IKEA GALANT and Pegboard Desk Modification

Friend and hiking blogger extraordinaire Kolby Kirk of 100hikes.com sent us his IKEA desk hack which utilizes pegboard and zip cords as a way to counter tech clutter by attaching hardware like a USB hub, external hard drives and routers all underneath the desk, a good idea that could be appropriated for use with almost any style of desk...

Kolby explains over at Instructables: I had to plan this modification from the start, before even assembling the new IKEA Galant desk. Since the desk was so large and I couldn't really flip over the frame, I had to attach all items, including the pegboards, while laying on my back. I had to drill holes in the pegboard for the legs and the areas where I'd be screwing the desktop to the metal frame. I'm no construction pro so my larger holes in the pegboard were sometimes off, but it all worked out in the end. I attached everything - including the pegboard to the metal frame - with medium and large zip ties.

I believe I spent a good 6+ hours on this project, but I'm really happy with the results. I even installed a USB hub near the front of my desk so I can plug in extra equipment easily.

When it's all said and done, I spent only $30-40 on supplies (zip cables, 2x4 pegboards (x2).

Check out Kolby's complete project with plenty of more photos, directions and downloadable PDF Instructables here.

I actually plan on doing this very same thing to my Ikea desk I just put together. Just fnishing up getting my tv, desktop, and few other things purchased then I'll begin setting it up :)

posted by BWatts on August 18th 2009 at 3:30pm
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Wow, that's so brilliantly stupid, or is it stupidly brilliant. Definitely takes some work, and may work with other desks as well.

I just wonder how easy it is to change something out when a component or cable goes on the fritz.

posted by ErikTheRed on August 19th 2009 at 8:29am
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this idea has been shared at uncluttered.com a few years back. the site is no longer but can be pulled up from archive.org. it's still a great idea to free up any workspace with necessary clutter. depending on the desk the pegboard can also be placed behind the desk for more options.

posted by blackfeathers on August 20th 2009 at 11:09pm
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