Let’s speak concerning the best option to construct a LEGO desk that may develop along with your children. I initially wrote this text in 2011. At the moment I constructed 3 of those LEGO tables as Christmas presents for every of my three boys who had been ages 6, 8 & 10.
10 years later, the LEGO tables we constructed are nonetheless functioning proving that this straightforward DIY LEGO desk undertaking will stand the check of time and develop along with your children.
Let’s begin in the beginning means again in 2011…
Massive LEGO Desk Wants
When my husband and I began on the lookout for a LEGO constructing desk sized for older children, we had been shocked that there wasn’t a lot accessible. Each LEGO desk we discovered was sized for the toddler crowd, however our boys’ LEGO bricks wanted an area for storage, constructing and show.
At ages 6, 8 and 10 the boys had been prepared for a daily peak desk and chairs! They’ve already grown out of the fundamental children LEGO tables with child-sized chairs and desk peak. In truth, they seen the smaller LEGO tables as issues for “little children” and my playroom flooring was over-run by varied LEGO constructing initiatives in varied levels.
We determined to construct our personal LEGO desk.
How do you make a Lego Constructing Desk?
After performing some analysis, we determined modifying an IKEA desk for Lego functions could be our most cost-effective possibility. IKEA had the very best number of cheap tables in numerous sizes and in addition had all kinds of chairs and benches that might be used with the completed children LEGO desk.
At IKEA we did a whole lot of LEGO math!
What We Wanted in a DIY LEGO Desk
We needed the most important LEGO constructing floor space that wouldn’t take up extra space than we have now within the room. Not one of the tables/desk tops/desks we discovered had precisely the appropriate measurements so as to add LEGO baseplates with out alteration and it was our aim to have a portion of the LEGO constructing floor everlasting.
That is what we ended up selecting to create our LEGO tables at residence:
DIY LEGO Desk Directions
You’ll be able to see within the graphic above the provides we used to construct this full dimension LEGO desk. Oh, and the 2011 costs are there too only for enjoyable!
To Construct this LEGO Desk, You Will Want:
- 1 – IKEA Vika Amon Desk High {in pink} – dimensions: 59″ x 29 1/2″
- 2 – IKEA Moliden Underframe – every underframe was 2 desk legs at a peak of 27 1/2 inches
- 8 – LEGO baseplates {inexperienced}
- 2 – LEGO baseplates {blue}
- 4 – LEGO street plate packages {2 pack}
Your complete undertaking price rather less than $200 in 2011. We might have saved a further $40 by selecting a less expensive leg possibility for the desk at IKEA and a further $20 by going with a strong colour vs. street baseplates.
LEGO Base Plates
LEGO base plates may be bought at any LEGO retailer or on-line. Since they don’t seem to be as available as widespread LEGO units, you won’t all the time discover them within the toy aisle of your favourite huge field retailer or toy retailer. You should purchase them individually in colours like inexperienced, blue, white, sand and grey.
What dimension are LEGO base plates?
Basic LEGO baseplates are 10″ sq. (25 cm) and measures 32 x 32 studs. Sometimes LEGO releases smaller or restricted launch baseplates which might be accessible for a restricted time.
What’s the largest LEGO base plate?
The basic baseplate is often the most important baseplate accessible for buy outdoors of a LEGO set.
How Many LEGO Baseplates Do You Want for Desk High?
The IKEA desk high measured 59″ x 29 1/2″ and the LEGO baseplates are 10″ sq.. To cowl the desk fully, we bought 18 baseplates.
Our plan was to connect down the baseplates across the edges of the LEGO desk permitting flexibility of the total dimension base plates within the center to be exchanged out as desired. The center baseplates proven right here in gray and blue had been left intact and never glued down. I can say that this plan withstood the check of time and labored nice over the past 10 years. The youngsters didn’t change out the baseplates fairly often so whether it is simpler to connect all the pieces down, I don’t assume that will be a difficulty for play sooner or later.
Can You Reduce LEGO Baseplates?
I had no concept how controversial it will be after I first wrote this DIY LEGO desk tutorial to chop LEGO baseplates. In the event you take a look at the feedback under or discover details about this set of LEGO desk directions on-line, there was an outcry as a result of we minimize the outer perimeter of baseplates a dimension that allowed using full dimension (uncut) baseplates within the center. I wish to defend myself and clarify why slicing LEGO baseplates for a LEGO desk is definitely a extremely good concept:
- I solely minimize the baseplates that I ended up gluing completely to the desk. It truly labored out rather well that by doing so it allowed the vast majority of the baseplates used on the desk to be intact and detachable.
- I couldn’t discover a desk that was scaled precisely for the ten″ sq. baseplates. So, if I needed your complete desk to be coated with studs for LEGO constructing, I used to be both going to need to construct my very own desk (no thanks) or minimize LEGO baseplates.
- LEGO baseplates are simple to chop with a round noticed and the minimize edge will not be sharp which makes it finally versatile to create the precise dimension studded floor you need to your DIY LEGO desk!
- I had a buddy who determined to not minimize the baseplates however adopted these similar directions for making her LEGO desk. She glued all the bottom plates beginning within the heart of the desk so a constant band of non-studded house surrounded her baseplate heart. It labored for her, however she did have a band across the complete studded floor that was not LEGO constructing surfaced.
How do you glue LEGO plates to a desk?
We discovered the easiest way to connect LEGO plates to a desk high was with Elmer’s Glue. Use sufficient in order that your complete again of the baseplate is roofed, however doesn’t squish out when utilized to the desk. Let it dry fully earlier than play.
The Finest Place to Purchase LEGO base plates?
The biggest choice is thru LEGO.com. You will have luck discovering used baseplates, however most likely not in bulk or all the identical colour.
Steps to Constructing this DIY LEGO Desk
This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks.
Step 1 – DIY LEGO Desk
Lay out the baseplates on the desk high and decide the scale you want for the outer border of baseplates as a way to create a glued perimeter of minimize baseplates to corral the internal full dimension baseplates. You should use a marker on the again of the baseplate to maintain monitor of what must be minimize and label the place on the desk that piece shall be glued as a result of that portion is not going to present within the ultimate LEGO desk.
For our desk with the size: 59″ x 29 1/2″:
- The inexperienced baseplates that ran alongside the lengthy sides of the desk had been minimize to a depth of 14 studs. This concerned slicing 5 plates into ten 14 stud items.
- The inexperienced baseplates that ran alongside the shorter sides on every finish of the desk had been minimize to a width of 13 studs. This concerned slicing 2 plates into 4 13 stud items.
- The inexperienced baseplates that sat within the 4 corners of the desk had been minimize from one baseplate into 4 13 x 14 stud corners.
Step 2 – DIY LEGO Desk
OK, now that we have now the desk laid out and the inexperienced LEGO baseplates marked on the underside, we used a round desk noticed to chop the baseplates with a positive tooth blade.
As soon as the baseplate was minimize, I gently sanded the minimize edge with sandpaper.
Step 3 – DIY LEGO Desk
Subsequent, lay out all of the LEGO baseplates on the LEGO desk the way you need them to be organized when completed. I all the time confronted the minimize edge on the surface fringe of the desk which is able to hold the gaps between baseplates constant so LEGO bricks may be utilized throughout gaps.
In truth, that is actually probably the most essential steps. It’s a must to guarantee that the adjoining baseplates are positioned so that children can create buildings throughout totally different baseplates.
To simply accomplish this aim, after you have the baseplates in desired association, place bricks throughout every hole connecting all of the baseplates into one moveable piece the scale of the desk high. These bricks straddling every baseplate connection is vital to getting a practical studded play base.
Step 4 – DIY LEGO Desk
As soon as your complete structure was one unit, we lifted up the inexperienced border items across the perimeter barely and squirted Elmer’s glue beneath ensuring it was liberally masking the world.
We positioned books on high of the glued border till dry. As soon as it was dry, the inside plates might be eliminated and rearranged as desired for play.
What Glue is Finest for Making a LEGO Desk?
I attempted a number of varieties of glue over the three LEGO tables I constructed and the quite a few LEGO tables mates, household and readers have constructed and if you’re gluing baseplates onto a completed floor like an IKEA desk, fingers down the glue that held probably the most constantly was simply regular old Elmer’s glue!
That is good as a result of each as soon as in awhile throughout play, it’s possible you’ll discover a glued baseplate piece pops off and it’s simple to restore it shortly with glue you have already got readily available.
Completed DIY LEGO Desk for Youngsters
I can say with out reservation that this was one in every of my most profitable DIY initiatives…ever! This was the primary one I constructed after which I did two extra. Almost each household whose youngsters got here to play ended up making a variation of this LEGO desk for their very own residence.
The reason being easy. It’s a straightforward LEGO desk to make and it grows with children as they develop, however nonetheless like to construct LEGOs.
Through the years, I discovered some clear plastic bins with lids that match rather well within the house below the LEGO desk and we used these to retailer LEGO bricks and LEGO units with directions. There have been instances when all three LEGO tables had been pushed up subsequent to one another for an enormous constructing floor in our playroom and there have been instances when every boy had their very own LEGO desk of their room.
Do you want chairs for a LEGO desk?
You do not want chairs for a LEGO desk at desk peak. They’re simply too restrictive and take up house that children wish to use for shifting round whereas constructing. I believe that chairs at a LEGO desk is a toddler factor as a result of it simply makes adults really feel higher about it being a desk they’re spending cash on! However I might say even the toddler LEGO desk we had when the boys had been youthful, they hardly ever used the chairs.
LEGO Desk FAQ
IKEA doesn’t have a LEGO desk presently. The closest they’ve is a Bygglek field set that are LEGO storage bins with LEGO plate tops for constructing. IKEA does have a whole lot of number of desk tops in numerous sizes which might be applicable for use like we did to make your personal LEGO desk the scale and form you need.
We tried many various methods to stay LEGO base plates to wooden or different strong floor desk tops just like the IKEA desk high used and the very best answer was the best, Elmer’s Glue! Yep, after testing a number of various kinds of glue, we discovered that the Elmer’s Glue labored rather well and held the bottom plates onto the desk floor for years. Once they did pop off a number of years into the use, I simply merely added somewhat extra glue below the wayward base plate and held it in place till the glue dried sufficient to maintain it in place after which had the youngsters keep away from taking part in on the LEGO desk for a couple of hours.
LEGO base plates may be bought at any LEGO retailer or on-line. Since they don’t seem to be as available as widespread LEGO units, you won’t all the time discover them within the toy aisle of your favourite huge field retailer or toy retailer. You should purchase them individually in colours like inexperienced, blue, white, sand and grey.
Basic LEGO baseplates are 10″ sq. (25 cm) and measures 32 x 32 studs. Sometimes LEGO releases smaller or restricted launch baseplates which might be accessible for a restricted time.
The basic baseplate is often the most important baseplate accessible for buy outdoors of a LEGO set.
We discovered the easiest way to connect LEGO plates to a desk high was with Elmer’s Glue. Use sufficient in order that your complete again of the baseplate is roofed, however doesn’t squish out when utilized to the desk. Let it dry fully earlier than play.
The biggest choice is thru LEGO.com. You will have luck discovering used baseplates, however most likely not in bulk or all the identical colour.
Prep Time
1 hour
Lively Time
2 hours
Whole Time
3 hours
Problem
Medium
Estimated Price
$200
Supplies
- 1 – IKEA Desk High
- 4 – IKEA Desk Legs
- 8 – inexperienced LEGO baseplates
- 2 – blue LEGO baseplates
- 4 – street plate packages of LEGO baseplates
Instruments
- Elmer’s Glue
- Sharpie
- Tape measure
- Round noticed with positive tooth blade
- Sand paper
Directions
- Lay out the baseplates to find out probably the most environment friendly use of baseplates.
- Mark any cuts you will make on the again of the baseplate with Sharpie.
- Utilizing a round noticed, minimize the baseplates as wanted.
- Sand the minimize fringe of the baseplate with sandpaper.
- Organize baseplates on desk in desired configuration and connect LEGO bricks that span the gaps between all baseplates for correct placement.
- Carry strong unit of baseplates you simply made and glue beneath those you need safe to desk (reattach the LEGO blocks in the event that they fall off throughout that course of).
- Let glue dry then take away LEGO blocks between baseplates.
Notes
I created a fringe of glued baseplate items that allowed for full-size items to slot in the center. These I didn’t glue so the youngsters might trade the kind of baseplates throughout play. The surface glued items stored them in place.
Constructing LEGO cities on the LEGO desk
After the looks of the primary LEGO desk, our boys constructed for days.
The roads had been rearranged to create a major metropolis avenue.
This avenue will ultimately want a bypass as a result of the visitors is TERRIBLE!
This type of DIY LEGO desk has been an enormous hit. Since its look within the playroom, it has been used nearly each waking hour for actually years and years.
Good LEGO Tables for Youthful Youngsters
In case you have youthful children, I like to recommend a LEGO desk that matches the usual dimension LEGO bricks as an alternative of the bigger brick dimension particularly if there are older children in the home. These toddler brick dimension bricks shortly turn into “child toys” for preschool builders who turn into very coordinated with the smaller bricks.
In terms of selecting a LEGO desk for youthful children, storage is vital. You want deep storage you’ll be able to dump bricks into for clear up shortly. As the youngsters become older, they may accumulate an increasing number of bricks, however when they’re little they may have a extra manageable quantity! Listed below are some LEGO tables I like for youthful children:
- KidKraft 2-in-1 Activity Table with LEGO base and enormous storage space – it’s doubtless you’ll by no means use this for something apart from LEGO bricks, however I like the flexibility to achieve round any aspect of the desk for constructing functions and the storage is huge!
- Utex 2 in 1 Kids Construction Play Table with Storage Drawers – this can be a good wanting desk that’s tremendous practical though these storage drawers will refill shortly. If you’d like the model with the chairs (you don’t want the chairs!), you’ll be able to see that here.
- The GOLOHO Large 2 in 1 Kids Activity Table with Storage might be my favourite as a result of it’s adjustable for the peak of the desk all the best way as much as 22.5″ which supplies you somewhat extra flexibility for rising LEGO builders. The LEGO desk we constructed above is commonplace desk peak at 28 inches for comparability.
I nonetheless can’t discover a full dimension common desk peak LEGO desk on the market wherever. Which appears tremendous bizarre over 10 years after we constructed these DIY LEGO tables. This product which is a tower of baseplates for building and storage is concerning the tallest factor I’ve seen.
It simply confirms that I used to be proper to not wait round for somebody to make what we would have liked for our youngsters and easily make the LEGO tables ourselves!
Extra LEGO concepts from Youngsters Actions Weblog
Please inform me about your LEGO desk expertise within the feedback under. And if you wish to yell at me for slicing up LEGO baseplates…I can deal with it!
