5 ms·

I think you're both a little bit correct. Ikea probably sells the best quality flat-pack furniture out there, but I think it's pretty fair to expect their stuf

I think you're both a little bit correct. Ikea probably sells the best quality flat-pack furniture out there, but I think it's pretty fair to expect their stuff to fail in some way within 5 years of normal use. Keep in mind the failure may or may not be catastrophic, and the item may still be usable for some time. They're definitely a good value, but only if you're OK with eventually needing to buy replacements. Some personal anecdotes: Lack coffee tables: utter trash, fell apart quickly (in a way reminiscent of what the grandparent post described) Galant desk: still going strong after 12 years and 3 moves. Aneboda dresser(s): Got three, 100% track failure after a few years and no longer suitable for daily use. Billy bookcase: re-shelving books pushed the backing loose, and the thing looked like the Leaning Tower of Pisa until emergency repairs were undertaken. Will be junked in the next move.

detaro 10y ago
> Lack coffee tables: utter trash, fall apart quickly But perfect width between the legs to mount 19" rack gear.
- DashRattlesnake 10y ago
  From what I saw, they're made out of a tiny amount of laminated cardboard. I personally wouldn't trust it, but maybe it would work if all lateral stress was avoided.
  - bartvanH 10y ago
    That's why many people add extra wood when using a lack table as a rack :)
tonyedgecombe 10y ago
> Lack coffee tables: utter trash, fall apart quickly If you want something to last you aren't going to get it for $8 no matter where you buy it.
- fwn 10y ago
  Six years ago I bought one of those longer Lacks for ~15EUR and heavily use it close to every day. The black top varnish seems to get pretty thin at the most used locations which is the only wear marks I can spot. I use it for eating, writing, etc. Maybe others have other plans to use a coffee table in a way that requires tougher structures.
  - DashRattlesnake 10y ago
    I think lateral stresses (from people's feet, etc) did mine in. The seams failed, and things quickly deteriorated after that. A lot of Ikea stuff is designed with zero redundancy or design margin, so if any part fails or weakens the whole structure is compromised.
Aloha 10y ago
I consider the Lack tables to have a functional service life of two years - if its lightly used, much longer - but under daily use, just buy a new one every two years - even with that - after 10 years, money wise I'm still ahead of more durable furniture.

detaro 10y ago

> Lack coffee tables: utter trash, fall apart quickly But perfect width between the legs to mount 19" rack gear.

DashRattlesnake 10y ago
From what I saw, they're made out of a tiny amount of laminated cardboard. I personally wouldn't trust it, but maybe it would work if all lateral stress was avoided.
- bartvanH 10y ago
  That's why many people add extra wood when using a lack table as a rack :)

tonyedgecombe 10y ago

> Lack coffee tables: utter trash, fall apart quickly If you want something to last you aren't going to get it for $8 no matter where you buy it.

fwn 10y ago
Six years ago I bought one of those longer Lacks for ~15EUR and heavily use it close to every day. The black top varnish seems to get pretty thin at the most used locations which is the only wear marks I can spot. I use it for eating, writing, etc. Maybe others have other plans to use a coffee table in a way that requires tougher structures.
- DashRattlesnake 10y ago
  I think lateral stresses (from people's feet, etc) did mine in. The seams failed, and things quickly deteriorated after that. A lot of Ikea stuff is designed with zero redundancy or design margin, so if any part fails or weakens the whole structure is compromised.

Aloha 10y ago

I consider the Lack tables to have a functional service life of two years - if its lightly used, much longer - but under daily use, just buy a new one every two years - even with that - after 10 years, money wise I'm still ahead of more durable furniture.