ᐅ How can I build an IKEA Besta as a bench with integrated storage?

The planned project sounds very interesting and ambitious. For a seating bench measuring 150 cm (59 inches) in length, I recommend the following approach: - Use at least three Besta modules with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches) placed side by side. - Install a solid central beam made of 18 mm (0.7 inch) plywood or solid wood to connect the modules and evenly distribute the load. This will significantly stabilize the entire structure. - Reinforce each connection with metal brackets on the inside to prevent twisting. - For the seat surface, I suggest plywood panels (at least 20 mm (0.8 inch)) fixed across the full length. You can add padding to this panel if comfort is desired. - For the storage opening, high-quality soft-close drawer slides are suitable. Make sure that the reinforcements do not obstruct the mechanism. Keep in mind not to place screws too close to the edge to avoid splitting. These details are important for durability. Feel free to ask if you need advice on assembly or sourcing materials.

For a sturdy bench, you can simply place the Besta cabinets side by side and screw them together using brackets. It’s best to reinforce the seating surface with a thick wooden board and foam tape. IKEA drawer slides usually fit directly, so you don’t need to make major modifications.

I would also clearly recommend drawer slides, as they are safe and easy to operate. Additionally, you need a sturdy seat panel because the standard Besta carcasses are not designed to support seating loads.

Domau0 schrieb:
Keep in mind that you should not place screws too close to the edge to avoid chipping.

Very helpful tip, thank you! What should the minimum distance be? I also want to prevent the screws from being stressed when opening the drawers, which could cause the joints to loosen.

As a general rule, maintain a distance of at least 2-3 cm (1-1¼ inches) from the edge of the screw to the edge of the material to prevent splitting. It is also advisable to use pre-drilled holes or anchors, as this protects the material. For frequent stress, you should additionally apply wood glue to make the joint more stable.

Exact measurements depend on the type of wood, but a 25 mm (1 inch) distance from the edge of the drill holes is a good minimum. It also helps to use small metal brackets on the inside to reinforce the corners. For drawer slides, I recommend self-drilling mounting plates, which reduce effort and create strong connections. If you make sure the screw length is at least twice the thickness of the material, you will avoid loosening.