Skip to main content

Easy kitchen countertop from an unexpected storage unit

We had space in our kitchen for more counters, but to get the real thing easily cost double or triple this PLATSA hack! 

This was incredibly easy to assemble, and bonus we can move it around if we wish for a kitchen trolley (which is also double the cost of this hack).

PLATSA kitchen cabinet

I do wonder if we should have gotten locking caster wheels at the hardware store instead of the IKEA legs. But it’s light enough to slide around if we want to. 

IKEA items used: 
IKEA planner
Other materials and tools:
  • None! Just a few screws to attach the countertop is all you need. 

PLATSA for the kitchen: 

1. Use the PLASTA planner tool on IKEA’s website to select what components you want, and get an exact list of the parts you need.

IKEA Planner

I needed more drawers in my kitchen, and wanted the counter to be longer than the unit so I can store things under it. But perhaps you want MORE drawers or cupboards only, or you want a 120cm wide cupboard (or bigger or smaller). It’s very customizable! 

Do not purchase the top board — you’ll be using a countertop instead. 

You MUST choose two 40cm tall components, however. No other combination will create the correct height for a countertop. 

The PLASTA legs are either too tall or too short.

I suspect ANY legs IKEA sells will work, so feel free to choose what matches your decor.

Keep in mind that you want something that is 6-10cm tall. Taller or shorter ones (i.e. any of the PLASTA options) will cause your countertop to be too high or low. 

2. Assemble the PLASTA drawer units per the instructions. Except turn the very top board upside down, as if you are going to attach legs to the top. This will make it easier to screw the counter on.

3. Attach the legs. Although these particular legs were not marketed as being able to go with PLASTA, they attached exactly the same. 

4. Screw on the countertop from below, using the holes intended for the leg screws. I found the angle to be very awkward, and the screws didn’t go all the way in before they started to strip… which is fine for me, it’s attached well enough.

PLATSA kitchen cabinet

Screw the countertop on from below

Installing the countertop

But if I were to do it again, I would probably attempt to attach the counter before assembling the top unit.

Make sure you use screws that aren’t too long – you don’t want them to poke out through the top. 

PLATSA kitchen cabinet

Test the overhang with your drawers. If it’s exactly centered, it is difficult to access the top drawer. We settled on a 3.5cm overhang in front, and the rest in the back.

Because of the extra space in the back, you cannot use the wall anchor points. If you have kids, consider getting some brackets to attach to the back of the counter and attach the the wall. It is not tippy with normal use, but it is light weight and could totally be a problem if you’ve got a climber. 

PLATSA kitchen cabinet

IKEA makes different sizes of this countertop, so choose what fits your space best.

We considered getting two much cheaper LAMPLIG cutting boards (46X53CM – 106cm countertop put together) and attaching them as a top, but ultimately decided we wanted the extra counter space with the overhang from the TOLKEN. 

PLATSA kitchen cabinet
Other useful information:

It cost €127 for the PLASTA components, and €90 for the countertop. Keep in mind that the countertop is designed for a bathroom.

Don’t cut directly on it, and try not to put hot things on it — I don’t know what will happen and I’d rather not learn. 

This configuration is 92cm tall. I was aiming for 90cm, but the extra two aren’t noticeable and it was worth it to me to get the legs that matched my other furniture. 

Hope you like our PLATSA kitchen countertop.

~ by Melissa K. 

The post Easy kitchen countertop from an unexpected storage unit appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SKÅDIS: 5 ways to make the IKEA pegboard even better

IKEA introduced its own pegboard system, SKÅDIS, two years ago and I’d say it’s one of the best systems IKEA launched in recent years. I love how super customisable it is, with a growing range of accessories that help keep things organized. It works everywhere, in your wardrobe to bathroom . Probably anywhere you have a flat surface to hang it up. Photo: IKEA.com SKÅDIS pegboard system See it on IKEA.com But no matter how perfect a system, you can trust IKEA hackers to improve on the SKÅDIS. And they’ve settle these 5 issues you may have faced with the handy IKEA pegboard. Read on for their fixes. 5 IKEA SKÅDIS issues and fixes #1 Expensive hooks? You’ll need quite a number of hooks and accessories to fill up the SKÅDIS pegboard, and Kenyer was shocked at how quickly they all added up. So he figured he could make his own hooks to save cost. Photo: Kenyer Over at Instructables , he shows us how to twist copper wires into the SKÅDIS hook shape. It works s...
Post a Comment
Read more

KALLAX desk ideas: Three ways to set up a workstation

Three great ideas for a KALLAX desk . #1 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required. IKEA item used: KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm) KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all.  If you want to strengthen the structure you would need to drill a couple of holes in order to use the long middle shelf of the KALLAX unit as a back reinforcer. Easy and it works. ~ by Fabio Tudela #2 KALLAX standing desk I choose to stand at work because it makes me feel infinitely more productive. Our department recently moved into a new building and we had the opportunity to design our own spaces. Items Used: VIKA AMON / TORNLIDEN table top x 2 (discontinued, replaced by LINNMON ) KALLAX 4 cube x 2 KALLAX drawer unit x 2 8 – 3″ locking casters / wheels 1 – 6′ zinc brace I had a few VIKA AMON tables ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Amped up KURA bed with drawers and safety rail

We saw other KURA beds with storage drawers underneath on this site. So, we also wanted the same — to make space for LEGO s and wooden trains under the bed. We installed the additional headboard panels because the configuration of the room and the location of the windows in the room meant that we wanted the children’s heads on the right and the ladder on the left. The KURA plans did not seem to allow this configuration, though I have seen online that there are models of this bed from 2003 that allowed more options for setup. Additional safety features Safety rail panel for the lower KURA bed helps our two year old feel secure, as he just transitioned from a crib directly to this bunk. Likewise metal handles on the ladder. They added a lot of confidence for both the five-year-old and the two-year-old when climbing up to the top bunk. We are aware that the bunk is now even higher than before and both children are under 6. Use caution and common sense before making these modifi...
Post a Comment
Read more