Ingenious IKEA Hack Transforms Step Stool into a Senior-Friendly Aid
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IKEA hacks have become a go-to method for customizing and personalizing furniture to meet individual needs. One such innovative transformation is the “BEKVÄM Senior,” a clever modification of the classic IKEA step stool designed specifically for the elderly.
The BEKVÄM step stool is wildly popular among IKEA customers and is seen in many homes. It offers a step-up to reach upper kitchen cabinets or high wardrobe shelves. However, its basic design might not offer the stability and support that some seniors require.
Understanding this need, Henk Schevers from the Netherlands developed an original hack to enhance the IKEA step stool, making it more stable for elderly users.
The modification involves adding a piece of the reused handrail and a small triangular piece of lightweight plywood to the original step stool. These additions aim to provide support and ensure seniors can use the steps with increased confidence.
Step Stool With Handle Hack
Henk bought a BEKVÄM step stool and started on the hack without assembling it. He used a hole saw to drill a 2″ hole on the right-hand side of the top seat of the stool. The size of this hole should be a snug fit for the handrail with minimal wobble and shake. You can also add the handle to the left-hand side if you prefer.
Then, he cut a small triangle from plywood, notching a small angle to fit around the stool’s leg.
Next, he installed the plywood triangle with screws to the lower rung of the BEKVÄM and then fully assembled the stool, following IKEA’s instructions. If your BEKVÄM step stool is already fully assembled, remove the top seat to make it easier to access the lower rung and screw in the triangle piece.
Adding a handle to the step stool
Once the stool was assembled, he slid the piece of handrail through the hole on the top seat of the BEKVÄM and secured it from the bottom of the triangle with screws.
The recommended handrail length is approximately 45 inches with a diameter of 2 inches, bringing the total height of the steps to 55 inches.
Painting is optional but will help blend the handrail with the stool.
The addition of the handle provides a secure grip for seniors to hold onto while climbing the steps, and the plywood triangle offers additional structural support.
Easy DIY to upgrade the step stool
Creating the BEKVÄM Senior should take about an hour for those who are handy with tools. This simple yet effective modification can make a significant difference for elderly individuals using the stool, allowing them to steadily reach for items on high shelves or cabinets.
For those interested in replicating this DIY step stool with a handle, it is important to ensure that all modifications are securely attached and that the stool remains stable during use. Regular checks and maintenance may be necessary to keep the BEKVÄM Senior in top condition.
BEKVÄM Junior
Enhancing the stability of IKEA’s BEKVÄM step stool caters not only to the safety needs of the elderly but also to young children who are eager to climb up to a higher vantage point and engage with activities at the counter level, such as cooking or crafting.
Learning tower hacks are popular modifications of the BEKVÄM step stool. These hacks typically involve modifying the BEKVÄM stool to include features like guardrails or steps, ensuring that children can climb and stand securely without the risk of falling. Here are a few of our most popular learning tower hacks:
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