ᐅ How can I use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a base for DIY shelves?
Created on: 11 Apr 2015 08:47
T
tanron
Hello everyone,
I am planning to use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a base for DIY shelving and am looking for experience and tips. Specifically, I would like to know the best ways to repurpose Hemnes units—such as dressers or sideboards—to create open shelves or modular structures.
My main concerns are stability and which components are suitable for adding extra shelves or supports. I am also very interested in materials, processing techniques (e.g., sanding, drilling, painting), and appropriate joining methods. If anyone has practical experience or detailed solutions, I would greatly appreciate a thorough response.
Thank you in advance!
I am planning to use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a base for DIY shelving and am looking for experience and tips. Specifically, I would like to know the best ways to repurpose Hemnes units—such as dressers or sideboards—to create open shelves or modular structures.
My main concerns are stability and which components are suitable for adding extra shelves or supports. I am also very interested in materials, processing techniques (e.g., sanding, drilling, painting), and appropriate joining methods. If anyone has practical experience or detailed solutions, I would greatly appreciate a thorough response.
Thank you in advance!
Hello tanron,
Great that you’ve already mentioned the tools and usage criteria. I’m happy to give you a simple step-by-step guide on how to use Hemnes components to build sturdy DIY shelves:
1. Disassembly:
- Carefully remove the back panel (using a putty knife or screwdriver if nailed)
- Take out the drawers and straighten the side panels if needed
2. Reinforcement:
- For the back panel, I recommend plywood sheets (at least 6 mm (1/4 inch)) that you screw on – this significantly increases stability compared to particleboard
3. Shelves:
- Choose solid wood boards or plywood with a minimum thickness of 18 mm (3/4 inch)
- Secure with metal brackets or concealed wooden battens on the sides
- Pre-drilling is a must to avoid splitting
4. Surface:
- Smooth with sandpaper of grit 120–180
- Apply primer and let it dry thoroughly
- Finish with paint or wood oil, depending on your preference
5. Assembly:
- Securely screw the shelf to the wall, as the weight can otherwise be too much
Common mistakes:
- Back panel not sturdy enough
- No pre-drilling when screwing
- Thin shelves for heavy loads
If you have any questions, especially about tools or sourcing materials, just ask
Great that you’ve already mentioned the tools and usage criteria. I’m happy to give you a simple step-by-step guide on how to use Hemnes components to build sturdy DIY shelves:
1. Disassembly:
- Carefully remove the back panel (using a putty knife or screwdriver if nailed)
- Take out the drawers and straighten the side panels if needed
2. Reinforcement:
- For the back panel, I recommend plywood sheets (at least 6 mm (1/4 inch)) that you screw on – this significantly increases stability compared to particleboard
3. Shelves:
- Choose solid wood boards or plywood with a minimum thickness of 18 mm (3/4 inch)
- Secure with metal brackets or concealed wooden battens on the sides
- Pre-drilling is a must to avoid splitting
4. Surface:
- Smooth with sandpaper of grit 120–180
- Apply primer and let it dry thoroughly
- Finish with paint or wood oil, depending on your preference
5. Assembly:
- Securely screw the shelf to the wall, as the weight can otherwise be too much
Common mistakes:
- Back panel not sturdy enough
- No pre-drilling when screwing
- Thin shelves for heavy loads
If you have any questions, especially about tools or sourcing materials, just ask
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