The IKEA NÄMMARÖ storage box serves as a practical solution for the garden and balcony, functioning well as an outdoor storage box and bench. Made from acacia, a naturally durable hardwood, it is pre-treated to withstand the sun, rain, stains, and general wear and tear.
However, the loose lid can be a pro or con, depending on your specific needs and space configuration. For John Sharpe, the design was a bit of an inconvenience.
“The original box has no hinges,” he explains. “You need to remove the lid completely to access the interior. My box goes against a wall in my courtyard, and it needed something to hold the lid open while I got out my garden tools.” This can be less than ideal when your hands are full with spades and shovels, making the process rather cumbersome.
John’s quick fix to the NÄMMARÖ storage box allows for a more convenient and efficient way to access his tools. Here’s what he did to turn the loose lid on the IKEA outdoor storage box into a hinged top.
Materials:
- IKEA NÄMMARÖ Storage Box (31 1/2 x 15 3/4 x 17 3/4″ / 80x40x45 cm, light brown stained)
- Lid Stay: Task Master Pneumatic Furniture Stay (265mm, 120N capacity) – 1 needed (A$4.92) – Similar on Amazon
- Hinges: Stainless or zinc plated hinges (50mm) – 2 needed (approximately A$6 per pair; consider longer hinges for added support)
Tools:
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood glue (optional, for added strength)
IKEA Outdoor Storage Box Hinged Top Instructions
1. Assemble the Box
- Begin by assembling your NÄMMARÖ storage box according to the IKEA instructions. For a little extra durability, consider adding some wood glue to the joints.
2. Attach the Hinges
- Position the hinges along the back of the box, aligning them with the second base panel on each side.
- Use your pencil to mark where the screw holes will go.
- With a small drill, create starter holes at the marked spots.
- Screw the hinges into place on the base of the box.
3. Mount the Lid
- Invert the lid and support it at the same level as the hinges (a friend can make this easier).
- Carefully align the lid with the hinges, then mark the holes for the screws.
- Drill starter holes into the underside of the lid.
- Secure the hinges by screwing through them into the lid.
4. Install the Lid Stay
- Follow the installation instructions for the lid stay. There’s no need to drill a hole for the screws; simply use a sharp point to start them. This handy addition will keep your lid propped open, allowing you to access your tools with ease.
What to look out for
John explains the strut puts some stress on the hinges when closing the lid. “Longer hinges might be better – or add another two hinges,” he says.
For those looking for a more professional finish, consider insetting the hinges into the wood for a flush look. While this isn’t necessary, it can add a polished touch to your project.
Lastly, if your NÄMMARÖ will be kept outdoors, keep your garden tools dry by placing them in plastic boxes, such as SAMLA, inside the storage box.
With this simple upgrade, your NÄMMARÖ storage box can become a more efficient addition to your garden. And it still works as a bench. Your tools are more easily accessible when you need them.
Outdoor Cat Housing Bench Hack
I used the IKEA NÄMMARÖ Storage Boxes to make two cat housing boxes to be placed outdoors. The cat box also doubles up as a bench seat. We set up these cat boxes as a refuge for the 4 cats in the colony I have in my backyard. It’s not a litter box but a place for them to sleep, to get away from the cold. They all live outdoors. (They are not domesticated) but are spayed and taken care of. Read more about the cat housing bench.