ᐅ Which IKEA Metod cabinets are suitable for rental apartments?

Created on: 12 Dec 2021 18:37
A
Asafma
A
Asafma
12 Dec 2021 18:37
Hello everyone,

I will soon be moving into a new rental apartment and plan to use IKEA Metod cabinets as a storage solution in the kitchen. However, I am wondering which Metod cabinets or components are especially suitable for rental properties, where you want to avoid damage to walls or are not allowed to make many changes to the apartment.

Therefore, I am interested in an assessment of which modules are particularly flexible, whether it is best to use freestanding carcasses without extensive wall mounting, or if there are also recommended wall-mounted options that can be removed without leaving any marks.

It would also be helpful to know which cabinet types or combinations are suitable for small to medium-sized kitchens while remaining sturdy and stable, without requiring much wall drilling.

It is also important to know if certain Metod fronts or hanging systems leave fewer marks in case everything has to be disassembled when moving out.

Looking forward to your experiences and tips!
G
Gregory
12 Dec 2021 19:05
As a general recommendation for rental apartments, I suggest choosing IKEA Metod cabinets in a way that minimizes or eliminates the need for wall mounting.

- Freestanding base cabinets with feet are usually the easiest option. They don’t require wall mounting, reduce the risk of drill holes, and offer flexibility in positioning.
- Wall cabinets can be problematic because they generally need to be firmly attached to the wall, which can cause damage when moving out.
- For small kitchens, narrow standard cabinets (40-60 cm (16-24 inches) wide) are advisable, as they can be better adapted to individual room layouts.
- Melamine resin fronts tend to be more durable but are more expensive. Painted fronts or foil finishes are noticeably more susceptible to damage.

There is also optional IKEA hardware, such as sturdy wall mounts that can be better supported with metal plates inside the cabinet box, helping to distribute the load more evenly.

Overall, cabinets with feet increase flexibility and reduce issues with dismantling, especially important for tenants.
P
pauPierce
13 Dec 2021 09:41
Regarding the topic: "Which IKEA Metod Cabinets are Suitable for Rental Apartments?" I want to go into detail, as selection and installation can be crucial in rental properties.

First, it is important to understand how the Metod series is constructed. The cabinet boxes come in standardized widths of 40, 60, and 80 cm (16, 24, and 32 inches), with various heights and depths, offering flexibility. For rental apartments, where minimizing damage to walls is especially important, I recommend the following approach:

- Base cabinets with legs: These cabinets can be installed almost entirely without wall mounting. The legs compensate for slightly uneven floors. However, stability without wall mounting is somewhat reduced, which should be considered when using heavy cabinet doors or large fronts.

- Avoid hanging wall cabinets alone, as these usually require at least three screws in the wall. This leaves holes and potentially cracks when moving out.

- An alternative is mounting rails, which can be fixed to the wall with as few drill holes as possible. These allow for more flexible installation, and damage is usually easier to repair after removal.

- Hinges and doors of the Metod fronts are relatively sturdy and can be easily replaced if damaged.

- Regarding front panels, melamine-coated doors are more resistant to scratches and moisture than foil-covered fronts. Painted fronts require more maintenance.

- For smaller rooms, I recommend open shelving instead of wall cabinets, as this avoids additional wall mounting and visually creates more space.

If more details about the room situation are available, I am happy to assist further with cabinet selection and installation.
A
Asafma
13 Dec 2021 12:58
pauPierce schrieb:
One alternative is mounting rails that can be attached to the wall with as few drill holes as possible.

Thank you for this suggestion, pauPierce. Do these mounting rails also work with the standard Metod cabinet frames? Are there different versions or specific installation kits from IKEA?

For background: My kitchen is about 9 square meters (97 square feet), and I mainly have space for base cabinets, but I would also like to use some wall cabinets since otherwise the countertop space would be too limited.

However, I am unsure whether the walls in this apartment can bear the load of hanging cabinets, especially as it is an older building.

Which mounting methods would you recommend in such cases to ensure both stability and the possibility of easy removal?
F
Fitigu
13 Dec 2021 15:22
Asafma schrieb:
Do these mounting rails also work with the standard Metod carcasses?

Yes, the mounting rails from IKEA are standardized and compatible with Metod carcasses.

However, you should check the load capacity and the wall condition, especially in older buildings.

In general:
- The optimal setup is a combination of base cabinets with legs and wall cabinets mounted using mounting rails.
- These rails can usually be removed without the screws tearing out of the wall or causing major damage.
- For walls in older buildings, I strongly recommend professional advice before drilling or using appropriate wall anchors.

If the walls are very fragile, furniture can also be supplemented with clamp or freestanding solutions to reduce the load.

Another option is modular Metod units with closed sides, which can be stabilized against each other from the back, reducing the need for wall fixings.
L
LENNAU
14 Dec 2021 08:10
In addition to the question "Which IKEA Metod cabinets are suitable for rental apartments?" I would like to share the following from my experience with rental apartments:

Many people underestimate how much the cabinet mounting affects the interior walls. Especially in older apartments, walls are often not only uneven but also more fragile.

- I strongly recommend cabinets with legs or free-standing units, as this ensures stability without relying on the wall to bear weight constantly.
- Advice from the forum to use hanging rails only worked for me when the correct type of wall anchors was used. Sometimes you have to invest in quality anchors to make sure the mounting holds firmly and no major cracks appear when dismantling.
- For fronts, I consider simple foil-covered or melamine fronts to be the most practical choice in rental apartments. They are relatively durable and can be repaired if needed.

If in doubt, I would advise consulting the landlord or a professional company about how much and where drilling is permitted. Sometimes covers or trims can help to hide mounting marks.

I planned my kitchen with Metod in the rental apartment so that hardly any holes in the wall are needed and I am satisfied with the options available.