DIY Life

When I look at a piece of unfinished Ikea furniture, I see yet another project to add to my list. But when an Ikea hacker looks at a piece, they see a blank canvas just waiting to be filled.

Ikea hackers view purchased pieces as "raw material" or the base of their creation. Ikea is known for its inexpensive furniture and boasts a simple style, perfect for modifying.

For instance, one artist used two Ikea snack boxes to make a rolling litter box, while others turn lamps into wall sconces. The whole idea, say Ikea hackers, is to "upcycle" or lift the piece out of its typical, mass-manufactured self and create something better.

If it sounds like fun to you, check out the Ikea Hackers blog and find yourself some inspiration.

To me, this looks more like a dancer's pole than a bike rack, but regardless of the kind of rack this pole is supporting, it's an impressive hack. Bike storage is an issue for many people with small spaces. This sleek design allows you to stack two bikes on top of each other, taking up very little room.

This innovative solution is just another example of the tremendous flexibility of IKEA parts and products. Here's what you need to put the bike rack together:

• One Stolmen post
• Two brackets
• Two hooks
• Screws
• Aluminum 20X20 pipe
• Rubber foam

IKEA hacker has all the assembly instructions. The whole thing will cost about $40. Pick up these few things from IKEA, spend a bit of time assembling the rack and stop tripping over your bikes for good.

[via: Lifehacker]