ᐅ Is there a way to fit IKEA Besta doors with custom-made handles?

Hello everyone, I have a question about customizing my Ikea Besta cabinets: Is there a way to add custom-made handles to the Besta doors? I don’t want to use any of the existing handle options from Ikea but rather something I craft myself that matches the style of my interior. The challenge I’m facing is how to create attachment points on the doors without damaging them or compromising their functionality. Are there any experiences or recommendations regarding materials, fastening methods, or preparations that could make this possible? I’m especially interested in solutions that are reversible and don’t leave any permanent marks.

Hello, it is generally possible to equip Ikea Besta doors with custom-made handles. The important factor here is the choice of attachment method to avoid damaging the door. Many users opt for screws, but you need to be careful with Besta doors because they are often covered with HDF or MDF panels. I recommend using thin screws with a washer to distribute the load. Alternatively, you can also consider self-adhesive handles or magnetic solutions, which are reversible and do not require any drilling.

For reference: Besta doors are usually made of a wood fiberboard with a white foil coating. Direct screwing is possible, but the screw length and position should be carefully planned to avoid drilling through or damaging the back of the door. Alternatively, flat connectors or clamp handles can be used, which hold without screws. I recommend measuring the mounting points precisely and, if necessary, using a drilling template to ensure everything is aligned correctly.

Interesting question. Here is a detailed procedure on how to securely and stably attach custom-made handles to Besta doors:

- First, the material thickness of the doors should be measured precisely. For Besta, this is usually 16 mm (0.6 inches).
- For screw mounting, I recommend fine-thread screws about 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches) long, so nothing protrudes on the back side.
- It is advisable to mark the handle position before screwing and pre-drill the holes with a narrow drill bit (2-3 mm, 0.08-0.12 inches) to avoid splitting.
- If you want to build the handles yourself, wood is a good choice because it is easy to work with. You can pre-drill the handles and then attach them from underneath the door using cylinder head screws.
- Alternatively, threaded inserts or blind rivets can be used to increase stability.

Do you plan to mount the handles directly from the outside or also secure them from the inside? The options vary significantly depending on the approach.

Palenar schrieb:
Are you planning to mount the handles directly from the outside or also fix them from the inside? The options vary significantly depending on the method.

Good question. I prefer fastening from the outside, meaning the handles are visible and accessible on the outside. I want to avoid mounting anything on the inside as much as possible, since I cannot easily reach the back of the doors, especially with large cabinets. It is important to me that the appearance is right, so the screw heads should ideally be hidden – any well-considered ideas on this would be greatly appreciated.

I understand your concern and think it’s great that you’re considering both the aesthetics and preservation of the door. One possible solution could be to create custom-made handles with concealed fixings. For example, small openings could be made from the outside where a rod or some kind of bracket is inserted and secured from the inside. This would hide the screw heads and keep the door surface smooth on the outside. However, this approach requires a certain level of craftsmanship and precise work.