ᐅ IKEA Besta DIY – How to Build Shelves with Adjustable Shelf Heights?
Created on: 27 Feb 2015 18:07
H
HalitHello everyone,
I am planning to assemble an IKEA Besta shelving unit but want to have the option to adjust the shelf heights flexibly and individually. My question is: What is the best way to build shelving with variable shelf heights?
Specifically, I’m interested in whether there are suitable solutions that differ from the standard use of the Besta components to make retrofitting, rearranging, or adjusting the shelves easier later on.
Are there any special fittings, rails, or techniques you would recommend? I’m looking for advice on materials, assembly steps, and possible challenges – it should be stable but also flexible.
Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
Best regards,
Halit
I am planning to assemble an IKEA Besta shelving unit but want to have the option to adjust the shelf heights flexibly and individually. My question is: What is the best way to build shelving with variable shelf heights?
Specifically, I’m interested in whether there are suitable solutions that differ from the standard use of the Besta components to make retrofitting, rearranging, or adjusting the shelves easier later on.
Are there any special fittings, rails, or techniques you would recommend? I’m looking for advice on materials, assembly steps, and possible challenges – it should be stable but also flexible.
Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
Best regards,
Halit
P
pauPierce27 Feb 2015 19:33Hello Halit,
Your project is very interesting and can be achieved with a few clever solutions. I’m happy to give you a detailed overview of how to build the Besta shelving unit with adjustable shelf heights.
Basically, IKEA uses shelves with pre-drilled holes and fixed points for the metal pins as standard for Besta. For variable shelf heights, I recommend the following approach:
- First, check if your Besta cabinets have a hole grid system. If so, you can remove the shelves at any time and reposition them in different holes. These holes are usually spaced at 32mm (1.25 inches) or 37mm (1.5 inches), depending on the product series.
- If your shelving unit does not have continuous rows of holes, you can also get so-called slotted strips (e.g., from IKEA or hardware stores) that are mounted on the side walls. These allow free adjustment of shelves without damaging the side panels.
- Another option is to use special metal profiles or rail systems that allow stepless height adjustment of shelves. However, this is more complex and expensive.
- Be sure that the shelves can support the weight you plan to put on them and that the fixings are sufficiently stable, especially if you expect heavy loads.
A typical assembly step looks like this:
1. Attach the slotted strips to both sides on the inside.
2. Use the corresponding shelf supports that snap into the slotted strips.
3. Place the shelves at your desired height.
Whenever you want to adjust the shelf height, simply remove the supports and reposition the shelves.
One more note: If you modify the side walls, measure carefully and sand them smoothly to avoid splinters or uneven edges.
I hope this information helps you! If you like, feel free to share exactly how you plan to use the shelving unit, so I can tailor my advice even better.
Your project is very interesting and can be achieved with a few clever solutions. I’m happy to give you a detailed overview of how to build the Besta shelving unit with adjustable shelf heights.
Basically, IKEA uses shelves with pre-drilled holes and fixed points for the metal pins as standard for Besta. For variable shelf heights, I recommend the following approach:
- First, check if your Besta cabinets have a hole grid system. If so, you can remove the shelves at any time and reposition them in different holes. These holes are usually spaced at 32mm (1.25 inches) or 37mm (1.5 inches), depending on the product series.
- If your shelving unit does not have continuous rows of holes, you can also get so-called slotted strips (e.g., from IKEA or hardware stores) that are mounted on the side walls. These allow free adjustment of shelves without damaging the side panels.
- Another option is to use special metal profiles or rail systems that allow stepless height adjustment of shelves. However, this is more complex and expensive.
- Be sure that the shelves can support the weight you plan to put on them and that the fixings are sufficiently stable, especially if you expect heavy loads.
A typical assembly step looks like this:
1. Attach the slotted strips to both sides on the inside.
2. Use the corresponding shelf supports that snap into the slotted strips.
3. Place the shelves at your desired height.
Whenever you want to adjust the shelf height, simply remove the supports and reposition the shelves.
One more note: If you modify the side walls, measure carefully and sand them smoothly to avoid splinters or uneven edges.
I hope this information helps you! If you like, feel free to share exactly how you plan to use the shelving unit, so I can tailor my advice even better.
Hello Halit!
Great idea to have a Besta shelf with adjustable shelf heights – that’s really flexible for anyone who likes to rearrange often! 😊
I’ve done a similar project myself and can definitely recommend using shelves with pre-drilled hole patterns; they’re brilliant!
It’s simply fun to keep reconfiguring without having to unscrew everything every time.
Also, you might want to consider using shelves made from different materials (for example, planed MDF boards), which often suit your personal style or specific dimensions better.
If you have any questions, just ask! You can do it! 🚀
Great idea to have a Besta shelf with adjustable shelf heights – that’s really flexible for anyone who likes to rearrange often! 😊
I’ve done a similar project myself and can definitely recommend using shelves with pre-drilled hole patterns; they’re brilliant!
It’s simply fun to keep reconfiguring without having to unscrew everything every time.
Also, you might want to consider using shelves made from different materials (for example, planed MDF boards), which often suit your personal style or specific dimensions better.
If you have any questions, just ask! You can do it! 🚀
pauPierce schrieb:
If you like, feel free to share exactly what you want to use the shelf for, so I can tailor my advice more specifically.Thank you for the detailed post, pauPierce!
The shelf will mainly be used for media—such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and books—but also occasionally for larger items like game consoles or small boxes. That’s why I would like to be able to adjust at least three different shelf heights flexibly.
I would also appreciate if the shelves are quite sturdy, as the weight will vary. Ideally, I don’t want to make any permanent modifications to the side panels, since I might want to move or sell the shelf later.
How exactly do these shelf support strips (also called slotted standards or adjustable shelf tracks) work, and how are they installed to allow easy shelf adjustments? Are regular screws sufficient, or do you need special wall plugs or anchors? What would you recommend in detail for Besta?
Hello Halit,
I think your idea to make the adjustable shelf height of your Besta unit is very practical.
Regarding your questions: The so-called slotted standards are vertical rails with numerous pre-punched holes (usually spaced 32 mm (1.25 inches) apart) and are attached directly to the inner walls of the unit with small screws. For Besta, universal wood screws are suitable since the side panels are often made of particleboard. You can then hang corresponding shelf supports into the holes of the slotted standards, which hold firmly and act like a plug-in system.
It’s important to use several small screws (at least 4-5 per side) when mounting the slotted standards to ensure even load distribution. You don’t need to use wall plugs if you screw directly into the wood or rectangular hole.
This way, you can adjust the shelf height repeatedly without damaging the unit. Additionally, your shelf will be significantly more stable, which is a great advantage when holding heavy items.
I hope this helps! If you want, I can provide more precise measurements of the slotted standards or advise on which shelf supports work best.
I think your idea to make the adjustable shelf height of your Besta unit is very practical.
Regarding your questions: The so-called slotted standards are vertical rails with numerous pre-punched holes (usually spaced 32 mm (1.25 inches) apart) and are attached directly to the inner walls of the unit with small screws. For Besta, universal wood screws are suitable since the side panels are often made of particleboard. You can then hang corresponding shelf supports into the holes of the slotted standards, which hold firmly and act like a plug-in system.
It’s important to use several small screws (at least 4-5 per side) when mounting the slotted standards to ensure even load distribution. You don’t need to use wall plugs if you screw directly into the wood or rectangular hole.
This way, you can adjust the shelf height repeatedly without damaging the unit. Additionally, your shelf will be significantly more stable, which is a great advantage when holding heavy items.
I hope this helps! If you want, I can provide more precise measurements of the slotted standards or advise on which shelf supports work best.
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