How to RAISE Your IKEA DETOLF off the Ground

Guide to raising your Ikea Detolf off the ground, covering popular store bought options and DIY custom display case risers. Guide also covers modifications to make your display case risers stronger and nicer.
Veers Custom KALLAX Blog Post:
myfigurecollection.net/blog/2...
Music (in video):
InAudio
KODOMOi - Sunny - • KODOMOi - Sunny (Offic...
0:00 Where do I get these?
0:52 The Specs
1:16 IKEA KALLAX
2:49 KALLAX Modifications
6:00 IKEA BESTA
6:47 DIY Low Cost Custom Riser
8:18 My Custom Riser
9:20 Custom KALLAX
9:40 Buy a Custom Online
10:00 Avoiding Display Case Risers

[@captainwohop]

This video should be a headliner in the display case hall of fame. Thank you 🍻🤩

[@gaunted8746]

I wasn't expecting to see my own display when watching this 😅 Very informative video, well done

[@Battletide.]

That just means you have an amazing setup, and the whole world should see it. I do like your Kallax setup with the 2 detolfs and the other cubed display case (that I'm not sure what it is), I think that setup looks awesome. ☺

[@jscarbrough6592]

this was really put together nicely! Thank you for this. Saved myself a trip to IKEA. I think I'm going to commission my brother-in-law to build me something custom so it's more sturdy.. he's really talented with stuff like this.

[@briansmith3578]

This is awesome. Been looking for riser information and this breaks it down really nicely.

[@brunolavez]

I was struglling with this 4 months ago... I was assessing those options, but not that much in depth as you went through. Very well done video with golden tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@ahmaddahlan7952]

Very informative video. Perhaps you can do how you do the lighting for your detolf next.

[@casuallycompetitivecwiss9321]

really helpful video. I was not expecting to find everything i needed in the first video i clicked

[@roynobody]

awesome video! the visuals really made things super easy to understand!

[@dennis.joymusic]

Great info. Awsome dude 🙏

[@newbatthis]

Wow this was amazing. Easily the most comprehensive guide on Detolf risers I've ever seen. Sadly, Ikea has discontinued the detolf so eventually detolfs will become some kinda rare holy grail for collectors... I currently have 2 detolfs and am working on trying to secure 2 more before people start figuring out and pricing them exorbitantly. Your DIY method is by far my favorite but I have neither the tools, skills, nor connections to assist with that. I've had my eyes on the besta tv unit but was worried about it the load capacity. Good to know adding those brackets will help to hold it all together.

[@JVlapleSlain]

Excellent video, thank you. Am about to get 3 detolfs myself but i am very worried about using a kallax as riser

[@privateprivate31337]

Very informative video, I need to get myself some risers

[@GOLDSLF]

You could use screws to tie them together. 2 or more going from the inside top of the riser box/shelf upward through into the bottom of the detour. there is countersinks you use to be precise and clean . just layout the area of screws if you have ocd

[@danleeclamor5358]

So helpful! thanks for the vid

[@May-ro5ow]

Thank you so much! Great info!

[@gee_f8256]

Thank you so much for this video and the Blaliden tutorial video you put together. I just finished putting 2 Blaliden together and I’m on my way to IKEA right now to get 2 1x1 Kallax units which are on sale right now for $25 each. I know the video says that the top board splitting underweight is unlikely but I think I will reinforce the inside with 2 L brackets as well as the 4 L brackets on the back just to be safe.

[@sirc625]

I have 3 Detolfs on a 4x1 Kallax and never had any issues. I'm only displaying prize figures, so they're not that heavy.

[@GrAnDmAMiTtEnSS]

Wow super well made and informative video!

[@DeeTee79]

Your videos are very informative. Hopefully I’ll be able to score more detolf before they get discontinued in January 2024.

[@KurushimiVrishraka]

This video is so clean! Damn! Thank you for this!

[@theallaroundtype]

Excellent video! Gave me a lot of options for future display units! I have 2 DETOLF's, each one sitting on on a black 2 drawer IKEA MALM. They've been okay for the last 2 years but I hope to switch to a MILSBO in the future. For now they seem sturdy, even with the DETOLF foot pegs attatched. Hope it stays that way!

[@Battletide.]

Ah, cool! I haven't seen a lot of folks use the MALM has a riser. Good to know there are more options.

[@victoria4076]

I have a 1x2 Kallax and I was thinking of going to Home Depot and buying some wooden blocks made out of a 3.5 x 7 inch plank to place inside the kallax (13.25 inches tall) at the corners and hold the weight, since I don't particularly need the space. Do you think that combined with the L brackets would be enough to support the Detolf?

[@MrRatatouille]

Awesome video!

[@hanuboy1289]

Thanks bro big fan

[@Riskybizness12]

Amazing video

[@TRIVIUMDAVEX]

Kallax units are actually completely hollow, they particle board at the sides, front and back only. The inside is honeycomb cardboard. They should hold the weight of you reinforce the back properly however.

[@blueberrypancakes7330]

I got inspiration from your KZbin banner as well from another art creator.😊

[@InsuperableMany]

Your videos have been so helpful. Cant wait to start putting my collection together. Do you think a 2x1 with L brackets hold 2 blalidens.

[@Battletide.]

I would believe so. Given the Blaliden weights ~53 lb x 2, it should be fine. L brackets are optional, but in this case, it's probably better to use them for stability. That being said, do what feels comfortable. ☺

[@foxglove9]

That Kallax riser seemed like a good choice until I just checked and they are asking $40 for it. Then you still need to add the back panel, paint, door, doorknob, brackets and screws (plus your time whatever that is worth) it starts really adding up. Looks nice though.

[@Battletide.]

True, it adds up pretty quick. I have see many people not use the L brackets and are just fine, but the door is a definite must in this case for greater stability. I tend to just be over protective when I put my display cases on something, because I want to reduce the chance of the worse case scenario.

[@TheGUNdalf]

I love it when people totally geek out about a simple problem 😂 ❤

[@David-ho4df]

Did you use wood glue for the custom built riser?

[@franz6209]

Question: if I was to put a door in the kallax unit, would I still have to put an L bracket or is it already part of the instructions

[@Battletide.]

The door does a good job at reinforcement, where the L bracket I don't think is needed.

[@lowo69]

Incredible video, I have 1 question, if I put two dual cell BESTA, it can hold 5 detolf right? I mean each dual cell will hold 2 and a half detolf

[@Battletide.]

Not sure which BESTA you are referring to, there are a lot of different variations. But if it's the BESTA Tv unit, a 3 cell BESTA can hold up to 4 detolfs, as you can see in this photo here: myfigurecollection.net/picture/1951978 Hopefully that gives some perspective as to detolf/BESTA sizing.

[@KlaasvdGalien86]

Love the video :) so if I’m understanding it correctly: I just need to buy 1 KALLAX and the KALLAX Insert with door, and 4x L shaped bracket to support the Weight of the Detolf? And Does it also matter how much weight you put in it?

[@Battletide.]

I've seen plenty of people use the single Kallax with the door insert and not the L brackets and have no issues with the Kallax supporting the Detolf. I'm just a little more paranoid and tend to go to the more extreme to just make things stronger. As for weight in a detolf, there is only so much weight you can put in it, and I don't imagine it will make much difference if you are keeping within the weight of the glass shelves. If you were using the detolf to show off your 400lb dumbbell collection, I might be a little more concerned with the weight; but if you are showing off your Hot Toys, Lego, Figures, etc. It should be fine.

[@KlaasvdGalien86]

@@Battletide. thanks for replying :) i just went to de IKEA and got the KALLAX with door insert, I will display some Lego, Harry potter books and little other things. So I think it will be fine, thanks again for making this video greetings from The Netherlands

[@danidaresit]

Where are the screws/nails holding your custom MDF riser together?

[@bbcollector23]

I'm using the detofl with the besta tv stands. Do you use the feet on the detolf when youre using the besta as a base?

[@Battletide.]

I personally wouldn't use the plastic feet on the detolf when placing it on a besta tv stand or a KALLAX since I feel it makes it easier to slip off. But it's really up to you with what you feel comfortable with.

[@AstroKFP]

I'm thinking of doing the single Besta per detolf. Currently have 2 detolf and thinking of getting the third soon despite the hiked up price. Should I be super concerned about the detolf+figures weight vs the max weight disparity? Are the inner brackets just a safety recommendation or essential? I don't plan on doing any of the DIY stuff but I do like the idea of 3M tape for slide prevention.

[@Battletide.]

Sorry for the delayed response. The brackets are just safety recommendations. I've seen plenty of people put display cases on these shelving units without any kind of reinforcement and it seemed to work out fine.

[@AstroKFP]

@@Battletide. Thanks. Do you think L-brackets to reinforce the Detolfs into the wall might be viable for weight distribution and as a soft earthquake countermeasure?

[@Dynasty8721]

Question I have 4 deltolfs and a besta tv unit that can fit 4. Any recommendations on reinforcing this setup. I’m starting to question if reinforcing the besta tv unit would even be enough to support 4 detolfs.

[@Battletide.]

I've seen people put 4 detolfs on besta's before without reinforcing and they haven't collapsed. For example: myfigurecollection.net/picture/1951978 To reinforce though, there are a bunch of different ways, such as putting interior L brackets, or reinforcement boards on the inside. You may just want to put 2 detolfs in the center of the Besta, see how it feels, and slowly add the outside ones, and examine how the besta is holding up as you add each detolf.

[@moosedream]

Does anyone know the measurements inside the three spaces of the besta?

[@MrGamergod52]

Great video, but I have a question regarding your custom riser. My detof is a 3rd party detof and the measurements are 16.75in wide and 14 25in deep. My question is, do I cut the wood at the exact measurements or do I cut it an inch bigger? Also what size drill bit I need to make the predrilled holes?.

[@Battletide.]

I like to give the measurements an extra inch, so, when you center your detolf, you got a half of inch of float on all sides. I personally like it this way in the event you cut it a few mm short without noticing and the riser ends up looking smaller than the detolf.

[@MrGamergod52]

@@Battletide. oh thanks I'll cut them an inch bigger, also what size drill bit but did you use for the precut holes?

[@Battletide.]

@@MrGamergod52 I typically just line up the drill bit to the screw shaft, and then choose the drill bit a bit smaller than the screw, since I want the screw to cut in snug into the wood.

[@MrGamergod52]

@Battletide. thank you, this helps me a lot

[@sifrbliss1498]

I heard Knarrevik from IKEA works well with Blaliden, so I buy it. Hopefully it will work

[@Battletide.]

Interesting nightstand, I have not seen these. Let me know if it works out. (My main concern would be if it can handle the weight)

[@totalrobot]

I've personally met the guy at 9:47 who sells these. He gets REALLY busy at certain times of the year so you have to wait a bit but once you receive them you will be happy.

[@Battletide.]

Yeah, they look like they are well built.

[@RealEffinNoob]

Question; would IKEA Hallan be good enough as a substitute for Kallax?

[@Battletide.]

We don't have the Hallen over in the US, the dimensions seem to line up where it could fit a detolf on the top. My concerns here are the side panels appear to be very thin (plus I haven't had a chance to look at it to trust the frame), and I really don't like using legs on display case risers because it puts so much weight on 4 small points rather than have the riser leg-less and distribute the weight across the full floor. You are going to have to make the judgement call here (at least until they start appearing over in the US/CAN). Sorry that I couldn't be more helpful.

[@l3orginator]

Random question, I’ve got 3 old detolfs (oak colour) which they no longer do. What paint would I need to use to paint them black and would they need sanding down first? Thanks

[@Battletide.]

I would say just put on a primer, wait to dry, then put on paint. I don’t think you need to sand.

[@moosedream]

I own a 70 inch besta. Can I add precisely cut wood equidistant inside the three spaces to be able to hold the weight of four detolfs?

[@Battletide.]

You could, and it would definitely make it a lot stronger than using L brackets. I think most people throw detolfs on bestas without reinforcing and the besta has been able to hold them. I just like taking that extra step to make them a bit stronger since we are going over the prescribed weight. But it's really up to what people are comfortable with.

[@Ashroller22]

what do you use for dust proof on the DETOLF?

[@Battletide.]

I use a weatherseal strip on my Detolfs. They are not perfect, and if you set them too close to the door, they can interfere with how the door opens. But I find that they are better than nothing. I think these are the ones I use. www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Building-Products-17-ft-Gray-Pile-Replacement-Weatherseal-for-Storm-Doors-Windows-04267/100353463

[@overeactive36]

what are ur thoughts on detolf glass exploding? (other than due to improper assembly) plus the glass shelving being thinner with lower weight capacity and price increase. are they still worth it

[@Battletide.]

Good questions. I've seen photos of detolf glass exploding, but luckily haven't experienced it myself. I think majority of the time is a result of people tightening the top slab of wood too tight, causing unnecessary pressure on the glass (which you call out). I moved my detolf around a lot to film this video and had no glass issues with throwing it around. As for thinner glass shelves, they should be strong enough to hold figures, and if someone is worried, they could swap them out with plexiglass replacements. Or buy thicker cut glass to replace them (which can be expensive). As for are they worth it, I still think they are. I know the cost of glass has increased (along with everything else), and I wouldn't be surprised if Ikea was losing money on the detolfs with their original price. Plus, there really isn't a display case on the market for around $100. So, I still think it's a great starter display case. If you really want to maximize price and display space. A Billy Bookcase with Oxberg doors is another option, though your figures can only be viewed from the front.

[@e1m0k44]

So I have the BLÅLIDEN instead of the detolf. I imagine this should be good for it too right? Since it weighs a lot less, unless the distribution is better on detolf since its wider and covers more of the top. I got the door insert and used the L brackets on the back.

[@Battletide.]

Yeah, KALLAX should easily hold. Even without the L brackets. The L brackets are just an extra step if someone really put a ton of weight on the shelf.

[@user-ti6bg7hl3f]

How do you lift the detolf onto the riser?

[@Battletide.]

If I have 2 people, we both take a side, with one hand under the detolf and the other on the back of the detolf. But in most cases I'm alone, so I take out all the shelves, put my hand on the inside ceiling of the detolf and lift straight up. Since the detolf is 75 lb, it does require a bit of straight, and sometimes the bottom of the detolf may bump into your shins or ankles. I recommend getting someone to help you lift it if you can.

[@oiikawwa4232]

What would be the best in my case? I use 3 Detolfs. Ty in advance!

[@Battletide.]

I personally think just using 3 Kallax shelves are the best. You don’t really need to put the L bracket on, but highly recommend getting the door since it will add to stability and it just looks nicer. Also, I think they look nice when you put them all side by side, and it allows you to rearrange them if you move (in the event you need to separate them due to space). And it makes it super easy to add another detolf to your collection in the future.

[@Hephaestus_God]

Question: How do you get the Detolf out of the custom base you made for yours?

[@Battletide.]

I open the door, take out the shelves, then I put one hand in the center of the ceiling and lift it vertically with 1 arm. Then I take a few small steps back and set it on the floor. Note: taking off the door would also make things easier, since it's pretty easy to unscrew/rescrew the door. Lifting it with 2 arms by yourself is too awkward. Though I imagine, if you have 2 people, it would be easier.

[@danidaresit]

Plans for your custom riser are great, but how is it all held together and where did you put the screws? I dont see any from the outside going in, are they all on the inside going out?

[@Battletide.]

There are nails on the outside going in. I believe I used finishing nails and used a wood filler over them to hide the nail hole they created. I also used a bit of wood glue to bond all the boards together and fill any cracks between the boards. Sorry about not having more videos and details on building it. When I first put it all together, at that time, I didn't think I was going to show off the building process.

[@danidaresit]

@@Battletide. Thank you!

[@SemiDemonio]

This is a nice video, but saldy half of the products ar enot available in North America, at least in Canada, like the 1x1 Kallax square :( Any other alternatives?

[@Battletide.]

Oh no! The Kallax 1x1 is still available in the US at the moment at least. IKEA seems to be changing a lot of their product offerings, so I'll have to take a look at other alternatives. And hopefully the Detolf is not permanently retired, I've read that it was taken off the market twice in the past, so, only time will tell if it comes back. That being said, the guide to making your own custom KALLAX with better wood is always an option if you have the means to do so.

[@SemiDemonio]

@Battletide. thank you so much! Here in Canada is not available, not even showing in the website :( I was thinking on doing one but with a baby I cam barely find time :( , sadly I could not find anything similar to the Kallax to use, I just got the secon detolf before its retired, but woyld be great to jave them stand up on each side of the room, and the Kallax Drawer/door was always good for extra space storage haha

[@Matt-ek6bf]

Would you be able to get the 4 shelf Kallax for 3 Detolfs without it breaking?

[@Battletide.]

I have seen photos of people do it, but personally, I wouldn't try it because it's extremely risky. I would just get a 1x1 Kallax shelves for each detolf and line them up side by side. I would only personally trust a 4x1 Kallax if it was a custom shelf with different wood, like in the blog post that was mentioned.

[@Kikoyito115]

This is a great video thank you! Because of you, I just bought the 1x4 Kallax to use as a riser for my 3 detolfs! I have some questions if you don't mind answering. I bought a large slab of 1/2 inch thick plywood to reinforce the back. What size/length screw do you think would be appropriate to use? I'm thinking #8 x 2 - 1/2 in. Do you think I should go shorter with a #8 x 1 1/2? Also, what diameter did you use for your drill bit to make the pilot hole? Since particleboard is so soft, did you make the pilot hole smaller than the shank diameter? Last question! I plan to keep the display on carpet. Would you recommend using the leveling feet on the 1x4 shelf? I'd like to keep the Kellax from slipping around, but I'm afraid of weakening the strength of the cabinet by elevating it with just 4 legs. Would you recommend adding more legs? Thanks for your help if you answer!

[@Battletide.]

Good questions. For recommendations, I would say the #8 x 2 - 1/2 in would be fine. As far as pilot hole, I wouldn't bother drilling holes in the particle board. I know I did in my video, but after screwing in the door without pilot holes, the particle board is pretty soft, and it might be more secure without pre-drilling. As far as leveling feet. The Kallax should be fine sitting flat on carpet; and given the weight, I doubt it would be easy to slip around. If you really want leveling legs, you make a really good point, having 4 legs on the 4x1 is not a great idea. Personally, I would put legs for each divider under the Kallax (so, like 10 legs). But ultimately, if you can, not using legs is probably more ideal and safer with the 4x1. Good luck getting your setup all together!

[@Kikoyito115]

Thank you so much for all your help! Took all your suggestions and my setup looks fantanstic now, thanks again!

[@Matt-ek6bf]

So it's better to get multiple 1x1s and put them next to each other for the shelves? Then reinforce them separately?

[@Battletide.]

Personally, I think having multiple 1x1's is just better option because they'll be stronger (saying this because top board rests ON the side boards/walls, the 4x1 top board you rest the detolfs on doesn't sit on the thickest boards, rather the side wall boards are exterior to the top board and screws are supporting the weight). Another 1x1 benefit is, it's much easier to move around and readjust your room in the event you move. Also, as you expand your detolf collection, say you get 4-5 detolfs, the risers all look uniform since they are all 1x1's. I just feel I've seen more people use the 1x1's as risers in their collection. As for reinforcements, the L brackets may be a bit over the top (I just like the extra bit of security). If you just have the drawers installed in them, I feel this is strong enough to hold a detolf. So, in the event the 1x1 decides to collapse sideways, the door (which sits inside the Kallax shelf) will catch preventing the collapse. I hope this makes some sense.

[@Matt-ek6bf]

@@Battletide. That makes perfect sense. I'll be installing and double reinforcing them either way though. Rather be safe than sorry.

[@asand2093]

What wood would you recommend if trying to replicate your custom riser? thanks in advance!

[@Battletide.]

If you are referring to my 2 detolf custom risers, most of the weight is held by 2x4's, so the side panels (and floor panel) can be pretty much anything. I am actually using a MDF board for my side panels, though plywood would also be cheap and work. If you are referring to the furniture leg custom riser, the 1 detolf riser could be held easily up with plywood. If you wanted to make it longer to support more detolfs, then a thick hardwood would be ideal. Hope this helps. Also, talking to someone at a hardware store may also give good recommendations if you explain what you are trying to do.

[@Andrew-zg5hq]

Do you think multiple 1x1s would be enough for two detolfs?

[@Battletide.]

I think I had some example pictures in the video, but using one 1x1 Kallax per detolf is probably the most common approach to raising a detolf. So, 2 detolfs and 2 1x1 Kallax shelves work just fine. Putting all the Kallax shelves side by side almost make it look like 1 unit.

[@tupat023]

Detolf is not available anymore !! They have new one now.

[@CC-9333_Thorn]

You're a good man, Charlie Brown.

[@cesar_703]

Anyway on how to put lighting on a Billy bookshelf?

[@Battletide.]

Are you using Oxberg doors or not? My next video may just cover lighting, since it's been requested by a bunch of folks.

[@cesar_703]

@@Battletide. I’m planning on getting a Billy with HÖGBO glass doors

[@grosen84]

Both Detolf and Kallax single is discontinued now.. Just as i needed to get a few more detolf's and a new riser system.. ohhh well thats my luck LOL

[@Battletide.]

Detolfs are still available in stores (though, I imagine they will soon start disappearing). The BLÅLIDEN will replace the Detolf, and will still need a riser solution (though they are a bit smaller than the detolf in both width and depth).

[@grosen84]

@@Battletide. im in Denmark and all detolf are gone sadly. We allready have the replacement model in the stores. And its not as good. Atleast for Hot Toys. Just needed 1 more. I need to find one at the secondary market☺️

[@idreadFell365]

I’m more worried how the process of carefully moving the detolf back down stairs for when I’m gonna move out.

[@Battletide.]

I moved about a year ago, and I took out all the shelves out, stacked them, and then wrapped them all with stretch wrap. Then I closed the detolf door, and wrapped the whole thing with stretch wrap as well, then just had someone help me carry it from the top and bottom. Had no issues.

[@idreadFell365]

@@Battletide. I actually built and brought the detolf upstairs myself despite my mother protesting that I should wait for her fiancé to help me out. The reason I didn’t want any help was because I couldn’t trust her fiancé to be in complete sync with me if we were to do it together. My thought process would probably be the same for deciding to move it down.

[@flanthief]

Lol my dad and I just build our own that has a section the base goes into so it can't slide around

[@Battletide.]

Haha, that is awesome. I really think that is the best way to go. ☺

[@flanthief]

@@Battletide. I've been wanting to post in on a subreddit but I never got to it because my figure arrangement was never perfect. Now we are moving and I spent a long time this morning packing it up. Broke one of the plastic brackets unfortunately :(

[@cryptocsr]

Take your Kallax to the gym... LOL. Good one.

[@ComicCrossing]

What in the world is IKEAS excuse for doubling the price of Detolfs???

[@Battletide.]

My guess is the glass? During the pandemic, I bought custom cut mirror from a construction supplier, and he was complaining how glass price doubled for no reason other than the fact that everything else went up in price too. Seems like everything is expensive these days. 🙁

[@ariusraygn]

Sad that ikea is discontinuing the detolf

[@matthewpatricio8312]

Awesome and very insightful video! 🫶 (I can only find the Besta available in Canada 😅) I was wondering which of the Bestas is the “best” to use (lol) I have two black Detolfs! On Ikeas website, the price ranges from 160-230, is this because of the shelves/material or just the style? Which would you recommend in terms of strength, and would just using L brackets just be enough to reinforce it? (And how much should I use XD) Thank you!! (*´꒳`*)