IKEA Hack: Kallax into Flat File Cabinet + Drawers

Come see this IKEA Kallax Flat File Cabinet Transformation. It’s amazing!

This IKEA Kallax hack, with 5 individual flat file drawers and one large drawer with faux drawer fronts, is a genius (and beautiful!) way to store arts and craft supplies.

Round out your craft room / home office with our Favorite IKEA Hack Desks and Colorful Home Office Decor, and learn how to create an Awesome Crafting Space .

Hi there, this is Betty from Oh Everything Handmade. I am super excited today to share an Ikea KALLAX hack: 4 cube unit into a flat (or lateral) file cabinet. Let’s get started!

IKEA Kallax Hack: Flat File Cabinet Transformation

This post contains affiliate links. Learn more and read our full disclosure policy here.

Get a PDF version of these building instructions

Materials and tools you need to create this hack:

• 1 sheet of 3/4″ thick plywood (3′ x 6′ sheet)
• 1/4″ thick plywood (6′ x 11′ sheet)
• 1″x2″ x 6′ Boards (6 boards)
• Drawer pulls (like these)
• Drawer slides
• 1″ pocket hole screws
• Kreg jig pocket hole system
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Hammer
• Electric drill
• Measurement tape
• Pencil
• Electric sander + 220 grit sandpaper

Large Bottom Drawer Cut List

Use 3/4″ thick plywood for the entire drawer .

• Drawer front – 5 – 2 1/2″ x 26 3/4″ (3/4″ plywood)
• Sidewalls – 2 – 12 7/8″ x 10″ (3/4″ plywood)
• Front – 1 – 26 1/4″ x 12″ and back wall – 1 – 26 1/4″ x 11 1/4″ (3/4″ plywood)
• Bottom – 1 – 24 3/4″ x 12 7/8″ (3/4″ plywood)

Flat File Drawer Cut List:

Use 1″ thick boards for the drawer frame and 1/4″ thick plywood for the bottom. 3/4″ plywood for the drawer front.

• Drawer front – 5 – 2 1/2″ x 26 3/4″  (3/4″ plywood)
• Drawer frame – 5 – 26 1/4″ x 12 3/4″ (2″ x 6′ boards)
• Drawer Bottom – 5 – 26 1/4″ x 14 1/4″ (1/4″ plywood)

Kallax Hack: Large Drawer Instructions

• Sand all cut pieces with a 220 grit sandpaper to remove imperfections and splinters.

• Add pocket holes to the big bottom board and on the outside of the sideboards.

• Add wood glue to the edges of the bottom board and attach the front, back, and side boards with 1″ inch pocket hole screws.

TIP:

I added the drawer fronts before I installed the drawer slides which made it necessary to lift the drawer in order for it to clear the bottom when the drawer was opened. I recommend you install the slides first and give your drawer 1/8″ – 1/4″ between bottom and top.

The 2 1/2″ x 26 3/4″ fronts can then be installed with glue and nails, don’t forget to leave a small gap between each.

 Kallax Hack: Flat File Drawer Instructions

• Cut 5 frames measuring 26 1/4″ x 12 3/4″, sand and add pocket holes to the shorter boards.

• Attach the boards with wood glue and 1″ pocket hole screws.

• Once the frames are built, attach the bottom with wood glue and nails.
• Add the drawer slides and install the drawer before adding the front.

• Install the slides so the drawer is not scraping along the bottom, leaving 1/8″ between bottom and drawer. The front can then be installed to seem almost flush with the edge.

TIP: When installing additional drawers use a board in between drawers (from your leftover pile of frame boards) for spacing the drawers equally. I also used a small clamp to help me hold the front in place while I attach it with a screw from the inside.

I also used a small clamp to help me adjust the space and hold the drawer front in place while I attached it with a screw from the inside.

Flat File Drawer Staining & Finishing:

• To stain the front and sides, use an old rag and distribute a thin coat of stain from side to side.
• Once the stain dried I added the drawer pulls, with a 6″ space to the edges.

TIP: I used one coat of black water-based stain and one coat of gray water-based stain on top of the black.

Share the love and feel free to tag me on IG or Facebook (@oheverythinghandmade) with the #OEHIkeaKallax when you decide to give this Ikea Hack a try.

We have more IKEA hacks, including:

How to easily transform an Ikea Sofa.  (Really!)

IKEA built-in wardrobe

IKEA Hack: double dresser

IKEA Kallax Hack: Flat File Cabinet Transformation

---

Originally published 11.08.2017 // Updated 08.07.2019