ᐅ How do I build Ikea Besta drawers with dividers myself?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to equip an IKEA Besta shelving system with drawers and would like to divide the drawers into several compartments using custom-made dividers. My specific question is: What is the best way to build IKEA Besta drawer dividers yourself? Which materials are suitable, how do I measure the dividers precisely, and are there practical tips for securing the dividers firmly and accurately inside the drawer?

I don’t want to simply place loose dividers in the drawer; I want to create a clean, durable partition that won’t slide or rattle. I’m also curious whether it’s possible to use the IKEA measurements for the Besta drawers to prefabricate the dividers, or if I need to make custom cuts individually.

Any advice on tools, attachment methods, and experiences regarding stability and usability would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards!

Measure the drawers, cut divider panels from MDF or plywood, and fix them in place with wood glue or small screws. For added stability, you can also use short dowels or small brackets. There are no standard sizes; precise measurements are essential.

For planning the dividers in the IKEA Besta system, it is recommended to first measure the internal dimensions of the drawer using precise measuring tools (e.g., a steel tape measure). Since the drawer fronts and side panels sometimes include internal runners, these dimensions must be taken into account.

For materials, I suggest using thin, water-resistant MDF or plywood panels (6-10 mm thickness) (0.24-0.4 inches), as these are more stable than regular particleboard and easy to saw. The dividers should be fixed with small wooden dowels or connecting screws to ensure stability, especially if the compartments will be subjected to heavier loads later on.

A dry fit before final assembly is advisable to check that all measurements are correct—this helps avoid rework.

In terms of tools, a saw (fine-toothed saw or jigsaw), a drill with a small bit for dowel holes, and a clamp for fixing should be ready.

I can understand how complicated partition walls can be. I once worked on a Besta project and was also worried that the partitions wouldn’t hold properly or might fall out when moving them.

My advice: be very patient when fitting them and try out different positions on site. I found that using small rubber bumpers at the ends helps prevent slippery fits.

It’s also important to me that the partitions are not installed too rigidly, as this can make the drawers hard to operate.

If you’re still unsure, just take it slowly, step by step, and don’t put yourself under time pressure—that really pays off. Good luck!

warrenka57 schrieb:
I can understand how complex it can be with the dividers.

Exactly, this topic deserves a detailed look. First, it is crucial to determine the exact internal dimensions (length, width, and height) of the Besta drawer, including the distances between the drawer slides, as these slightly reduce the clear width.

For materials, I recommend 6 mm MDF panels, as they are sturdy and easy to work with. Keep in mind that the dividers usually need to be cut edge-to-edge and must be precisely dimensioned for a perfect fit; otherwise, gaps or misalignment may occur.

To fix them in place, I use small tongue-and-groove dowels that fit well into precisely drilled holes, combined with wood glue. Alternatively, tiny countersunk screws also work, although they require more effort and accuracy.

My workflow:
- Carefully measure internal dimensions with calipers and a tape measure
- Create a sketch to set the divider widths and their spacing
- Cut MDF panels using a table saw
- Pre-drill holes for dowels
- Perform a dry assembly to check the fit
- Final assembly with glue and dowels, screwing optional

Question for you: Are you planning horizontally or vertically divided compartments? Some designs also allow removable dividers.

Domau0 schrieb:
For fixing, I use small tongue-and-groove dowels that fit well into precisely drilled holes, supplemented with wood glue.

To add to this post: a strong joint is especially achieved when the groove for the partition wall is routed into the side panel. Some Besta cabinets already come with the side panels prepared this way; otherwise, you can retrofit it with a router.

I also recommend dividing the partition walls so that they make the most of the drawer height without causing them to jam. A narrow slot or small felt spacers can help prevent friction.

A common mistake is to just loosely place the partition walls inside. This can lead to shifting and annoying rattling. Therefore, I advise securing each joint properly.

Another practical tip: for very small compartments for accessories, secure the dividers directly with T-nuts or blind rivets if the construction needs to be load-bearing.