IKEA Lack table Rehashed

A few weeks ago I was browsing through some really creative repurposed IKEA products on Ikeahackers.net. Being an IKEA hacker myself, I was inspired to submit my repurposed Lack side table. I waited, and waited, and waited for my hack to be posted but it never showed up, that is until yesterday.

A more recent picture of the table

Some readers left comments and questions about the table which I thought I could respond to here. I want to preface by saying I wish I had done a better job documenting the process but at the time (over a year ago) I was new to DIY blogging, thus clueless about explaning and photographing the step by step process.

The table before the makeover

I owned two very old Lack side tables that desperately needed to be replaced. I had seen a few high-end tables with a wood top and metal frame and wanted something similar. Unfortunately for me I couldn’t find a similar look at more affordable price so I decided to repurpose the top of the Lack tables. The legs unscrewed easily so I already had the first component - the wood table top.

My assistants removing the leg screws

As for the metal frame it had to be outsourced as I obviously didnt have the tools to build it. For its design I went for an ‘x’-shaped base in the bottom (I didnt want an exact duplicate of Crate & Barrel's tables). So 'x' bottom, and a square at the top to support the wood top and to distribute any weight that might go on top of the table.

Metal formed in a square at the top to support the wood top.

I found a metal/welding shop and showed them my sketches which unfortunately I never got back from them so I cant share it with you (lesson learned). The owner showed me some leftover scraps of metal in different sizes, I picked the thinnest square tubes (about 1cm thick) because I wanted the table to have a light and airy look. I asked for the frame to be painted in black semi-gloss. I also gave him the Lack top so he could affix it to the frame.

Nothing complicated here, screws keep the top in place

Total damage was around $50-60 which compared to the designer tables is a steal, but for that price I feel like the quality was compromised. In what sense?

ALL the welded joints were left ungrinded.

Well they failed to grind/sand the welded joints, its uneven and noticeable from up close. I think if the frame hadn’t been painted black it would've been more obvious. The frames are not a true 90 degree angle, from some sides its easy to see that one or two of the vertical supports are leaning further in that the others. These two issues aside am pretty happy with the results, obviously it was a matter of paying a bit more and finding a more skilled welder. Do you think it's reasonably priced?

1-2 metal legs aren't at a true 90 degree angle

Without any metal cutting and welding equipment this project is not doable on your own. If I had to make it with readily available materials I might use pre-cut square pcs of wood available at any large hardware store, saw the corners, glue them together and leave it clamped for about a week. The Lack tabletop is not at all heavy so just make sure you buy thick enough square wood strips to support the structure above. If you do go that route let me know how that works out for you!!!

If you want to read previous posts about this table click below:

This where I found design inspiration.
And this was what came out of it.