Two IKEA Alex drawer units, one butcher block countertop, and a Skådis pegboard on the wall above. That's a home office for about the price of a good desk chair.
It's one of the most-built IKEA hacks for good reason. It's sturdy, it's long enough for two monitors or two people, and it has more drawer storage than most desks at three times the price. The pegboard above means nothing lives in a drawer and gets forgotten.
The parts list
- 2 × IKEA Alex drawer units (white, black-brown or gray-turquoise). Each is about 14 inches wide, 22 3/4 inches deep and 27 1/2 inches tall.
- 1 × butcher block countertop. IKEA's Karlby or Ekbacken tops, or a butcher block from any hardware store. 74 to 98 inches long, about 25 inches deep.
- 1 × Skådis pegboard, 30 × 22 inches or larger, plus accessories.
- Optional: furniture pads or museum putty to keep the top from sliding.
How long should the desk be?
- 74 inches: comfortable for one person with a monitor and laptop.
- 86 inches: room for two monitors or a printer.
- 98 inches: a two-person desk.
Leave at least 24 inches of knee space between the two Alex units per person.
Building it
- Assemble the two Alex units per IKEA's instructions.
- Finish the butcher block if it's unfinished. Two coats of a water-based polyurethane or hardwax oil. Let it cure.
- Place the Alex units at each end, set in a couple of inches from the ends.
- Lay the top on. Most people don't screw it down; the weight holds it. For extra security, use a couple of L-brackets or museum putty.
The whole build takes an afternoon, plus drying time for the finish.
The Skådis pegboard
IKEA's Skådis is a sturdy, clean-looking pegboard with a range of accessories: small shelves, cups, hooks, clips and containers. Mount it centered above the desk with the included spacers, about 12 to 16 inches above the desktop.
Put everything you reach for daily on it: pens, scissors, headphones, a small plant, a notebook, cables. It keeps the desk clear and the drawers for things you use less.
Hiding cables
A long desk collects cables fast. A few fixes:
- A cable tray screwed under the back of the desktop.
- Adhesive cable clips along the back edge.
- One power strip mounted under the desk.
Keep the floor clear and the setup looks twice as nice.
The chair
An oak chair with a linen cushion looks much better than a mesh office chair with this desk, though it's less adjustable. If you work long hours, choose an ergonomic chair in a neutral fabric, and add a sheepskin or cushion to soften the look.
Styling the desk
Keep it simple. A lamp, a small plant, a mug of pens. Let the butcher block be the star. A ceramic lamp or a brass task lamp at one end adds warmth.
Wall color
Warm white or a soft greige wall keeps the space bright and makes the white pegboard look built-in. For more contrast, paint the wall a soft sage and use the white Skådis on top.
What it costs
- 2 × Alex drawer units: about $200 to $260.
- Butcher block top: $150 to $350.
- Skådis pegboard and accessories: $50 to $100.
- Finish, brackets, cable tray: $40 to $70.
Total: roughly $450 to $750 for a desk that looks custom.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not finishing the butcher block. It'll stain from mugs and pens.
- Too little knee space. At least 24 inches per person.
- Pegboard too high. You should reach everything without standing.
- Visible cable mess. Plan the cable tray from the start.
IKEA Alex desk hack FAQ
How do you make an IKEA Alex desk?
Place two Alex drawer units apart and lay a butcher block or countertop across them. Secure with brackets or museum putty if needed.
How long should an Alex desk top be?
74 inches for one person, 86 inches for two monitors, 98 inches for two people.
Do I need to screw the top to the Alex drawers?
It's not required, but L-brackets or museum putty stop it sliding.
What countertop works best?
A 1 1/2-inch-thick butcher block, from IKEA or any hardware store.
