IKEA Countertop Desk: Complete Review With 15+ Desk Hacks

If you ever want to build your own custom computer desk and are looking for high-quality desktop parts, then IKEA countertops could be worth considering.

IKEA countertop desks are great for so many different things. They’re super durable, easy to install, and the perfect hack for making a desktop for your computer. 

You could use it as your computer desk to accommodate your computer accessories. It’s a simple idea, but it can be done using an IKEA countertop desk hack.

Basically, IKEA countertops are kitchen tops manufactured by the Swedish furniture company that is heat, scratch, and crack resistant.

Since IKEA countertops have the same characteristics that your computer desk could demand, you can use them to make a distinct custom computer desk from your own. 

This guide will show you what you need to know about IKEA countertop desks so that you can create a workspace that will be functional as well as attractive.

You will also learn the reasons why IKEA countertops make great desks for your home office, work area, or gaming station.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Why Use IKEA Countertop as a Desk

IKEA countertops are often seen as mere kitchen surfaces that are not suitable for purposes other than cooking. This is not true!

IKEA countertops make very reliable, durable, and comfortable computer desk surfaces too!

IKEA kitchen countertops are a great option for making a computer desk because they are cost-effective, stylish, easy to clean, and perfect for smaller spaces.

They are generally cheaper than other materials; this means that you can get a sturdy desk with a large work surface for a fraction of the price.

They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. The possibilities are endless, depending on what your needs are and how much space you have available. 

They are also very durable and can easily withstand heavy wear and tear which is useful when it comes to storing a large number of computer essentials and gaming rigs.

There are many configurations that work well such as an IKEA countertop acting as standing desks or sitting desks with the ergonomic chair.

Hence, if you are looking for a simple DIY project that will only take a day or two to finish, the IKEA countertop desk might be the right choice for you!

• Must Check-out: The Best IKEA Desk Hacks to Try with IKEA Countertops

Best IKEA Countertop for a Computer Desk

IKEA offers countertops in various textures, durability, and sizes which could be quite confusing for you to choose from.

Let’s see each type so that you can better decide which countertops will make the best workstation or battlestation, whatever your need might be.

Type of IKEA Countertops/Worktops

1. IKEA Laminate Countertop

IKEA laminate countertops are made using high-quality materials that have been designed to offer an attractive, low-maintenance surface that is resistant to scratching, dents, or water damage. 

Basically, Laminate countertops are made up of multiple layers of materials that can be composed of materials like paper, wood, plastic, or stone. 

The surface is usually made with a protective coating that is stain and scratch-resistant at the same time they are durable and easy to maintain.

This ensures that your computer desk with an IKEA laminate countertop will last for years if you properly take care of it when needed.

Plus, they are available in various colors, textures, and effects such as marble, concrete, mineral, stone, oak, ash, and plain color finish. 

Hence you will have plenty of countertop options to choose from that fits with your workplace layout. 

But the thing for which these countertops are so popular is their affordability. IKEA’s laminate countertops are more cost-effective than other countertops.

So, if you’re looking for affordable IKEA countertops without compromising with style, the Laminate countertop from IKEA is the one you could pick.

The Laminate IKEA countertop can be found mainly in the following 3 different style groups from which you can pick a perfect one for your computer desk.

1. EKBACKEN

This IKEA countertop has a laminate top and for a distinct look, it has a white marble texture which will look just perfect as a work surface if your workplace has a modern layout.

This IKEA laminate countertop is available in two sizes are 74”×25 ⅝”x1 ⅛” and 98”x25 ⅝”x1 ⅛” which is sufficient for creating a decent size computer desk.

Plus, there are 8 more color variations available to choose from for the EKBACKEN countertop in the respective sizes.

The only thing is that the price will also vary as per the color and size of the countertop you choose. 

2. SÄLJAN

This IKEA laminate countertop is made of resin-impregnated paper making this countertop very durable and moisture-proof and has an oak texture.

The SÄLJAN countertop size is 74”×25 ⅝”x1 ⅛” which will make a spacious computer desk that fits all of your peripherals and desk accessories on it easily.

This countertop is also available in 7 more textures to choose from wood effects to marble finish so that you can give your desk a distinct look.

3. LILLTRÄSK

The LILLTRÄSK countertop from IKEA combines the laminate top with a particleboard inner core since this countertop is moisture-proof as well as durable.

Its laminate top has a plain white texture that is just perfect for giving your modern set up a clean and cool aesthetic.

The IKEA LILLTRÄSK countertop is available in two different sizes are 74”×25 ⅝”x1 ⅛” and 98”x25 ⅝”x1 ⅛ since the price will also vary.

However, if you want to create your IKEA’s LILLTRÄSK countertop desk, you’ll have no more color options because it only comes in plain white effect.

2. IKEA Butcher Block Countertop

IKEA butcher block countertops are bonded strips of natural wood such as thick veneer, oak, maple, cherry, walnut, etc, and serve as a work surface.

Since these countertops are made from natural wood, they are eco-friendly and recyclable and have natural color and grain of the wood.

These countertops have a particleboard core laminated with a layer of clear acrylic. That’s why they can be considered an ideal work surface for a computer desk.

Due to the advanced manufacturing technique, these countertops are fairly inexpensive but at the same time, they are more resistant to heat, scratches, and dents.

And since these countertops have natural wood effects, they will look high-end when making a computer desk and make the setup look just gorgeous.

You will find the Butcher Block IKEA countertops mainly in 5 different lineups from which you can pick the suitable one for your computer desk.

1. KARLBY

IKEA’s KARLBY countertop is manufactured from solid wood such as oak, walnut, Birch, etc, and has a ⅛”(3mm) thick veneer layer on top making this countertop durable.

Since these countertops combine natural resources, they have a unique pattern of wood as well as they are more stable and resistant to crack, split, or bend.

The KARLBY countertop is available in 3 different sizes are 89×1 ½”, 74×1 ½”, & 74x42x1 ½”, since the size of your computer desk will be decent.

But since this countertop is available in different textures and sizes, you’ll have to pay different prices for different IKEA countertop desks.

Read here a complete review about the IKEA Karlby countertop and learn what makes it the best desktop alternative in the battlestation community.

2. PINNARP

IKEA’s PINNARP countertop is the combination of particleboard core and thick veneer layer where the particleboard is made from wood such as Ash and Walnut.

Its unique dark and light-grained wood texture will look amazing if your workstation or battlestation is made from this IKEA countertop. 

This countertop is available in two different sizes are 74×1 ½” and 98×1 ½”, so if you go for the shorter one, you’ll save $50. 

3. BARKABODA

After KARLBY, BARKABODA is one of the beautiful countertops that combines walnut particleboard and thick veneer layer with a unique straight-grained dark wood effect.

So, if you use this IKEA countertop for your battlestation, it will help give your setup a bold and elegant aesthetic for sure. 

This countertop is also available in two sizes are 74×1 ½” and 98×1 ½” so the desk size will be long enough to hold up all of your essential gaming rigs.

4. SKOGSÅ

Another countertop from IKEA’s butcher block lineup is SKOGSÅ combining a thick veneer and oak particleboard core with a beautiful dark-grained wood texture. 

For creating a large desk surface, this butcher block countertop comes in two different size variants that are 74×1 ½” and 98×1 ½”. 

But this countertop is a bit expensive and also there you’ll find only one wood texture variant for this IKEA butcher block countertop.

5. MÖLLEKULLA

MÖLLEKULLA countertop is a similar construction of thick oak veneer just as to IKEA’s SKOGSÅ countertop but with light-grained wood texture.

The size is also just the same, 74×1 ½” and 98×1 ½”, but this countertop is more affordable as compared to the SKOGSÅ countertop.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable IKEA countertop desk for creating a distinct DIY custom computer desk, this one could be worth considering.

In case you’re in a hurry, here are the three best-selling IKEA computer desks that you can buy right now on Amazon to set up your computer workstation or battlestation.

1. IKEA LINNMON Computer Desk Table – Best for functional Coputer Setup
2. IKEA MICKE Desk – Best Option for Rooms with Limited Space
3. IKEA LINNMON Computer Table with Drawers – Best for Storage Needs

IKEA Countertop Computer Desk Setup Ideas

Now that you’ve known the different available IKEA countertops and their prices that you could choose to make your own custom computer desk.

Here I’m sharing with you some cool IKEA countertop desk hacks that will give you some ideas of creating a more efficient and productive workspace.

These desk setups are created using one of the above-mentioned IKEA countertops and I’m sure, this will also inspire you to create your own one.

And make sure to check out this article to get the right desk accessories that you could need to complete your IKEA desk setup.

1. IKEA Desk Hack for Two

This beautiful setup is the perfect example of an Ikea desk hack that is done using a 98” laminate countertop from IKEA with 37 3/4″ height of three IKEA Hemnes dressers.

This IKEA desk hack not only features ample workspace for two users but also has a good amount of storage and organized features making the overall setup well organized.

So, if your workspace is kind of open and wide and you want to create a workspace for two using IKEA countertops, you may take this as an inspiration.

2. A Functional IKEA Desk Hack with More Workspace

This Ikea desk hack will give you ideas for creating a workspace in very limited space if you want to keep your setup clean and minimal.

Simply pick an IKEA countertop (the best one is the LILLTRÄSK countertop) that fits with your workspace layout and gives the countertop leg support to hold all of your work accessories.

Give one side leg support using the same countertop piece and for the other side, you may use the Alex drawer from IKEA.

3. IKEA’s MÖLLEKULLA Countertop Desk Hack for Two

This DIY desk for two is built using two MÖLLEKULLA countertops from IKEA and three shelves have been used to give the countertop support.

This IKEA desk hack is just what if you want to set up your work-from-home office with plenty of workspace and storage options for keeping all the things organized.

4. IKEA’s KARLBY Standing Desk Hack

If you want to make a workspace that not only benefits you with ample desk space but also ergonomic benefits, this IKEA desk hack is for you.

This ergonomic sit-stand desk is made using IKEA’s most popular countertop KARBY and has two Alex drawer units for storage options. 

After putting in some desk accessories, adding cable management features, and with little DIY, this standing desk will be ready to serve you the benefits of ergonomics.

5. IKEA’s Ultimate Battlestation Setup Idea

Creating an ultimate battlestation was never an easy task, but look at how one can achieve this so easily using the IKEA desk hack. 

With an ultra-wide IKEA countertop having three wall-mounted monitors, onboard speakers, CPU tower, and desk accessory, the setup is truly eye-grabbing.

The noticeable thing is the LED light bedside nightstand with 2 storage drawers that are used as legs to provide the countertop support.

While the attractive wall-lighting and floating shelf having decorative plants add a charm to the gaming setup aesthetics.

6. IKEA’s KARLBY Countertop Desk Hack

If you want to make your workstation more productive as well as aesthetically pleasing too, this IKEA desk hack is just what you are looking for.

This desk setup is created using a KARLBY butcher block countertop from IKEA, two units of Alex drawer, and has 2 sets of raisers between the drawers and countertop.

Look wise this setup is very high-end, has ample workspace because the monitor is mounted, and has plenty of storage space too.

7. IKEA’s KARLBY Desk Hack with Wall Storage

The 74” KARLBY countertop from IKEA is used to create this amazingly beautiful workstation and has plenty of storage and organized features.

At a first glance, this IKEA desk hack will look like just the above-listed desk hack but have different accessories and items on the board.

The key attraction is its desk color combination against the bright wall color which clearly stands out whether it is in bright light or dim light. 

And I’m sure this IKEA desk setup idea has surely blown your mind and has motivated you to upgrade your workstation just like this.

8. IKEA’s BARKABODA Countertop Desk Hack

This stylish and cool workstation is created using Ikea’s BARKABODA countertop and given support by using three Alex drawers of black color variant.

The entire setup is prioritized for providing maximum workspace and a good amount of storage options so that one can avoid facing clutter issues.

And if I talk about the aesthetics, the workspace is eye-catching just because of the wood texture of the BARKABODA countertop and the presence of cool wall art.

9. IKEA Desk Hack for Small Home Office

This eye-rolling small home office setup is created using one of the IKEA’s countertops (not sure the perfect one) having the Alex drawers as leg support.

Everything in the setup, except the computer essentials and chair, are personalized in bright paint that is giving the workspace a gorgeous look. 

While due to the presence of the Alex drawers, the setup is well-organized, that is making the workspace less cluttered and clean.  

10. Gaming Desk Hack using IKEA’s KARLBY Countertop

With the use of a KARLBY countertop, white Alex drawers, and red illumination, this is an amazing gaming station setup for avid gamers.

So, if you’re also passionate about console gaming or Esports, I believe, this Ikea desk setup idea will surely inspire you to make a setup like this.

If you pick the KARLBY’s larger countertop version, your setup will be long enough for setting up two or even three monitors with many desk accessories too.

11. Productive Home Office Setup Idea

A well-organized and clean workplace will always be the key to making you productive towards your job, no matter if it’s an office or home.

And this is one such desk setup using an Ikea countertop that will help you to be productive, especially when it comes to the home office.

In this setup, everything is well-managed, the setup is surrounded by natural greenery, and the layout is minimal but has ample work and storage space.

So, if you’re living close to nature and want to make a minimal kind of setup but with enough workspace, you must try this IKEA desk hack. 

12. IKEA Desk Hack for a Professional Office Setup

This IKEA desk hack is an excellent signature if you want to create a professional office set up but the place is your home.

The person who has created this setup uses two Ikea base cabinets one with shelves and one with drawers and the countertop is also from IKEA.

The thing that is giving the setup a professional feel is the similar color combination whether it is the desk, the room wall, desk accessory, or floor.

So, take this IKEA desk idea as an inspiration and create your own custom computer desk setup using the same configuration from IKEA.

13. Well-Organized IKEA Desk Setup Hack

This IKEA desk setup is an excellent idea if you want to make your workstation in the shortest possible room but with enough organized options.

One has mounted the monitors on the stand so that the desk remains clean, and maximum accessories are placed on the floating shelves.

The theme is something dark for giving the setup a pleasing feel while there is ample greenery to add some natural feel to the aesthetics.

14. Fully-Functional KARLBY Standing Gaming Desk Hack

At a first glance, you’ll think it’s a sit-desk, but it’s a height-adjustable desk using a KARLBY countertop and Alex drawers with cool DIY hacks.

With truly amazing vintage color combinations and lots of organized stuff, this one is such a great inspiration for creating a computer desk using IKEA’s countertop.

15. Dark Theme Desk Setup Using KARLBY Countertop as Desk

You can elevate your setup a bit more using IKEA’s KARLBY countertop as a desk with a dark theme including the chair color.

As you can see in the image, the setup is looking really nice with minimal accessories having all organization features underneath the desk.

16. A Minimal Setup with RGB Illumination

This cool battlestation is created using IKEA’s solid-wood kitchen countertop where the blue illumination is adding a dose of sci-fi touch to the aesthetics.

The setup is minimal as monitors are mounted and the workspace is clean because there is an Alex drawer keeping unusable stuff hidden inside.

This is absolutely a perfect IKEA desk hack option for an affordable budget which you could make very easily by using IKea’s countertop and drawers. 

FAQ on IKEA Countertop Desk 

Conclusion

Here I conclude the ultimate guide for the IKEA countertop desk that includes the available IKEA desk types, their specifications, and some cool desk hacks.

Pick the one IKEA countertop that is more suitable for your workplace. The KARLBY and BARKABODA both are my best-recommended picks for their natural wood texture. 

And choose any setup from our IKEA desk hack list and start creating your workstation or battlestation setup that you’ve dreamed of. 

Articles You may also Find Useful:

• 9 Easy Hacks To Keep Your Computer Desk Dust Free
• 6 Easy Hacks to Hide Computer Wires on Glass Desk