I just finished the following project – adding a wooden playhouse on top of two IKEA KALLAX shelving units.
The idea was to use the IKEA KALLAX (two KALLAX units of 2×4) as part of a kid’s playhouse with an upper deck and sleeping area below, if required. I wanted the the kids to be able to use the boxes from two sides.
The first step was to build the main construction that holds all the rest. It’s made out of stable wooden beams. Measure and cut all the beams to the right lengths.
Wooden Playhouse hack with IKEA KALLAX
First, cut the wooden boards to size for the floorboards and wall panels.
Then, stain (here’s a kid safe version) the wooden beams and boards before construction. Attach the beams securely to wall.
The floor of the loft was fixed at a height that matches the highest row of shelves on the KALLAX shelf. When complete, the top row of KALLAX cubes will serve as a seating bench and also to store stuff on the upper deck.
Then secure the wall panels to the beams. The front wall sits on top of the KALLAX, screwed into a beam resting on the KALLAX. We also secured this beam to the KALLAX.
Pictured below, KALLAX top row as seating bench in the upper deck. Notice the horizontal piece. This holds the walls to the KALLAX. Sorry about the mess. Kids! We’ll probably get more DRÖNA bins in the future to organize the toys.
The window-protection is from an old metallic shelf I salvaged. We added dowels for a ladder and handles to help the kids go up the deck.
What’s great is storage is accessible from both sides and we didn’t lose much storage space even by adding this IKEA KALLAX + wooden playhouse. The kids love it. If you prefer the KALLAX accessible from one side only, take a look at these KALLAX back panel ideas.
~ by Mathias
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