Add Second Layer to Ikea Desk (or Any Desk)

New apartment only fits a tiny desk that my computer stuff doesn't fit on... Solution: Hack an Ikea Desk to make a second layer to the desk top!

-Desk. Mines an Ikea Linnmon in red.

-Plank of wood for the shelf. (approx. 9" wide, 3/4" thick, and the length of your desk)

-Wood Stain. I got MiniWax Wood Finish - Red Oak 215 ($8 at homedepot)

-Sand paper. I just used 80 grit.

-Clear wood varnish (optional). ($17 at homedepot)

-Double sided mounting tape ($8 at homedepot)

-1/2" Black Pipe Fitting Floor Flange x4 ($4.50 each at homedepot)

-1/2" to 3/4" Black Pipe Fitting Reducing Coupling x4 ($3 each at homedepot)

-1/2" x 4" Black Pipe Fitting Steel Nipple x4 ($2 each at homedepot)

-black spray paint for metal. ($4 at homedepot)

-clamps/heavy object

-LED strip lighting (optional) just search "led strip light kit" on Amazon about $15.

*note some of my materials are slightly different because I either had them, or borrowed them but this list is what I would get if I was buying it all. *

Sorry forgot to take pictures

Get a plank of wood the same length as your desk and a width big enough to support the monitor / laptop. Mine is 9" wide and 3/4" thick pine, for reference. Your local lumber suppler / homedepot/ rona should have you covered. The trick is to pick one that's flat! (or flatten it later if you have the tools)

Sand it down & if you want a more rustic feel scratch it up a bit too. I just used 80 grit to keep it rustic, but if you want a more refined finish use some finer grit as well.

If you decide to scratch it up these marks will show up when stained. Follow the instructions on the wood stain, I used 2 light coats. Let it dry overnight so the smell dissipates.

Add varnish it if you desire. I didn't bother as it won't be getting wet and I like the dull look of it in contrast with my shiny red desk. (Sorry not work pictures)

I could only find Floor Flange pieces in silver so I decided to paint it black.

Spray paint the pipe parts. Multiple light coats so there's no streaking or running! You only need to paint the top of the feet. I only painted the silver pieces and left the others looking raw and rustic. It's up to you which look you prefer.

Mock up where you want the legs positioned and make sure the board doesn't wobble. Adjust the pipe fittings as needed.

Apply double sided tape to both ends of your pipe legs and assemble your new desk. Now clamp or weight down your shelf in place on your desk and wait for overnight for it to reach full strength.

You could replace this step with epoxy or screws, but I want to be able to take mine apart easily in the future.

Set up your computer.

The shelf leaves great space for putting things like hard drives under and routing cables underneath, out of site.

I added LED strip lighting under the shelf just for fun. Just cut the LED strip to length, and stick it to the underside of your shelf at the back. Plug it in with the rest of the kit parts.

If anyone does this I would love to see a picture posted below! Thanks for listening!