Description: My bedroom has various wood finishes represented and I wanted a desk that would look modern and incorporate multiple finishes. I also wanted it to look expensive...and of course I had only a small amount to spend.
When researching /browsing IKEA hacker, I came across the rustic stool seen here.
The burning technique looked cool but a little too light still so I chose to stain and finish for a shine.
Materials:
IKEA items:
VIKA Amon unfinished pine desktop 47x23
VIKA LEIF desk legs
KASSETT boxes, white
Non-IKEA Items:
face mask for dust and fumes
sandpaper, fine and medium grit
rag
small blow torch
1 special-ordered glass top
4 special-ordered glass shelves
8 L-brackets
1. So to begin I sanded the entire top and sides of the desk to rough up the surface for burning (medium grit). I didn't worry about the underside since it's not visible.
2. Turn on the blow torch (local hardware store - $25). This part was nerve-wracking until I started, then it was AWESOME. Very little threat of messing up your project since you sand it all anyway.
3. Lay the torch at such an angle that the flame licks across the surface as you move horizontally. The sap will rise up and burn a bit but don't worry. It's sand-able. Don't go too light with the burning cause it gets dramatically lighter as you smooth the surface with fine sandpaper. I did the whole table twice with a sand in between and one at the end.
4. Then with a wet cloth, I wiped it down and started the staining process. I did two coats of a honey gold stain. Then I sprayed two coats of gloss which must dry in between coats. I stopped when the shine was good (not perfect as I knew I was using glass in the end). Don't kill yourself.
5. I assembled the legs and measured the inside spaces for the glass. Ordered from an online dealer and picked up 2 days later. $120.
6. Measured the same height up on each leg for the L-brackets. Used a level before drilling anything. measure. mark. measure. Level. drill.
7. Placed the bottom shelves on the base, placed the elevated shelves on the L-brackets. I used the KASSETT boxes to hide all my electronic wires since it has the openings at both ends to keep it all cool. And voila! My new desk incorporates a modern feel with the mixed wood finishes and the color is rich. I'm in love.
~ Kelley, Conshohocken, PA
wow I love love love that wood grain! I had no idea you could do that with a blow torch. Thanks so much - we'll be using this!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're proud of yourself, because you did a GREAT Job with this!
ReplyDeleteSuper brilliant! Good on you!
ReplyDeleteDeni
looks amazing - well done
ReplyDeleteLooks great, just curious why did you use a wet cloth to wipe it down before you stained? Were you trying to raise the grain?
ReplyDeleteHmmm...checked Ikea's website and there is no such desktop. What am I missing?
ReplyDeleteAwesome job! I really like the look of that. Light, clean lines and the top looks GREAT! Kudos!!!
ReplyDeletethis is wonderful.it looks simple but stylish. i love the look of this table.
ReplyDeleteChuck, I see it here on the Canada website.
ReplyDeleteGreat hack, love how you brought the woodgrain to life!
THIS is awesome. Good job (and really clear instructions, too!)
ReplyDeleteWhere can you find that unfinished desktop? I only see the finished one on the website. Looks killer!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Looks great. Isn't $120 expensive for 4 little piece of glass?
ReplyDeleteThis is just plain awesome... Thumbs up!
ReplyDelete"Isn't $120 expensive for 4 little piece of glass?"
ReplyDeleteLook closer, beyond the 4 smaller shelves the whole tabletop has a big slab of glas covering the whole top.
I would say, that it is the Vika Furuskog table top. It's made from pine and is untreated
ReplyDeleteThis looks spectacular! Very nice job!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Did you use water or oil based stain and did you condition the wood first? Thanks!
ReplyDelete***UPDATE***
ReplyDeleteWanted to answer some questions...
1. CORRECTION!!! Table top is VIKA FURUSKOG, untreated pine. $40. One size.
2. Used a wet cloth to catch all the dust particles before staining to ensure a smooth finish.
3. The $120 glass order included a large table top and 4 glass shelves. I was stoked to have it in 24hrs! Was the cheapest I found in my area. DEFINITELY recommend the glass top as I have no need for coasters or worry about spills etc.
what stain did you use?
DeleteAmazing idea. Thanks for your share.
ReplyDeletehello! what brand of honey stain did you use by chance?
ReplyDeleteWow... How clever! And the result is stunning! :D
ReplyDeleteFantastic work... Love what you did with the desk! Would love to get the same look, but enjoy the wood service and therefore not use the glass top. If I take that route, is there a better combination of stains and glosses I should use to enjoy the look but a comfortable wood service? Thanks!
ReplyDelete