IKEA Kitchens | IKEA Assembly
Archive for November, 2008
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 by Tigratrus
Orangemonkey shared tips and tricks on kitchen remodeling in the IKEAFANS forums:
1) Drywall - Because we had soffits to rip out, a built in pantry to demo, damage on ceiling due to popcorn scraping, and all the old wiring in the kitchen was being totally replaced, we went ahead and ripped out all the drywall in the kitchen and redid it ourselves. Umm, I wouldn’t do it again. Not only was it really heavy and very difficult (for us), but it just doesn’t look as nice as if a pro had done it. The seams are noticeable. So, my lesson is that sometimes you should hire a pro, even if you are willing to do the hard work. You may be more satisfied with the outcome.
2) Ordering - Read the posts and articles on putting in your order first. I won’t go into all the gory details, but we had a lot of problems with our order. About half were my fault and half were my Ikean’s, so it seems that you really have to know and understand all the parts and the process before ordering. My order was not arranged by cabinet, so it was very tricky to check. Thankfully my local Ikea isn’t too far away. I’ve been to Ikea no less than 5 times to return parts/doors and order different ones. Also, triple check that you have all the right doors before starting to drill them for handles (we drilled before installing the doors and drawers, I don’t know if others do it that way).
3) Partition for 30″ and 36″ drawer cabs - We didn’t realize we needed this part installed since it comes separate from the cabinet stuff. They need to be installed in the cabinets before the countertop went on (they screw in from the top). We had to rig it: went ahead and screwed in the long screws into the top of the partition, then cut off the screw head. Then we used Loctite on the screws and inserted them into the holes in the top of the cabinet to correctly center the partition and provided some stability. Then we used two L brackets on each side, and added a second metal partition rail to the back. It worked, they are quite sturdy. Still, I recommend, you know, doing it the right way.
4) Tiling - I’m a rookie at this. I learned that whatever you do, don’t mix your thinset too thin. Ditto grout. Also, I learned you can pull out the outlets farther from the wall to accommodate tile behind the outlet cover for a nice clean look (I learned this after the tile was installed and cut to but up against the outlet cover instead - lovely Ikeafans folks pointed me to how to correct and/or buy oversize outlet covers)
That’s all I can think of for now. If nothing else, I learned that I am capable of doing a lot more than I thought, and that everything takes twice as long as you think it will!
Join the discussion in the IKEAFANS Forums! Fess up! Lessons Learned During Installation
Thursday, November 27th, 2008 by Tigratrus
 GreenTech FTW! IKEA’s putting it’s money where it’s policies have been for decades, into being green, about $77 million dollars or so!
As many folks here at IKEAFANS know, IKEA has a strong commitment to being green, their manufacturing focuses on adhering to the highest standards for VOC and off gassing. They use naturally non-flammable materials instead of toxic fire retardants wherever possible. Even their stores go to extreme efforts to minimize the environmental footprint by generating some of their own power, recycling everything they can, using green construction techniques… None of this is new, IKEA has been on the “Green” band wagon before there was a sign on it labeling it as such. In fact, I think the wagon may be made partially of donated IVAR parts ;). (more…)
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 by Tigratrus
What a great way to brighten your Black Friday! IKEA is slashing prices and offering deals on some of the most popular IKEA bedroom items. IKEA’s Black Friday Sale will have you sleeping like a baby! Check out all that’s available in the online catalog: IKEA Black Friday Sale Flyer.
IKEA’s Black Friday Sale’s Friday Deals include specials on MALM. Get the 3 drawer chest for only $79.99, the 6 drawer double chest for $179 and the normally $199 queen sized MALM bed frame for only $99. There’s also that lovely 6 drawer jewelery chest that I covet and it’s only $149. Hmmm…maybe an IKEA trip is in my Friday plans! MALM is available in Black Brown, Oak Veneer, Birch Veneer or Medium Brown.
 More sales on IKEA bedroom furniture in the HEMNES line - bring home the HEMNES bedside table for only $49.99, or the 8 drawer chest for $299. Love the new red HEMNES storage bench and 3 drawer chest - both under $199!
Look for more information on IKEA’s Black Friday Sale (including how to get the max discount applicable!!) in the IKEA Fans forums: Threads tagged with IKEA Black Friday Sale.
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 by Tigratrus
One of IKEA’s best kept secrets is the IKEA Children’s department. IKEA furniture lines for tots include everything from cribs and changing tables to match the grownup furniture (see the LESKVIK line for a good example).
 IKEA also has developmentally appropriate toys, children’s decorations and lighting, children’s textiles and the entire PATRULL line of child safety products.
This year, the 4th worldwide IKEA Soft Toy Campaign aims to raise five million for UNICEF and Save the Children through the sales of IKEA Soft Toys at IKEA Stores. Buy one today for only $1 and help Save the Children!
Show us your IKEA Kid’s Rooms! Do you have a ton of IKEA Children’s furniture, toys or textiles?
We want to hear about it! Comment here, or post in our IKEA Youth and Children forum or IKEA kids gallery!
Monday, November 24th, 2008 by Tigratrus
IKEAFANS Moderator and IKEA Kitchen Veteran dalbrough has these bits of advice about kitchen remodeling with IKEA cabinets:
My advice - remember to eat….hubs and I would work right thru lunch, dinner etc and then the grumps would set in and I could feel myself getting frustrated - I know it sounds funny but I ended up setting an alarm on my cell phone to remind us to stop and grab something to eat…..you get so focused on the job at hand you forget…..
I became OCD with the parts and labeled every box and hinge etc that went with every cab. made it so much easier when it came time to find all the parts.
If anything is missing check somewhere else - for example - hubs was mad that the metal bar didnt come with the 36″ inch sink cab - only to find it in the sink box - he was amazed at the thought and organization Ikea has with their parts.
always order extra plinth and cover planels - you can always return…..
You dont always have to have everything decided right at order time - we changed our minds with the handles once the cabs were installed.
As much as the kids want to help it is so much easier to have them away when assembling cab’s - they confused me with their offer to help and getting parts etc….
We kept the film strip on the Adel White cover panels until they were installed.
Figure out your under cabinet lighting before the cab’s go on the wall - we did not go with Ikea under cab lighting and thank goodness we looked into it when we did.
Think about electrical outlets and where your coffee maker etc is going to live- make sure you have an outlet near by and not after it is done and backsplash is up.
Have to people to help upright cab’s and uppers - those suckers are heavy.
Make sure you use strong screws to secure the rail to the wall.
clean as you go - makes it so much easier….
There will be tons and tons of left over cardboard after assembly - thank goodness our recycling pick up was a few days later - the garbage guy just about feel over when he saw the pile.
The drawer info on the instructions is/was wrong - i put the drawer fronts on upside down and was panicing about the gap.
Check here if something does not fit or you do not understand the instructions - usally easier to figure it out completely instead of trying to undo a mistake.
Don’t panic - it all works out….I freaked out when i realized the double domsjo sink would not work with the granite small backsplash i had originally ordered - went with plan B and I think it looked better in the end…
It is all worth it in the end…..There is truly something truly amazing to stand back when your first guests come by and are amazed at your kitchen….
and you get to be smug and say “I did it myself” - that is priceless…..
My Mom’s kitchen in the house I sold is one of the things I am most proud of that I did myself……and the help of Ikea fans….
Join the discussion! What are your lessons learned?
Monday, November 24th, 2008 by Tigratrus
Greenosity hacked the closet door away to reveal a wide open space for clothing storage. IKEA Stolmen fits perfectly in this closeted niche. Says Greenosity:
The builder of my house installed a typical 24 inch wide door for an 80 inch wide closet. Accessing anything on either side was difficult and there was no lighting inside. Basically, a bad design. I removed the door and ripped out the entire wall to make it completely wide open. An IKEA Stolmen system was installed…
Join the discussion and see more pics of this fantastic way to put closet space to work in the IKEAFANS forums.
Monday, November 24th, 2008 by Tigratrus
IKEA Marketing Manager for Singapore Lars Svensson really believes that “children are the most important people in the world,” and he’s showing how strongly IKEA believes it through the launch of Småles Parliament - a children’s club for kids between 4 and 10 to “express their views and embark on projects” that make a difference.
IKEA’s Småles Parliament initiative is to let children know that their opinions matter and their views are taken seriously. The projects will provide the children a chance to be involved in social and environmental issues, as well as to instill a sense of ownership.
“It is important to let children know that their opinions matter and that they, even at their young age, can make a positive difference.
Some projects in store include paper recycling, animal adoption at the Singapore Zoo, and the opportunity to run their own businesses at the Annual Smaland Christmas Bazaar. Other ideas include donation drives ands suprise birthday parties for the less fortunate, an annual fun fair on Småland National Day and an exchange library at Småland.
The first parliament meeting was held November 23rd at IKEA Tampines. Read more about it here: IKEA’s New Smaland Government
Were you there? We want to hear more about what these most important people are thinking about the future of IKEA Småles!
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 by Tigratrus
When undertaking a remodel, it’s important to have a plan. That’s why we encourage the use of Mission Statements - they help you to focus on your goals, your priorities, and determining what’s important to you in your kitchen remodel. As Kelly pointed out in the IKEAFANS forum thread, How Complicated is My Dream Kitchen?, another important factor is determining the level of complexity involved in your plans and deciding if you are capable and competent to handle it, or if you need to be thinking about hiring out.
…regardless of DIY or professionally installed, by deciding up front that you “want to keep it simple” or knowing that your dreams are “complex” you’ll have a better feel for what you can tackle yourself, how much it will cost and who you need to involve in order to live the dream!
Periodically, you need to check your current thinking against your plans. Are you in line with what you laid out as a goal? Are you making things more complicated than you intended? Is it time to step back and maybe reconsider?
Kitchen remodeling is fun and exciting, and it’s easy to get carried away. But good planning can help to ensure that you are able to achieve your dream kitchen. We’re here to help!
Kelly’s laid out differing levels of complexity - which are you? Join the discussion: How Complicated is My Dream Kitchen?
Friday, November 21st, 2008 by Tigratrus
ndiego2000 says:
The most important lesson I learned is that the ledger board rocks! It makes installation and leveling of the base cabinets so much easier.
HOWEVER, do NOT use the ledger board that Ikea provides. Use real ledger boards - at least 1 inch in depth - preferably 2 x 4s from, say, Lowes. It will provide that extra support you may need in the vent your walls are not in perfect alignment.
If you’re using the ledger board provided by IKEA as I did, definitely consider using legs in the back for extra support. The ledger board is really thin, and I was worried about the back cabinet somehow sliding off the board, for whatever reason.
Thursday, November 20th, 2008 by Tigratrus
 This is soooo not my style! Come closer little girl… I have something I’d like to “discuss” with you
What does this have to do with IKEA you ask? Well… Nothing. But I find it amazing what a 6 year old can get an ex-feral cat to put up with. Not all of them mind as much as little Tort though. (more…)
|
November 2008 
