Introduction: LACK SideTable Mod
This started out as an idea to turn an Ikea LACK Side table into a planter. But once I cut a hole in my LACK I realized there are a whole bunch of other things I could do with it. The best thing is that if you get bored with the way it looks you can change it up to match your mood or the seasons.
Step 1: Materials
- LACK Side table from Ikea
- Square plastic containers to fit into table
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Drill and saw
Step 2: Moding the Table
- With a measuring tape mark the centre point on the table.
- Place the plastic container in the centre and mark around around it where to cut.
- I have a shortage of decent power tools at home so to cut out the part of the table top I had to drill holes at the corners and used a hand saw to cut the rest (unfortunately leaving some rough and uneven edges).
- *Once your remove the part of the table top, there is a cardboard honey comb that needs to be cut out as well.
- Sand the edges smooth and check that the plastic container fits.
- Assemble the legs of the table if you haven't done so already.
Step 3: Other Things You Will Need
My plastic container was deeper than the hole I made so I had to trim off the top part so that it was flush with the top of the table. I bought several of these and cut them to size so that it was easier to change up.
Since I planned to add a fountain and lights I needed to cut a hole through the bottom of the table to put the electrical plug through.
For the glass and mosaic inlay I needed supports to hold them up, I simply cut some cardboard the appropriate height and formed "X'es (see image below). You can also use the cardboard honey comb that you cut out in Step 2 for support.
Step 4: Succulents
- Succulents
- Plastic container
- Potting soil
Step 5: Fountain
What you will need:
- small waterpump
- plastic container from step 2
- small rocks/pebbles
- larger rocks/bamboo or other centre piece
Step 6: Grass
What you will need:
- Wheat grass seeds
- Potting soil
- Plastic container from step 3
Step 7: Mosaic
What you will need:
- Ceramic or glass tiles
- Tile cutters, glue and grout
- Cardboard supports from step 3 and the piece of the table top that you cut out in step 2.
Step 8: Whiteboard
You can turn your table into a handy message centre by adding a whiteboard. Simply cut a piece of glass and white paper to fit in the opening on the tabletop. Use the cardboard supports in the hole, put the white paper on the supports and place the glass over top. You can write on the glass with a dry erase marker and it can be wiped off easily.
Step 9: Lights
Add a string of Christmas lights to brighten up your table. Place the lights in the table and run the plug through the hole at the bottom. Add the cardboard supports and place a piece of frosted glass over top or you can use the white paper and clear glass from step 8.
Step 10: Other Ideas
- Candle centrepiece (candle surrounded by rocks etc.)
- Seashells
- Zen garden (sand, stones, and a rake)
- Lego inset and store bricks
- Chalkboard paint (instead of a whiteboard)
- Chess/checker board inset (store pieces inside)
- Hold mementos or souvenirs with glass over top
Other ideas. . .
Participated in the
Furniture Challenge