Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA BESTÅ shelving unit and would like to install additional shelves to make better use of the storage space. The original shelves are usually fixed or have limited positioning options, and I haven’t found clear instructions on how to add more shelves myself.
My question is: How can I safely and properly install extra shelves in a BESTÅ unit without compromising its stability or appearance? What materials, brackets, or fasteners are recommended, and are there any important considerations, for example regarding load capacity or installation procedure?
I appreciate any tips and experiences you can share, including advice on tools and methods. Thanks in advance!
I have an IKEA BESTÅ shelving unit and would like to install additional shelves to make better use of the storage space. The original shelves are usually fixed or have limited positioning options, and I haven’t found clear instructions on how to add more shelves myself.
My question is: How can I safely and properly install extra shelves in a BESTÅ unit without compromising its stability or appearance? What materials, brackets, or fasteners are recommended, and are there any important considerations, for example regarding load capacity or installation procedure?
I appreciate any tips and experiences you can share, including advice on tools and methods. Thanks in advance!
For installing additional shelves in IKEA BESTÅ: First, purchase the appropriate shelf supports from IKEA, as they are designed specifically for this system. Pre-drill holes in the side panels at the correct positions to prevent splitting. Then insert the brackets and place the shelves on top. Done.
Hello Gulasau,
I would like to address your concern in more detail because this topic is often underestimated.
1. Preparation: It is best to first measure the interior dimensions of the BESTÅ carcass accurately. This way, you can choose suitable boards in thickness and width – IKEA furniture is usually 16 mm (0.63 inches) thick, so your additional shelf should ideally have the same thickness.
2. Shelf Supports: The original shelves of the BESTÅ system are typically hung using small metal dowels inserted into pre-drilled side holes. For additional shelves, you can either use these original supports (available in the IKEA spare parts department) or small metal peg pins that fit into the row of holes on the side panels.
3. Installation: It is important to carefully check the drill holes before inserting supports and pre-drill if necessary to prevent the side panels from splintering or cracking.
4. Load Capacity: Additional shelves should not be overloaded – the side panels bear the weight. I recommend placing heavier items on the original shelves or lower sections instead.
In summary: measure precisely, use the row of holes on the sides, use suitable supports (preferably the original ones), and be careful when drilling. If anything is still unclear, please ask!
I would like to address your concern in more detail because this topic is often underestimated.
1. Preparation: It is best to first measure the interior dimensions of the BESTÅ carcass accurately. This way, you can choose suitable boards in thickness and width – IKEA furniture is usually 16 mm (0.63 inches) thick, so your additional shelf should ideally have the same thickness.
2. Shelf Supports: The original shelves of the BESTÅ system are typically hung using small metal dowels inserted into pre-drilled side holes. For additional shelves, you can either use these original supports (available in the IKEA spare parts department) or small metal peg pins that fit into the row of holes on the side panels.
3. Installation: It is important to carefully check the drill holes before inserting supports and pre-drill if necessary to prevent the side panels from splintering or cracking.
4. Load Capacity: Additional shelves should not be overloaded – the side panels bear the weight. I recommend placing heavier items on the original shelves or lower sections instead.
In summary: measure precisely, use the row of holes on the sides, use suitable supports (preferably the original ones), and be careful when drilling. If anything is still unclear, please ask!
Hello!
The question about installing additional shelves in IKEA BESTÅ units is completely valid and comes up frequently. Besides choosing the right shelves and supports, there are some basic points I’d like to summarize for everyone interested:
- The BESTÅ system features multiple rows of holes on the sides that allow for flexible shelf positioning.
- Important: Use either the original shelves with their corresponding supports or additional shelf brackets designed for the 5 mm hole spacing, as sold by IKEA.
- If you want to cut shelves yourself, make sure they have the same thickness (10-16 mm (0.4-0.6 inches)) to ensure the shelves sit firmly and don’t sag.
- When installing, work carefully and measure the hole rows precisely beforehand.
- A common mistake is overloading the self-installed shelves, which usually aren’t as well supported as the originals. It’s better to place lighter items on them.
I have assembled several BESTÅ units myself and can confirm that with some patience and care, the additional shelves work very well. I can also share tips on the exact positioning of the supports if anyone is interested.
The question about installing additional shelves in IKEA BESTÅ units is completely valid and comes up frequently. Besides choosing the right shelves and supports, there are some basic points I’d like to summarize for everyone interested:
- The BESTÅ system features multiple rows of holes on the sides that allow for flexible shelf positioning.
- Important: Use either the original shelves with their corresponding supports or additional shelf brackets designed for the 5 mm hole spacing, as sold by IKEA.
- If you want to cut shelves yourself, make sure they have the same thickness (10-16 mm (0.4-0.6 inches)) to ensure the shelves sit firmly and don’t sag.
- When installing, work carefully and measure the hole rows precisely beforehand.
- A common mistake is overloading the self-installed shelves, which usually aren’t as well supported as the originals. It’s better to place lighter items on them.
I have assembled several BESTÅ units myself and can confirm that with some patience and care, the additional shelves work very well. I can also share tips on the exact positioning of the supports if anyone is interested.
Gulasau schrieb:
My question is: How can I properly and safely install additional shelves on a BESTÅ unit myself without compromising its stability or appearance?I can completely understand that. It’s sometimes really tricky to find the right balance between gaining more storage space and maintaining a stable structure. At first, I was simply afraid that the shelves might fall out or the unit could get damaged.
What helped me was testing with lighter items first before fully loading the shelves. I also used the original IKEA dowels to ensure everything fits perfectly. If you’re unsure, you can also check the drill holes with a small square to make sure everything is really level.
I hope this helps a bit! It’s normal to be a bit cautious at the beginning, but over time you’ll feel more confident.
A very precise and factual addition:
For additional shelves in the IKEA BESTÅ system, I recommend the following approach:
- Use the standardized row of holes in the BESTÅ carcass, which are arranged on a 32-mm (1.26-inch) system.
- Use properly designed shelf supports for this purpose, ideally replacement parts directly from IKEA.
- If cutting your own shelves, ensure a thickness of a maximum of 16 mm (0.63 inches) to match the drill holes.
- Avoid drilling additional holes yourself in the side panels, as this can weaken the material.
- Before installation, check that the weight load of the additional shelves is within the allowed range; the typical load capacity for BESTÅ shelves is about 15 kg (33 lbs).
These measures ensure the stability and durability of your shelves.
For additional shelves in the IKEA BESTÅ system, I recommend the following approach:
- Use the standardized row of holes in the BESTÅ carcass, which are arranged on a 32-mm (1.26-inch) system.
- Use properly designed shelf supports for this purpose, ideally replacement parts directly from IKEA.
- If cutting your own shelves, ensure a thickness of a maximum of 16 mm (0.63 inches) to match the drill holes.
- Avoid drilling additional holes yourself in the side panels, as this can weaken the material.
- Before installation, check that the weight load of the additional shelves is within the allowed range; the typical load capacity for BESTÅ shelves is about 15 kg (33 lbs).
These measures ensure the stability and durability of your shelves.
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