Discover the Secret Behind NAS Enthusiasts and Homelabbers Flocking to This $17 IKEA Table
For enthusiasts building home labs, two things are particularly exciting. The first is discovering discarded server equipment that, while outdated, is still operational. The second is finding furniture suited for tech projects, and the IKEA “LACK” side table has emerged as a favorite for this purpose.
Dimensions that Align with 19-Inch Rack Equipment
Serendipitous Design
It appears IKEA did not initially design a $17 side table with the intention of it becoming a makeshift server rack, yet the dimensions of the LACK table perfectly match those of standard 19-inch server racks. This size refers to the length of the front panel and mounting ears of server blades, which comfortably fit within the table’s legs.
A “LackRack” can accommodate roughly 8U of usable space, comparable to that of many compact server rack solutions. Pinpointing the exact moment when this alternative use was discovered is challenging, though a 2010 article suggests it was already being utilized by Google employees prior to its presence at WinterLAN that year.
Cost-Effective Rack Organization
A Minimal Increase in Cost
To put things in perspective, a server rack designed for similar storage typically costs around $100 or more. In contrast, the LACK table at $17, along with a small amount for mounting hardware, offers an incredibly appealing solution. All that’s needed is the table itself, a screwdriver, and some screws, which makes it quite straightforward.
A dedicated online community exists, known as r/lackrack, where people share their innovative adaptations of this table, often enhancing it with additional features. Some upgrade the design with rack rails, shelves, casters, and braces, but these are optional purchases that users can opt for as needed.
While a professional metal rack provides greater structural integrity, the added expense might not be justifiable for a home lab setup.
Ideal for Small Homelabs and NAS Configurations
A Compact Data Center
Although some budget-conscious businesses might adopt a less conventional solution like a LackRack, it is primarily suited for hobbyists running home labs or self-hosted services such as a NAS or Plex server.
The diversity of equipment compatible with a LackRack allows for creativity, as users can combine rack-mounted devices with storage solutions. Its compact design features an open back and sides, making it easy to access components while still serving as a functional table.
Some users even explore other tables in the LACK range, like a Reddit user who constructed a 17U rack using two LACK coffee tables!
Expandable and Customizable for Growing Needs
The LACK table community has evolved beyond a basic setup, demonstrating how adaptable this piece of furniture can be. Users have found that with the right metal braces, stacked LackRacks can be organized effectively.
Popular modifications include locking casters, shortened legs, shelves, side panels, and innovative cable management solutions. The affordability of these tables gives users the freedom to experiment without fear of significant loss—if it doesn’t work out, they can simply buy another one.
Still a Basic Table, Not a Professional Rack
The LACK table is primarily made of particleboard, fiberboard, and recycled paper, featuring hollow legs with a maximum weight limit of 22 pounds—though this applies to the tabletop rather than the structure itself.
It could be argued that mounting equipment actually fortifies the LACK table, yet caution is still warranted regarding the weight of heavy server components. NAS devices filled with hard drives or other substantial hardware might exceed its capacity unless reinforced adequately.
Interestingly, some users have transformed these tables into 3D printer enclosures, placing clear panels between the legs and creating a door for access. This adaptation allows them to house an open 3D printer, making it possible to undertake various printing projects at a minimal cost. Perhaps IKEA named it “LACK” because it’s just what you need for any DIY endeavor?
