For my son’s room I want to upgrade his kid’s table that he’s outgrown for an adult size dining table where he can play Lego. I thought I’d do an Ikea table hack and take the plain Ingo table and add some wavy trim to it to make it much more fun (while still being functional).
ikea table hack
Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:
If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. It’d mean so much if you’d watch the video! I’m trying to get better at my video skills so I can grow my YouTube channel. If you have a few minutes to watch this and/or subscribe, I’d so appreciate it.
inspiration and before
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The inspiration for this table comes from this game table with wavy squiggle trim all over it. I think it’s so fun and playful!
We’ll we taking the super basic Ingo Table and giving it a makeover!
SUPPLIES
- Ingo Table
- Paint- Early September
- 1/2″ Plywood 4’x8′ sheet (for spacers and squiggle trim)
Tools-
step 1- assembly
Start by assembling the Ikea Ingo table according to the directions.
step 2- spacers
Next, the table needs spacers because where the apron hits the legs of the table isn’t flush. Since I want to put trim over the table, this gap will cause an issue.
To cut spacers, use a table saw. For the wood, 1/2″ plywood (or really any 1/2″ thick wood since it’s being covered) will work perfectly. Cut the spacer to be 2-3/4″ tall.
Then, use the miter saw to cut four pieces. Two should be 42-7/8″ (for the long sides). Two should be 25-1/8″ (for the short sides).
Nail the spacers onto the table with a nail gun.
step 3- trim
And now, it’s time to cut the wood for the squiggle trim.
To begin cut 4″ strips of wood with the table saw.
Then, use the miter saw to cut twelve pieces into the proper lengths. Two should be 38-5/8″ (for the long apron sides). Two should be 20″ (for the short apron sides). And last, eight should be 27-1/8″ long (for the legs).
step 4- make the squiggle edge
Since the trim pieces are now cut, use a nail gun to tack them into place on the table. I suggest 3 nails per piece of wood. These will later be removed, but holding them in place is important.
Then, use a pencil and ruler to measure over 2-3/4″ from the top of the table down and from the outside leg of the table over. Also mark the center point on the middle of the table apron on all four sides.
This is the guide for how large the waves or squiggles can be cut. On the top, this is the marking the height of the apron so we don’t cut into it. The legs are skinnier, but I want a uniform look so we’ll use the same width for the whole table.
Use a cup to create the squiggle look by tracing it with a pencil onto the trim pieces. Our cup has a 2-5/8″ diameter.
Start in the top corners on the apron creating 3/4 of a circle. Then work toward the center by placing the cup next to the first tracing and then moving the cup so the bottom of it is touching the bottom of the trim. Move the cup and trace it so the cup is touching the pencil guidelines.
Repeat tracing the top of the cup until getting to the center mark. Move the cup down and trace the top half. Continue on all 4 sides across the apron and down the legs.
step 5- jigsaw
Next, use a jig saw to cut along the pencil lines. This creates the squiggle look.
Go slow with the jig saw and follow the lines. Work one leg or apron at a time until all four sides are complete.
step 6- finish work
Finally, use a finger sander to smooth out along the squiggles. The cutting leaves some rough edges and especially since this will be in a child’s room, I want it as smooth as possible. Side note, is my child the only one who absolutely freaks out with a splinter?!
Next, use wood glue and nails to make sure all the trim is properly attached.
Once the trim is secure, use wood filler in all nail holes and on seams to get a clean finish. Sand when dry.
Last, paint the legs any color of your choice. I’m using the paint color Early September.
after
Ta da! Here is my Ikea table hack! I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out!
The squiggles are so cute! And they feel really fun- which is perfect for a kid’s room.
My son is THRILLED to have more space to build Lego and make scenes with his builds. I’ll be adding a bigger Lego mat like we made in this post.
This corner is getting really full, but it’s super functional. And I hope this table will grow with my son as I’m hoping he’ll play Lego for years.
Here’s how close the table is to the door. I can still open and close, but it is a tiny bit tight.
price breakdown
I wanted to share the price breakdown for how much this IKEA table hack cost. I bought the Ingo Table for $100. For the Paint- Early September, I spent $7 for a sample bottle (which was more than enough). I spent $7 for a sample bottle (which was more than enough). Last, I bought Wood Glue for $8.
The table cost $115 because I had the wood for the spacers and trim on hand.
If needed to be purchased, a 4’x8′ sheet of 1/2″ Plywood costs an additional $45.
Anyway, thanks for following along with this IKEA table hack! I think it’s cute and, of course, functional. I love how it turned out. The scallops do come down a bit so it makes it an 1-1/2″ from the sitting area. So keep that in mind if this table is used for adults. What do you think of this project? Do you like it? Would you try it? Let me know in the comments!
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