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Home » DIY & Crafts » Garage Workbench DIY {How We Ikea Hacked Garage Storage}

05/20/2015 · 33 Comments

Garage Workbench DIY {How We Ikea Hacked Garage Storage}

DIY & Crafts· Organizing

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This post may contain affiliate links, Which means I may get a small commission if you make purchases after clicking the links.

As I promised in the garage makeover reveal, I’m sharing the full tutorial of how we hacked IKEA pieces into that awesome custom garage workbench.

Aside from being a budget-friendly option, this IKEA workbench tutorial will work for almost any size space. It’s totally customizable!

Garage workbench ikea hack (text over image of built in workbench)

We were making over our garage on a time crunch as part of a larger challenge. We needed to design a DIY workbench that fit in a recessed area, but we didn’t have time to start from scratch.

We checked IKEA for garage storage solutions to see if they had something we could work with. While we didn’t find any garage cabinets at IKEA at the time, we did find inexpensive dressers to use for tool storage and a cheap work surface. 

I grabbed some graph paper and marched out to the garage to scheme up my simple workbench plan using 

Garage Cabinets Ikea - Sketch of How to Create Workbench

For the base of the workbench, I fit in 3 drawer RAST dressers.  To create the top to the workbench, I got a little brave. 

Instead of spending money buying or building a custom countertop, I bought 3 LINNMON table tops.

The depth was ideal and we would just need to cut a little length off one of them to get the perfect fit. It was a risk because I didn’t know how well they would look since they wouldn’t be a solid sheet, but they are REALLY cheap!

Above the workbench, I wanted a big pegboard so frequently used tools would be easy to access for DIY projects.

When I saw the KALLAX storage cubes in the catalog, I realized they would provide tons of storage if I hung them on the wall and used them to frame the pegboard. The cubes are HUGE and sturdy for their price.

The first step in putting the workbench together was assembling all the separate pieces I hauled home. I spent several hours with Netflix and a screwdriver. The tool, not the drink. Although in retrospect…

Once everything was assembled, I spray painted all the dressers and the pegboard in Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Satin Midnight Blue. 

When I was talking to Rust-Oleum about the copper floor project, they were awesome enough to send me this paint as well. It’s the same paint I would have used even if I was buying it. Anytime I can spray paint something instead of brushing it, I’m all in!

IKEA RAST Dresser in Raw wood, about to be painted.

That handle on the paint was mine before this project and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. If you EVER spray paint, you need one. It’s the Rust-Oleum Comfort GripGarage Workbench DIY (affiliate link) and you can get them on Amazon or at most hardware stores.

To paint the pegboard, I just hauled a tarp to the front yard and let all the neighbors think I was crazy. Try to pick a day that isn’t too windy.

Garage Workbench

With everything assembled and painted, it was finally install day! We started with the upper KALLAX shelves.

Installing IKEA Kallax cube organizer on the wall in the garage

They are HEAVY when they are empty, so you’ll need some serious anchors and some strong arms. We used 265 lb toggle bolts to secure both units to the wall.

Garage Workbench-5

Using IKEA pieces can help you create your dream garage workbench on a budget. Adding all this storage is a great step toward having an organized garage!Next up was the pegboard. We measured the distance between the KALLAX shelving units and cut the pegboard to fit.

Don’t forget that you’ll need a gap behind the pegboard in order for the pegs to actually work. We used stacks of washers between the pegboard and the wall.

Organized Exercise Corner-3

With the upper section done, it was time to tackle our IKEA garage hack!

I designed the workbench to have some  open storage space under the work area, which meant we had two dressers on the left side and one on the right side.

To add stability, we attached the right side dressers together.

We clamped them together to make sure they were level, then we screwed them together, making sure the screws wouldn’t impede the drawers. 

Assembling IKEA Garage Workbench for StorageEven though our workbench was on a raised step in the garage, we still needed to add a little height to make it a comfortable work table height. Our options were either building a platform base, or adding a spacer between the dressers and the counter. Because we only needed to raise it 3-4 inches, going the spacer route was easier for us.

First, we added a 4×4 across the top in the front.


Garage Workbench-12

Then we created a ledge at the same height all the way around the walls.

Garage Workbench-14

Once the ledge was screwed to the studs, we set the first two LINNMON desktops in place using Liquid Nails.

Be sure to use the level and add shims as needed.

We paid extra attention to spaces where the countertops butted up against each other to make sure they stayed flush. I was willing to sacrifice the entire surface being slightly off level if it meant the seams would be clean.

Using IKEA pieces can help you create your dream garage workbench on a budget. Adding all this storage is a great step toward having an organized garage!

Once the first two table tops were attached, we could get a good measurement to cut the third piece to fit. To protect the surface, we applied tape before cutting with a circular saw.

Cutting IKEA Countertop to Use in Garage

The ALMOST last step was covering up the 4×4. We used a piece of trim and attached it with more Liquid Nails and some actual nails.

Using IKEA pieces can help you create your dream garage workbench on a budget. Adding all this storage is a great step toward having an organized garage!

As you can see above, we added some industrial drawer pulls instead of using the little wood knobs that come with the dresser.

The pulls are available on Amazon. Just note that they do NOT come with the hardware, so you’ll need to pick that up separately. I used 1/2″ sheet metal screws and they look great.

Garage Workbench DIY

Garage Workbench DIYWhew, so that’s how we did it! I know it seems like a lot, but we did the actual install in a day (not including the painting and initial assembly).

Finished IKEA Garage Work Bench Hack - Storage Drawers, Counter, Shelves & Pegboard for Tools

Garage Storage Area & Workbench From IKEA Pieces - Pegboard with Tools

Garage Workbench DIY Budget (Prices from 2015):

KALLAX Units $34.99 x 2 = $70
LINNMON Desktop $5.99 x 3 = $18
RAST Dressers $34.00 x 3 = $105
Drawer Pulls $3.50 x 9 = $32
Pegboard, Wood, & Anchors = $40

Total = $265

 I love that anyone can adapt this plan to their own space, the width can be whatever works for you!

UPDATE: As of 2019, IKEA now sells garage storage solutions. It seems they went with a similar layout as ours, but the bottom has shelves instead of drawer storage. 

If you haven’t seen the rest of the garage makeover, check it out now! And for more garage storage hacks, check out this post! 

IKEA Work Bench Hack - Create garage storage drawers, counter, and wall storage on a budget.

If you haven’t seen the rest of the garage makeover, check it out now!

Would you try this IKEA hack for your garage workbench?

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melissa

Melissa George

In 2013, Melissa founded Polished Habitat to share her passion for intersecting style and function to make everyday life more beautiful and less stressful. She does this by sharing easy home organization tips, home decor tutorials, and creative ideas to help readers think outside the box, no matter their budget. Her work has been featured in print in Better Homes & Gardens and Room to Create Magazine, and online by HGTV, House Beautiful, Buzzfeed, & more. In 2018 & 2019, Melissa was named as a Style Maker by Better Homes & Gardens. In 2019, Polished Habitat was shortlisted for the Amara Blog Awards Best Interior Styling Blog - International. Read more...

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Comments

  1. Rita McKenzie says

    05/20/2015 at 7:13 am

    Wonderful creativity! Thanks for the ideas.

    Rita

    Reply
  2. bryan patterson says

    05/20/2015 at 4:25 pm

    you freaking kicked your storage problems butt that is awesome!!!

    Reply
  3. Brynne@TheGatheredHome says

    05/28/2015 at 2:01 pm

    This is freaking incredible, Melissa! I am blown away! When I saw the reveal, I would never have guessed that the work bench was made of Ikea pieces!!! I’m hoping to tackle our garage this summer and you are giving me SO MANY awesome ideas! 🙂

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      05/28/2015 at 2:46 pm

      Yeah for ideas! You are going to LOVE having the garage done!

      Reply
  4. Tara Siudy (Little Miss Dexterous) says

    05/29/2015 at 4:45 pm

    This Looks SO cool! I am really excited to use these ideas! Pinned and shared! Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Shauna says

    07/04/2015 at 1:27 am

    Trying to find the drawer pulls on Amazon. What are they called? So I can search better.

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      07/04/2015 at 7:44 am

      Hi Shauna, Here is a referral link right to them (so I get a small % back if you buy) http://amzn.to/1RXUeqO OR you can search for Reliable Hardware Chest Handle. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  6. Laura says

    07/25/2015 at 1:21 pm

    WOW- I love this! It looks great, it was inexpensive, and it looks like it’ll be very practical- I love all the storage it provides. I showed this post to my husband, and he’s planning to use a bunch of your ideas in our own garage- awesome! (By the way, my husband used to thinking blogging was silly- THANK YOU for helping to change his mind!) 🙂

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      07/25/2015 at 1:29 pm

      Oh my gosh, thank you so much! So glad I could help make your husband see how awesome blogging can be!!!

      Reply
  7. Jenny says

    08/04/2015 at 7:39 am

    What is the finished height of your workbench? We are trying to figure out the “perfect” height!

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      08/04/2015 at 9:17 am

      Our finished height is 36″, which includes the 3″ that the floor is raised up in that area. That height is absolutely perfect for me at 5’4″ and still works for my husband who is 5’11”. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  8. Joni says

    08/27/2015 at 7:34 am

    Love this! Such a creative way to use several Ikea products!

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      08/27/2015 at 4:48 pm

      Thank you Joni!!!

      Reply
  9. Amy says

    10/12/2015 at 12:49 pm

    Looks awesome, we so need this as our storage solution!! How many cans of spray paint did you use?

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      10/12/2015 at 12:51 pm

      Thanks Amy, I think I used 4 cans for the 3 dressers. I MIGHT have used part of a 5th can, but I think it was just four 🙂

      Reply
  10. Brekke says

    03/17/2016 at 8:10 pm

    Where did you get the orange storage bins on the peg board??

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      03/22/2016 at 8:00 am

      Hi Brekke, they are BYGEL containers from IKEA.

      Reply
  11. Chris says

    05/12/2016 at 3:01 pm

    Did you use liquid nails to secure the 4×4 on the dressers or how did you do that?

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      05/12/2016 at 3:44 pm

      Yes, if I remember right, there was a small lip on the edges of the dressers, so we built up liquid nail on the flat dresser tops to make sure it touched the dresser and 4×4. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  12. nancy says

    06/11/2016 at 2:31 pm

    This is so great looking! You’re so creative and your color scheme is beautiful. . My question is how is this holding up under the weight of tools? My husband (not a big Ikea fan) is not convinced.
    Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      06/11/2016 at 5:57 pm

      The weight hasn’t been a problem. I’m guessing having them tied together with the large wood we used to up the height of the counter helps distribute the weight evenly. The RAST series aren’t the smoothest sliding drawers ever, but for the price and how often we use the stuff the drawers, I’d absolutely do it again! To up the quality, you could do the same thing with the MALM dressers. We used them in our master closet and they are the smoothest drawers we’ve ever had, much nicer than our more expensive furniture. You can see them here: http://www.polishedhabitat.com/2015/master-closet-organization/

      Reply
  13. victor walker says

    10/05/2016 at 1:23 am

    Loveit .That garage is more beautifull than many people’s living room Congratulations

    Reply
  14. MIke says

    11/06/2016 at 5:48 pm

    Is this (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/75305709/) the RAST dresser you used here? Ikea says these are about 12″ deep, but the drawers visible on the right hand side of one of your pictures looks quite a bit deeper. The profile on the kickplate is a little different too, and I’m wondering if they may have changed the design since you made this.

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      11/07/2016 at 7:42 am

      That’s is! We flushed ours forward, so they do have the illusion of being a bit deeper. Since there is space in the back, we’re able to use that for some scrap wood storage. Sometimes I wish they were deeper, but really everything we’ve stored in them so far has fit, including big folded up tarps.

      Reply
  15. Joanne says

    12/31/2016 at 3:56 pm

    Awesome! Love this transformation. How are the floors holding up with the cars on them? We are considering this rustoleum product.

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      12/31/2016 at 4:42 pm

      They’ve held up really well so far! I think we’ve had them finished around 20 months and have no complaints. Anything we’ve spilled has been easy to clean up and there are no marks from the tires. They do get dirty like any floor, but after a mopping they always looks new again.

      Reply
  16. Hardware Man says

    05/14/2017 at 4:55 pm

    It seams that the space that the 4×4 provided to raise the counter top is prime to add more storage. Maybe shelf space for templates, rolled or flat plans or custom sized draws. Considering the efficiency of space use I’m surprised you didn’t use it.

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      05/15/2017 at 3:29 pm

      Good idea! We completed the garage as part of a 5-week challenge, and were on a limited budget in addition to the time crunch, so it was definitely about doing the best we could with the money and time (and building skills) we had.

      Reply
  17. Lisa says

    06/06/2018 at 8:51 am

    So clever! Love the storage and that huge workspace!!

    Reply
    • Melissa George says

      06/12/2018 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you Lisa! We’ve never had any workspace like this in our garages so it was a big priority when we were planning out the space!

      Reply
  18. Cate says

    02/25/2019 at 10:32 pm

    I just looked, and the RAST dressers are $39.99 now. Still an okay price for something like this, just thought I’d point it out.

    Reply

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Welcome!

In 2013, Melissa started Polished Habitat to share her skill of mixing decor & organization to add style & function to everyday life at home.

Her work has been featured in print in Better Homes & Gardens and Room to Create Magazine, and online by HGTV, House Beautiful, Buzzfeed, & more.

In 2018 &  2019, Melissa was named as a Style Maker by Better Homes & Gardens. In 2019, she was also short-listed by the Amara Blog Awards for Interior Styling, International Division.

Need to reach Melissa?
Email: Melissa @ PolishedHabitat.com

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