Hello everyone, I am currently considering how to replicate or integrate glass fronts into IKEA Besta furniture myself. Specifically, I am looking for ways to attach sturdy yet visually suitable glass fronts to the Besta frames without having to disassemble the entire furniture or use special tools. I know that IKEA sometimes uses specific front-mounted fittings, but are there approximate dimensions or recommendations for the materials—for example, what glass thickness makes sense and how to best secure the glass panels so they don’t rattle or fit too tightly? Are there options for installing the glass fronts with seals, or is a glued frame necessary? I am mainly looking for practical but durable solutions that can be implemented in a regular household. Does anyone have experience with this topic or advice on sourcing materials and assembly? I would appreciate as many concrete tips as possible since I want to preserve the look and function of the Besta furniture while converting the doors to glass. Thanks in advance!
S
Sinan-meo22 Apr 2020 11:08Basically, when retrofitting glass fronts on Besta furniture, safety should be a priority. The typical glass thickness for furniture glass ranges between 4 and 6 mm (approximately 0.16 to 0.24 inches), with 4 mm (0.16 inches) being just sufficient if safety glass is used.
For mounting, I recommend stainless steel screws with appropriate drilled holes in the frame or, alternatively, special clamping rails that you can find at hardware stores. It is also important to use rubber seals or transparent foam strips to secure the glass, dampen vibrations, and prevent rattling.
These fittings are designed to protect the material and ensure stable fixation. If you cannot purchase them separately, I would suggest a combination of internal pressure and front clamping.
For mounting, I recommend stainless steel screws with appropriate drilled holes in the frame or, alternatively, special clamping rails that you can find at hardware stores. It is also important to use rubber seals or transparent foam strips to secure the glass, dampen vibrations, and prevent rattling.
ixonse schrieb:
I know that IKEA partly uses special front-mounted fittings
These fittings are designed to protect the material and ensure stable fixation. If you cannot purchase them separately, I would suggest a combination of internal pressure and front clamping.
Regarding the material: Tempered safety glass (ESG) is the best choice here due to its impact resistance and safety features. The dimensions should be precisely matched to the Besta frame’s internal measurements, as tolerances with IKEA products can sometimes vary.
For mounting, many DIY enthusiasts use aluminum profiles as frame substitutes. These profiles hold the glass and can be secured to the frame with silicone sealant or small screw systems. Alternatively, hinge and door magnet fastenings are recommended, as they hold the glass without requiring extensive drilling.
I would also recommend fitting the installation with rubber or PVC gaskets to prevent the glass front from rattling and to minimize noise.
For mounting, many DIY enthusiasts use aluminum profiles as frame substitutes. These profiles hold the glass and can be secured to the frame with silicone sealant or small screw systems. Alternatively, hinge and door magnet fastenings are recommended, as they hold the glass without requiring extensive drilling.
I would also recommend fitting the installation with rubber or PVC gaskets to prevent the glass front from rattling and to minimize noise.
Hello ixonse,
your project sounds exciting and feasible! To give you a clearer idea of the basics, here are a few important points from my experience:
- The glass thickness should not be less than 4 mm (0.16 inches); tempered glass (ESG) is important because regular glass can be too dangerous in case of accidents.
- When replicating the glass fronts, it’s crucial that the glass fits easily into the frame – a slight clearance of about 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 inches) all around can be compensated with seals.
- For installation, I have had good experience with narrow aluminum frame profiles, which you can buy at hardware stores. You can either glue or screw these to the inner edges.
- Rubber or plastic spacers prevent direct contact between the glass and the wood, reducing rattling and damage.
- Also keep in mind that Besta fronts are often attached from the back with hinges. You should check whether you can combine tempered glass with the existing hinges, as tempered glass usually cannot be processed further (e.g., drilling).
If the glass cannot be modified, a custom-fit frame that holds the glass—made of wood or aluminum—is recommended. When painting, you can match the color to the Besta carcass to create a harmonious look.
Hope this helps you move forward!
your project sounds exciting and feasible! To give you a clearer idea of the basics, here are a few important points from my experience:
- The glass thickness should not be less than 4 mm (0.16 inches); tempered glass (ESG) is important because regular glass can be too dangerous in case of accidents.
- When replicating the glass fronts, it’s crucial that the glass fits easily into the frame – a slight clearance of about 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 inches) all around can be compensated with seals.
- For installation, I have had good experience with narrow aluminum frame profiles, which you can buy at hardware stores. You can either glue or screw these to the inner edges.
- Rubber or plastic spacers prevent direct contact between the glass and the wood, reducing rattling and damage.
- Also keep in mind that Besta fronts are often attached from the back with hinges. You should check whether you can combine tempered glass with the existing hinges, as tempered glass usually cannot be processed further (e.g., drilling).
If the glass cannot be modified, a custom-fit frame that holds the glass—made of wood or aluminum—is recommended. When painting, you can match the color to the Besta carcass to create a harmonious look.
Hope this helps you move forward!
Additionally, I would like to point out that drilling glass fronts can be problematic when using toughened safety glass (ESG), as ESG should not be post-processed.
In practical terms, this means either the glass must be prepared directly at the factory or you need to use a mounting method that does not require drilling the glass—such as clamps or frames with grooves.
I also recommend securing the glass panes with clear acrylic strips, which can be attached to the frame with a few screws. This keeps everything easily removable and protects the glass.
batabe schrieb:
It should also be noted that Besta fronts are often attached from the back with hinges. You should check whether you can combine ESG glass with the existing hinges, since ESG usually must not be processed further (e.g., drilling).
In practical terms, this means either the glass must be prepared directly at the factory or you need to use a mounting method that does not require drilling the glass—such as clamps or frames with grooves.
I also recommend securing the glass panes with clear acrylic strips, which can be attached to the frame with a few screws. This keeps everything easily removable and protects the glass.
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