLdAtnvIKWkLDWhTxvlQENZzZiJeL5Gn4vyp0Yf-GhV4I7YEeosKScskRYWT-oqMH8zVyXKvhMmsNfIUwEQvn5p42ZHqM6xbsGNPOtftHpe8N/s640/rsz_img_0306-747570.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-jcg8jPQSn7JRZconyyhEhhmemGIJQ4fyuXjnPPGNj4GVu1lDzDP5kM13B_TZDT_9GedS3988eDxKczdjSOVhu0AA2_jN08uoO-tH7lGHabFZ4grEZRs5ZK7S4JA6SDtZT_WJb4j6HDd/s1600/rsz_img_0314-749488.jpg"><img alt="VIKA BR�D STANDING DESK" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699972427565571906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-jcg8jPQSn7JRZconyyhEhhmemGIJQ4fyuXjnPPGNj4GVu1lDzDP5kM13B_TZDT_9GedS3988eDxKczdjSOVhu0AA2_jN08uoO-tH7lGHabFZ4grEZRs5ZK7S4JA6SDtZT_WJb4j6HDd/s640/rsz_img_0314-749488.jpg" width="450" /></a></div> 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

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 VIK...

Contemporary Laptop Counter

<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJuwW8kRc1kNpLIm5WMZOXgH04pR-YlAoL0zBukwFDb3QOC9iILy0EIkzvv6Zt7cq2RQfAR1i5OYzaido3W0jbvw6cKQ5DdnsCjgNUoiVOgv8ThikTuCJTlh60D09khPqlsMkFVptNLYK/s1600/IMG_0318-775035.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674527866815519266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJuwW8kRc1kNpLIm5WMZOXgH04pR-YlAoL0zBukwFDb3QOC9iILy0EIkzvv6Zt7cq2RQfAR1i5OYzaido3W0jbvw6cKQ5DdnsCjgNUoiVOgv8ThikTuCJTlh60D09khPqlsMkFVptNLYK/s640/IMG_0318-775035.JPG" width="450" /></a></div> Materials: Dave laptop workstation, Vika Kaj adjustable leg, Dioder LEDs Description: I work for a small start-up company in high-tech medical equipment. We participate regularly at exhibitions during conventions. I used to rent a counter from the congress organizers. Renting such a counter for 3 days costs between 200 and 350 �. Now I found an alternative, which also looks better compared to the worn-out, overpriced rental� I can use it again and is easy to transport if by car. At Ikea I found "Dave", a plastic, modern looking laptop workstation. Since this a table, it was too low to make presentations on a laptop while standing in front of it. How to turn this workstation into a counter? <div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrzyLNu8t_9OPUukZB_0LF-YHEg1ehl0HXIQR5Fixf3YaKWTeD_HLA1oWxqIde-omjTSBDFZHym-OAQrWT8tX1rxZnuTEOw2Me7GXgM_pN03QfjmlNF6z9Q-fbXx9fkGsqB2HxYyCSmER/s1600/IMG_0320-776423.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674527871623290114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrzyLNu8t_9OPUukZB_0LF-YHEg1ehl0HXIQR5Fixf3YaKWTeD_HLA1oWxqIde-omjTSBDFZHym-OAQrWT8tX1rxZnuTEOw2Me7GXgM_pN03QfjmlNF6z9Q-fbXx9fkGsqB2HxYyCSmER/s640/IMG_0320-776423.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhkvNqfhqWs7W4nAqd9hoBIbhlnMqqfLu2JdBOEs2qdpGj8a4-Cngx2R3RgRh9SUqhIr2oSHLrqTm-FmF7us7urDzTcamexznkSSUOND_OWOH2Oo8814OmV1CFa0lA1q4DTS4R3ju0Wqe/s1600/IMG_0321-779576.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674527886561267266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhkvNqfhqWs7W4nAqd9hoBIbhlnMqqfLu2JdBOEs2qdpGj8a4-Cngx2R3RgRh9SUqhIr2oSHLrqTm-FmF7us7urDzTcamexznkSSUOND_OWOH2Oo8814OmV1CFa0lA1q4DTS4R3ju0Wqe/s640/IMG_0321-779576.JPG" width="450" /></a></div> I picked-up "Vika Kaj" at Ikea. This is a white adjustable leg. Both ends of "Dave" are very different and I could not find a quick way to make Dave's leg longer to fit the height of the laptop station to my needs. With a grinder I cut Vika Kaj in two. Also with the grinder I made a slot of about 5 cm at the bottom. The aim was to make the bottom end conic, similar to the original leg. After inserting the half Vika Kaj in the original leg, I drilled 3 holes, put self-tapping screws in it and painted the bare metal parts in white. Dave was now high and stable enough for my purpose. To make the whole workstation look slicker, I attached 2 bars of colored leds lights "Dioder", using double sided tape. The result: an original, high-tech looking counter for my booth at exhibitions. I have just used it during 3 days on an exhibition in Germany and it did the job! Total price: Dave: 99� Vika Kaj: 10� Dioder: 29,95� Total: 138,95� ~ Herve, Belgium

Contemporary Laptop Counter

Materials: Dave laptop workstation, Vika Kaj adjustable leg, Dioder LEDs Description: I work for a small start-up company in high-tech med...

Make a DIY Drafting Table from an IKEA Desktop

<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p-KygP2O_gBn5zipMJx5lLTEenqBSt6XDwiAyJntW3TEuqxFqRc69oajYREBlPqWPskKEJedSp101EtAT5cYan2cfROLPXp3UWT-B7kquXTMr3ri9NI36PKKkO39jRQZ20oYlARx7yqZ/s1600/draftdeskfeature-757304.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566909657080176162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p-KygP2O_gBn5zipMJx5lLTEenqBSt6XDwiAyJntW3TEuqxFqRc69oajYREBlPqWPskKEJedSp101EtAT5cYan2cfROLPXp3UWT-B7kquXTMr3ri9NI36PKKkO39jRQZ20oYlARx7yqZ/s400/draftdeskfeature-757304.jpg" width="450" /></a></div> Materials: IKEA VIKA desktop, VIKA CURRY legs, VIKA KAJ legs Description: Adjustable drafting tables are awesome, but can have a pretty big footprint. Here's an easy way to build a DIY drafting table using the IKEA VIKA desk system and a little ingenuity. See more of the <a href="http://curbly.com/chrisjob/posts/9735-my-total-office-makeover-how-to-make-a-diy-adjustable-drafting-desk-from-any-tabletop">DIY drafting table</a>. ~ Chris

Make a DIY Drafting Table from an IKEA Desktop

Materials: IKEA VIKA desktop, VIKA CURRY legs, VIKA KAJ legs Description: Adjustable drafting tables are awesome, but can have a pretty bi...