ᐅ How can Ikea Besta units be retrofitted with magnetic catches?

Hello everyone,
I am currently looking into how to retrofit an Ikea Besta piece of furniture, specifically the doors or flaps, with magnetic catches in a practical way. I am interested in suitable types of magnets as well as the best installation methods that do not damage the surface or negatively affect the appearance.

Does anyone have experience with specific compatible products and can offer advice on whether self-adhesive magnets or those with screw fastenings are preferable?

Also, I would like to know if there are any particular challenges when attaching them to the usual Besta doors, for example regarding the material thickness or stability.

I look forward to any suggestions and hope we can find a practical and durable solution here.

I would recommend self-adhesive neodymium magnets. They are strong enough and can be applied neatly. It is important to let the adhesive dry thoroughly and to clean the surface before installation.

nofomu schrieb:
I would recommend self-adhesive neodymium magnets.

At first glance, that might seem like a reasonable suggestion, but the real question is how durable such adhesives are on Besta materials. Especially on the smooth melamine surfaces used by Ikea, adhesives can sometimes lose their grip over time.

It’s also important to consider that the magnetic strength needs to be well balanced so the doors close reliably but do not feel too heavy or stiff.

Does anyone know of reliable alternatives, such as screw-on magnetic systems, that are visually unobtrusive and long-lasting?

A screw-on installation is possible with Ikea Besta doors but requires precise work to avoid damaging the material. I have personally experimented with small cylindrical magnets and matching metal plates in various projects.

- It is important that the magnets are not too strong to avoid overloading the hinges.
- Narrow metal strips, which can be glued to the inside of the door, are suitable for mounting.
- Alternatively, small drill holes can be made to secure the magnets with screws or small nuts, but be sure to test this beforehand in an inconspicuous spot.

I recommend always trying on leftover material first before working on the actual furniture. Adhesive aids based on silicone often hold better on Besta surfaces than standard glue.

BLAKEO schrieb:
Does anyone know reliable alternatives, like screw-on magnetic systems, that are visually unobtrusive and durable?

I think I can help! For a clean retrofit, I used flat magnetic catches designed specifically for furniture, which come in both adhesive and screw-on versions. I chose the self-adhesive type and hid them under the handles, so the magnets are completely invisible.

For installation:
- Clean the surface with alcohol beforehand
- Align the magnets precisely
- Let them press for 24 hours

It has held up for me without any issues for over a year, even with daily use.

By the way, Besta cabinet doors are usually about 18mm (0.7 inches) thick, which fits well with standard magnetic systems. If you want more stability, there are also sets with metal plates that can be attached to the side.

Good luck!