The IKEA Trofast desk hack everyone can do with links

Want a simple Ikea TROFAST desk setup that gives you a wide work surface and storage while leaving room for stools to slide under? This hack uses two TROFAST units (one fully built, one only partly assembled), screws them together for stability, and keeps the underside clear so stools fit comfortably. No complicated carpentry, minimal tools, and great for kids’ rooms, craft corners, or a compact standing/seat combo.

What you’ll end up with

One main assembled TROFAST desk (your working surface + storage).
A second TROFAST used as a support/storage bench (kept open/unfinished so stools slide under).
Both units screwed together so the whole thing acts like one long, stable desk.
Space beneath the desk cleared so standard stools can tuck in.

Materials & tools

2 × TROFAST storage frames (matching or same set). One assembled fully as a desk; one used only partially (see steps).
6–8 wood screws (suitable for particleboard / MDF; ~30–50 mm length)
4–6 metal L-brackets (for under-top joining and extra rigidity)
Drill / driver and appropriate drill bits (pilot hole bit + screw bit)
Measuring tape, pencil, spirit level
Clamps (helpful)

Safety bits: wear safety glasses when drilling. If you’re unsure about load-bearing, add extra brackets or use longer screws into solid timber supports.

Other items in the photo

Quick sizing guide (before you start)

Measure your stool seat height. Most stools that tuck under desks are 40–50 cm seat height, make sure your finished underside clearance is at least 5 cm more than the stool height so they slide in easily.
If you’re keeping the second TROFAST unassembled (no drawer fronts / bins), allow 10–20 cm extra depth so knees & legs don’t hit the unit frames.

Step-by-step build

1) Decide layout

Options:

Side-by-side (most common): Place the two TROFAST frames next to each other so their fronts face the same way - forms a wide desk.
Back-to-back: If you want two workstations facing opposite directions.
I’ll describe side-by-side since that makes it easy to tuck stools under one continuous opening.

2) Fully assemble the primary TROFAST desk

Assemble one TROFAST per Ikea instructions, attach top, side panels, and any drawer boxes you want to use. This will be your main, finished desk unit.

3) Partially assemble the second TROFAST (the “support”)

Build the frame and side panels, but don’t install the drawer bins or drawer faces you want to keep open for stool access.
If you want storage but still want stools to tuck fully under, remove the drawer front panels or leave selected compartments empty so stools slide in. The key is keeping the front opening clear.

4) Align and level

Put the two units side-by-side, aligned at the top faces. Use a spirit level to ensure both tops are coplanar (same height).
If heights differ slightly, add thin shims under feet (or use felt pads) to equalize.

5) Join the tops

Option A - No extra tabletop:

If you’re happy with the exposed top panels forming a seam, use 2–3 L-brackets underneath where the two tops meet. Screw through the underside of each top into the other unit (pilot holes first).
Option B - Continuous tabletop (cleaner):
Place a single tabletop spanning both units. Fix the tabletop to each TROFAST top from underneath with screws and L-brackets (pilot holes). This gives a seamless look.

6) Screw the frames together

From the inside/back underside, use 2–4 screws (or more depending on length) to connect the side/inner panels of the two frames. Use pilot holes to avoid splitting particleboard.
Add additional L-brackets underneath at 20–30 cm intervals along the seam for rigidity.

7) Create the stool clearance

Remove drawer fronts or bins in the second unit where you want stools to slide in.
If the second TROFAST’s internal ribs would catch stool legs, sand/trim any protruding edges slightly so stools can glide in smoothly.
Check clearance with the stool(s): slide them in, sit down, and test knee room. Adjust (shims, move forward/back) as needed.

8) Final reinforcement & finishing touches

Add felt pads or non-skid strips under feet.
Cap exposed screw heads with plastic caps or wood filler + paint.
Optionally paint the edges or use edge banding for a pro finish.
Add cable management (zip ties, adhesive clips) under the desk.

Tips & tricks

Pilot holes are your friend—particleboard splits easily if you try to drive big screws directly.
Use shorter screws into thin panels; if you need more pull, screw into thicker top panels or add a wooden cleat (a small strip of hardwood) under the seam and attach screws into that.
If the seam wiggles, add a thin plywood cleat underneath across the joint and screw the two units to that cleat-very sturdy.
If you want the stools to be hidden completely, leave the second unit’s drawer fronts off and store the bins elsewhere.
Label the storage bins so the open area looks intentional and tidy.

Stool selection & what fits

Most counter-height stools are ~60–65 cm - those won’t tuck under a standard desk. Pick desk-height stools with seat heights around 40–50 cm for standard desk clearance.
Measure: final underside clearance = desk top thickness + internal frame height. Aim for at least 5 cm extra above the stool seat for comfortable entry.
If you want fully hidden stools, measure the internal depth of the second TROFAST compartment and pick stools with narrow legs/compact footprint.

Variations you can try

Leave the second TROFAST completely as a bench (no drawers) and add cushions on top - dual-purpose seating + support.
Make one side a standing-height surface by adding risers under that unit (if you like alternating sit/stand).
Paint or apply contact paper to the fronts that remain visible for a playful kids’ desk.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them

Wobbly seam: add more under-brackets or a plywood cleat.
Screws splitting panels: always drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screw core.
Insufficient stool clearance: measure stool seat height before finalizing which drawer fronts/bins to keep. If in doubt, remove more internal panels to create space.

Wrap-up

This hack keeps things simple: one TROFAST as the finished desk, the other used mostly as a support module with its innards left open so stools can slide underneath. It’s inexpensive, reversible, and very customisable without heavy carpentry.