Don't make this LEGO CITY MISTAKE!!

Over my many years of building a LEGO city I have tried lots of different table solutions, some worked and some did not. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES! In this video I discuss the mistakes I have made in regards to LEGO city tables and talk about the best option.
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[@TheJereguy]

Great video dude. My wife and I are in the process of building out our room and her biggest complaint about your setup is how wide it is and it's rather busy to the eye. Our collection is roughly the same size as yours though it's mostly not assembled, so we're in the planning phase while we work on sorting and organizing. Knowing that these tables wont work will save me a lot of headaches on the design. Thanks for that and keep up the great work !

[@dawindk]

Biggest mistake is that moustache

[@Bricksie]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Kanooky_Jones]

2 years later, and that was my comment too. 🤣

[@connorfanks8154]

An inexpensive solution could be to top the tables with dollar store yoga mats. In the aquarium hobby, people do that to self-level a rimless tank to prevent from cracking.

[@vesper7750]

Wow that's pretty genius! Maybe you could even top that off with a plywood piece?

[@dicloniusgames]

This is insanely detailed. I get told IKEA is where you should go for stuff like this including furniture, but maybe you've proven that IKEA isn't all it's hyped to be when it comes to constructing a LEGO City. Custom built tables seem like the better option even if it would take a lot of work especially since you're also trying to convert the whole city to MILS but it's something to look into after you finish the MILS project. Also, I don't know if it'd be possible, but would you consider doing an "Evolution Of The LEGO City" like video where you show us what it looked like in the old house compared to now? I think that'd be a neat idea for people not familiar with your older content. Anyway, keep up the great work. 👍

[@alansacks9815]

Ikea tables are extremely cheap, and takes minutes to assemble. If the Ikea tables are only a few mm off from each other, you need to be really good, and really precise in making custom tables so they are not off by the same small margins.

[@For891]

As someone who makes built-in cabinetry, you will need to use shims and fasten custom built tables together with screws. Also, you can’t use “framing lumber “ as it will twist with any moisture. Humidity Control is Paramont when it concerns would work. Best of luck!

[@alansacks9815]

Each leg of the Ikea table can be adjusted slightly up or down to level the surface. I use bungee cords to tie adjoining legs together from different tables. This helps greatly in leveling adjoining tables.

[@richardbrown5057]

If you do start building your own tables again you may want to look at MDF. Usually cheaper and holds its shape well. look at the pros and cons. There are ways to work around its drawbacks.

[@LibyanSoup]

MDF does not hold its shape. Its structural properties are terrible. MDF sags under its own weight when placed horizontally. Do not use MDF.

[@williamhuang6946]

Torsional box type structure underneath a sheet of plywood or MDF and additionally installing few Festool Domino tenons between tables (without glue) will sure give a solid large flat surface. May need to shim the legs if the floor is uneven.

[@Operateur]

As a furniture maker, attaching your tables with metal plates won't work, glueing also won't work because they not real wood, the fibers in the tables don't hold the glue and break. I think you should indeed place large plywood sheets on top of them. And eventually you still can use the plywood to make a large custom table, right? If you need any help/advice, just ask :D

[@hiker1392]

Actually glad to see this video as it confirms you realize this is an issue too. Aside from the leveling problem and the forest of legs, the IKEA table solution prevents you from efficiently and creatively using the room beneath. There are many KZbinrs who build sub-level platforms to house subway stations for example, or other trains. I know you are trying to use the lower level with your setups as is, but you can see how difficult that is to make look right. Additionally, the underwater scene would be so much better if you could properly raise it off the floor on a sublevel. So much more flexibility with wood. I would not waste time leveling the existing tables. Rather, make a project out of replacing your tables, much as you are tackling MILS. It's a big job, but it will provide additional building room, which I know you are always looking for. Not a huge fan of MDF at all since moisture is not its friend. You've already designed good tables with plywood and I'd stick with that. Good Luck! (Have a look at what Brick World is doing. He's moving to a larger space and it might provide some additional inspiration.)

[@kinleyran4091]

I like your builds sir Bricksie , please continue making videos about your lego city seeing a great progress is a satisfying thing for me.Huge fan of your creations, by the way Im from the philippines 💪💯 keep safe you'll

[@woodreg]

Also worth remembering that most floors are not level, so even if the tables are, over a long run you will still get leveling issues. Also worth considering weight - large MDF sheets are very heavy and don't accept screws that well. Even a long span of 3/4" ply over 2x4" beams will bend - without significant bracing. Metal angles and ply is probably the least likely to bend. Also don't make any table length / width exactly divisible by 10" - the Lego plates themselves may be 10x10 for example, but they still need a small gap between each one - and then the plates end up coming over the edge of the table top which makes them easier to bang into...

[@hiker1392]

Sounds like the voice of experience.😏

[@woodreg]

@@hiker1392 haha yes Hiker! A lot of pain and realization that unless you have 'perfect' conditions it's really difficult to make everything level - it is possible and someone suggested the metal slotted angles - I thought that was a great idea as they are reasonably priced, but of course everything needs bracing in the middle depending on the table size. Even new 2x4 lumber is rarely straight and if it starts off straight it will probably bend!

[@Britishbricks]

I started with IKEA tables and had the exact same problem. I eventually sold them all and made my own tables from mdf and plywood. The best thing about making your own tables is that you can perfectly match them up to LEGO base plates!

[@swcollector1340]

Now this is some amazing info. We all appreciate you sharing your extensive knowledge and experience with your Lego City build. And what an amazing city you both have created. I’ve said it before but Thank you for this channel and how you so freely share your knowledge and experiences to help the Lego community. Kudos to you both. 👍🏻

[@mattkristofferson3020]

Thank you. Knowing that a pro such as yourself struggles with these sorts of issues as well makes me feel alot better about my own lego city.

[@seanFlashgordon]

Amazing how those gaps can seem so small but cause such a problem. Thank you for the info.

[@Brickspert187]

Definitely something to think about before starting a Lego city, and something I will be putting a lot of thought into, thanks for the tip

[@aussierobsbricks7084]

Thanks for this Bricksie, I’m looking at getting new tables soon to expand my city. Will definitely head to the hardware store instead of getting pre made.

[@spi6455]

What I found worked best was laying a smooth cement slab that was perfectly level, then use adjustable legs on a double layer of mdf.

[@donnalajoie5309]

Great video. Liked the information.

[@brickartisan]

Great info to have. Thanks! 😊

[@Carboxylated]

Thats a bummer man, however, I would just take off the modulars/lego, the MILS, and strt breaking down the IKEA tables in preparation for a solid built home made custom table. Good luck

[@thomassanders6934]

For now I only have a small city, I use 3 of the IKEA tables and it works for now. If I ever get more room I plan on making my own table

[@MitchOLego]

Great info. I'm in the dream planning stages of my Lego room ... I'm sure I'll never get anywhere close to the collection you or so many others have, but I do want to make a village along one side. I was going to get these tables and just find the appropriate shelving units underneath, but now I'm thinking that it's getting the shelving units and adding a custom plywood on top of them.

[@jefferybob123_yt3]

Hey bricksie love your videos, I live in Australia and stay up till midnight just to watch your videos keep up the good work

[@Bruxorama]

The fact you've transferred so much onto MILS, the transition onto new tables (or better tables) that support the ever expanding Lego City should be relatively easily...well, within reason. Okay, easier...still tricky but mils should help.

[@pastajensen]

I have a bit more limited space for my LEGO sets, but had a carpenter making 4 square interlocking sections that are 4 base plates long. Can be easily moved dependent on what table form I want and the feet can be adjusted to make sure they align perfectly.

[@nateallen3287]

One thing you have to consider as well are the floors. To the eye they may seem level but basement floors are not level and always runs towards a central drain. I am running into this as well with my city and these Ikea tables

[@nathanielnicholson559]

I'm just about to revamp my layout and while I'm at it I'm building a new table so it's kinda funny this popped up :)

[@rustynewfie]

I have the same tables for our city, sheeted the top with MDF and added a 1” skirt around the boarder with screws every 10” No issues with uneven surface.

[@micheldriessen7238]

I followed you’re earlier advice and bought these ikea tables to. But the same problem is occurring. So thanks for you’re advice, lol 😂. In the near future I will change my table system to. Thanks for sharing you’re experience!

[@mikawiemers8558]

you could just move the legs so that they all support the table surfaces where they connect. Put one on each corner where four plates meet. Place the rest so that they support to tables and one in the middle of each plate.

[@Rockies007]

Great advice! I was thinking the ikea tables were a good route, thanks for the in-depth review. Custom table build is the best route by far. Resurfacing those tables won’t be worth the time and the effort. Keep up the great work.

[@brickspace9]

Given the size a custom table is the way to go. With some planning you can easily incorporate multiple levels. Reuse those adjustable legs to level your table. Also consider how accessible the center of your table is and make some adjustment to the layout if necessary. Without the forest of legs it should also be easier to put some shelves underneath the table.

[@AlexKuhr]

Nice to get some tips for future city building! I hope I'll remember when I get my own basement 😅

[@cozmocandy1688]

I was going to covert my tables to ikea tables this summer. Glad you said something.

[@Bricksie]

Depending on city size, they're not too bad. I think the scale of our city is the big issue.

[@ryangann799]

Too bad about the tables. I’d say I wouldn’t glue or screw them, can’t sell them after that. But even just placing large 4x8 ply on top sounds good. Hope you solve the table issue. I built my city table with 2x4 frame and thick ply top. My city is only 4 plates by 7 plates though. :)

[@zoepapakanellou2992]

Hey bricksie! I love your videos and I'm commenting without having even watched the vid yet!! I live in Germany so your videos go up at around 3 or 4 pm so I can watch all of them when they come out. The only problem are the streams.. At around 8 or 9 pm, when they come up to me, isn't the best time. I won't ask you to change the time, but to leave it as it is! You really shouldn't change your time and be stressed by someone else's wills. That's all for now, time to watch the vid!

[@Crimson_Hawk_01]

Not to be mean, I would not use IKEA in any part of my house. They use very questionable Sustainability programs for wood and the products are only designed to last five years. City is looking great though.

[@thelegoboy1121]

I’ve had 8 of the tables you got at lowes (6 years ago) for 8 years and there making a lot of problems. So I agree with you.

[@GoingHamAllTheWay]

Thanks for the heads up I was about to get a couple of tables for my basement for this exact set up(tho A starwars world)

[@johnvocatura1019]

Bricksie, you should be able to shim with paper and chipboard right under the Mils Plates since they are ridged. It would be the most cost effective and offer you the most adjustment. Just find your low spots and raise that side/corner of the Mils with the materials. I would probably go in as far a possible with the shims as long as you do not disturb the sides you already adjusted. Maybe around 3-4 inches. Let me know if this does not make sense.

[@sdnattre]

If you do the plywood on top of the tables, you can potentially remove some of the tables underneath and solve some of the leg problem. Just a thought. Keep up the good videos.

[@bricklover2258]

When my city was on ply wood my mom said to use 3 quarter inch ply wood and it would had worked great except at that time we had my lego city on the floor due to my seizures being very unpredictable which they still are today but I do have a bit of a warning to them if I am lucky. Once I move I hope to do custom tables again for my lego city. Everything in my current city is perfect even with it being on plastic folding tables except for probably my farm area would love for that to be larger in the future.

[@MayoHosko]

I’ve always used custom built tables for both model railways and LEGO. It really helps

[@mastergungi]

i still have a folding table city my city isnt that big yet but as you said it works for a small city

[@colorado_offroad_lv]

I'm currently using 2 target folding tables + a almost same height dresser. Idk if the tables are slightly different, but I do notice a little bow, but it's never been enough to effect the Lego on top.

[@thatoneidiotnathan]

If I ever branch out to a larger city, (probably not in the next 7-8 years) I'll keep it in mind!

[@PaulBuxton]

We use legs only where needed and bridge two or three tables together using the large circular leg bracket. This enables us to have a consistent level and a lot less legs. Sorry I can’t post a picture to show how it works

[@slymercenary6500]

I am building my city at the moment in a U shape. The main table tops I have used 19mm yellow tongue flooring. It is super strong and keeps everything very straight and I use the ikea adjustable legs

[@livejapan]

Solution 4: Power Sander and a bit of revenge!

[@staffanbacken9024]

Here is what I would do if I wanted an enormous flat table. Get engineered I-joists, 10" or 12" high and long enough for the entire table you need and build proper supports on the ends. If you want 70" width, maybe 4 of them side by side. On top, lay down 3/4 OSB sheating. If you want to go nuts, throw down 1/4" MDF on top of that to get a nicer material. The cost will be a fraction of anything else you have tried, and you could drive a full size truck on top of it with minimal deflection.

[@thevinylcollector3472]

awesome video jordan i would put plywood on top of the tables to get rid of the gaps its a great idea

[@OfficialTomsSkujinsFanClub]

It sounds like in the long run, even though it would be a huge pain in the but, the custom tables would be the best for your city and your lego

[@Avad54]

Thank you.

[@lordjoechu]

I would go check out building ideas from the model railroad communities and take some of their ideas and adapt them for lego city. One thing I know that is popular is to build a wood frame and then top that with 1" or 2" foam insulation board.

[@themattylee]

If you want to custom build tables and get that clean white look I'd recommend checking out iron-on melamine edging and a melamine cutter. Fairly cheap way to get that IKEA look with better quality materials.

[@jedisith3864]

Don't worry, I got you fam. Get the largest rolls of cork sheet. As it is thin and cheap and it will naturally compress to absorb the contours. And it looks like soil below the lego world 😁

[@vonfragyou]

Try to stiffen the table top using "1-1/2 in. x 14-Gauge x 72 in. Zinc-Plated Slotted Angle". Make sure you have proper wood screw with lock washer. Run angle down the center long ways and try one table to see if it works. Would also give you area underneath to zip tie wires or hang things if needed. Good luck!

[@fabioroal]

I’m not sure someone suggested it, but as a temporary solution, I would remove some of the legs and screw from 2 to up to four tables together with one leg only. This would (temporarily)solve the leavening problem and the number of table legs you have. Every corner of these tables is not hollow and has a wood piece to attach the legs and be a bit more stable. But I agree with other suggestions of covering everything with plywood-great Job with the building. I love the channel, founding recently.

[@jaseman]

My display is 96x64 studs. Small right? But I think of it in terms of a scene that can be photographed, and I can fill a photo frame entirely with LEGO at this size. I don't use the MILS system. I have my own system which has an 8x8 tiled grid with a 6x6 lip on the bottom of each floor section... each 8x8 grid square can be lifted in and out really easily. I have all my floors, buildings and background skies or walls built to fit the 8x8 grid. So when I want to change the scene, I just lift out the 8x8 modules and swap them out with new modules for the next scene. Also, because they are square modules, you can rotate them and have things facing different ways - It really allows for a lot of customisation, and I don't have to have a ton of layout desks - I just have my display on one office desk, and keep the 8x8 modules stacked in boxes or on shelves when they are not needed.

[@BrickHQ]

I have a small lego city. I'm planning on using a drawer unit instead of a table. You should use the space near the beach and residential area to build an airport.

[@ryangrace8576]

Go with the custom built table idea. You’ll be happier in the end!

[@Trash_panda0]

when i get the space for my buildings i cant wait to start my city

[@scottbaker1991]

I’ve been making small LEGO cities in a pax cabinet. The shelves also bow.

[@Spodek_]

nice video!

[@Mateo16120]

wow i came from todays video and im impresed of how teh city hac changed in a year...

[@poqztay292]

My first modular was also detectives office

[@repairmanvcr]

Best advice I can give is to do it right the first time, stop trying to repair the problem, just build the tables.

[@JonathanBlundell]

Could you adjust the legs or prop the legs with paper/cardboard underneath the level them?

[@dannyfrog]

I bought one of those folding tables that is just 4' long just for building Lego. It's definitely concave in the middle.

[@mahmoud1995]

Man I made this same mistake a year ago when I saw your video. Now I’m 7 tables deep lmao. Might get my carpenter to just build me a custom tablr

[@uncletatscreativeshack1702]

Uneven sidewalks you say ? Ha ! Added realism lol

[@MamasBricks]

Oooo....learned the hard way.... I have a custum table but that's more to het the most of the space and it is cheaper...

[@Bassbunker]

Honestly given the value of what's on the table I would just get a good contractor that is more on the furniture making side of things to build a large scale customer table that is could be dismantlement into sections if needed. It would clean up all the legs but just using more solid pieces of timber and bolted sections together would really help with the leveling. once together I would imagine they will plan and sand it again to get the find level before putting the top on.

[@artes2000]

How do you deal with dust that settles all over the LEGO city?

[@242rideausecurity6]

instead of painting the sides of the custom tables install mali mean to the sides. another thought would be to make tables, so if you want to change the shape for layout/expansion. Or relocating all of the city to another building. it isn't the problem of the "ship in a bottle"

[@darlabricks828]

Hi Bricksie I will be building a Lego city in the future and I will remember your video. I watched Dr. McBrick video on how to use less legs underneath your table it was really cool maybe check out his video just trying to figure out other ways of replacing your tables. That can be an enormous amount of work

[@emiliskog]

I mean a centre leg would probably help against some of the bowing although yes I know it wouldn't solve the leg amount issue

[@alansacks9815]

Ikea tables have cardboard in the middle. There is nothing to screw a middle leg into, unless it is one of the Ikea tables that is designed to have a middle leg.

[@bvrooks]

Consider them frost heaves 😂 Just like Edmonton 😆

[@Aerospace_Education]

This is funny. I did custom build by frames. But only because IKEA was sold out of the other tables forever in my area. Lucked out I guess.

[@saintjamesmodernart]

Any kind of plastic or wood tables that large will bow. Each modular is not that heavy. But all those modular buildings together is a lot of weight in the middle. James

[@mccards]

The table is the hardest part. I want mine to be standing height. So its going to be custom made, possibly wrap the walls with a central island. but the table is tough.

[@johnhurley4229]

Jordan bite the bullet and get a finish carpenter, you can add pull out trays, shelving, storage, large areas for separate themes for all around the perimeter you can also put your trains down into a subway, you could also have recessed spots for lighting.

[@alycynde5237]

The easiest solution would be to swap the hollow core tops with good flat ply and make the sizes similar. Then you get a flat surface but you'll still want the middle of each piece to have a leg to support it

[@johnathansawyer8736]

If you haven't fixed your table yet, one idea would be to remove the city, and put plastic down over top of the existing tables. Make a border around with 1x4 or something similar and pour a flooring leveler on top. It would fill in the gaps that exist, but the top would be perfectly level. Once it dried you could put plastic on top to have a barrier between the leveler and the Lego parts.

[@kewbchillin718]

A custom table is the way to go

[@tristianwilson3497]

The best way to go about this would be save the ikea legs and custom build a reinforced tabletop. Once you build the tops you can use the legs to level out your tops. You can make your tables as level and ob square all you won't but that doesn't mean your basement floor is level or square and you'll will always be fighting that.

[@TheStevieHWWE]

I get the alignment, but.... what real city is perfectly aligned. I see roads in real life with inconsistent height curbs etc, all the time. I think the imperfection isn't an issue.

[@Falcon2Dragon]

Lessons learned as you build grows.

[@SuperSausage505]

I don’t have much space so what I’m going to do is start small and build a city in my cupboard! I’m going to have multiple layers (3). Do you see any flaws with this?

[@Bobtag-GT]

I used a ping pong table/table tennis table it had a huge gap in the middle so I made it a huge ravine😂

[@zarda1484]

Always seemed like common sense to me but I see a lot of people use the ikea tables. I think people get use to buying lego sets and putting them together so they think they can do the same with the tables. You need to build a sturdy frame for all that weight or it'll sag every time. I'd build it like you would a wall using 2x4s. Build some legs too, those cheap legs can get out of square or cause other issues and wood for legs is relatively cheap, you could even build or buy shelves instead of using legs. Put a proper skirt around the top too and not paint, give it better finish that matches the shelving around the room.

[@mybricksandme6152]

This all makes great sense and it fantastic advice - what would you estimate the cost difference to be for all the supplies to build your own compared to the Ikea tables - not that peace of mind can have a price - but still - its still a consideration..

[@Bricksie]

Building your own is way cheaper

[@simoncooke2293]

The best tables you can use in my opinion table tennis tables 100% flat strong and a nice size

[@bratticuss]

Follow a benchtop building guide from a model railroading guide. You have lots of options available too you. Be an excuse to invest in some power tools.

[@cyberi4a]

Since this is your full-time business now and you spend so much time working with the city, maybe it's time to build the table/platform of your dreams since it's the base for the whole thing. It may hurt the wallet up front, but in the long run, you'll be happier and be able to do much more with the city.

[@Beerpowered]

Bricksie, you have such a large collection. How do you clean the dust off of it all? How often do you dust them?

[@loganw1373]

I'm wondering this too. I've got like 5-6 sets on a single bookshelf and they're constantly covered in dust lol

[@isaacallender]

I recall he said he only cleans them when he moves them. So basically they stay dusty till they get moved somewhere else in the city or shelves

[@OfficialTomsSkujinsFanClub]

He uses makeup brushes

[@Bricksie]

Check out how I clean my Lego: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIHQcomtr8qWZ5I

[@Beerpowered]

@@Bricksie my 1989 Batmobile and Batwing thank you. I have an X-Power Electric Duster that took off most but not the crevices. Looks like I will be buying some make-up brushes.

[@youngderrick412]

I cant wait to get my house and get started, currently i can only wish for space.

[@Elizabeth-foolishmortal]

Can you top the IKEA tables with thick ply wood. I know that having humps and bumps will drive you crazy.

[@GregJH]

Good video - I have nothing against Ikea products, I have a fair number, but from experience I feel that many of their products are usually good enough for the intended purpose, but not much more. Hopefully you'll save others from this pain!