ᐅ Are there ways to make an IKEA Besta unit even more stable when used as a lowboard?

Created on: 19 Apr 2016 14:23

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased the IKEA Besta system as a lowboard and am really happy with its appearance and storage capacity. However, I have noticed that the construction feels somewhat unstable, especially when it is slightly loaded or if I gently wobble it.

Therefore, I would like to know if there are any proven methods or tricks to make the Besta lowboard more stable without completely rebuilding it or making very extensive modifications.

I am thinking, for example, of additional bracing, alternative fastening methods, or maybe special materials that I could add.

Does anyone have experience with stabilizing the Besta lowboard – especially considering the weight of TVs or other devices placed on top?

I look forward to any tips and a discussion about what has worked well!

benonon20 Apr 2016 13:45

GLALEO schrieb:
What worked best for me was attaching additional metal brackets inside the corners.

This solution is certainly effective but ideally should complement reinforcement of the back panel, which is primarily responsible for overall stiffness.

FAZAR schrieb:
In the area where the TV rests, you can also add a thin plywood panel to distribute the load stress.

It is important that the support surface is flat. Carpenter’s adhesive can help secure the panel permanently. A strong connection to the underlying support board is also essential.

I would also recommend regularly checking all fasteners and tightening them if necessary, as wood can settle over time.

Santiagobu21 Apr 2016 10:08

Hello Homergo,

I have been using the Besta lowboard in my home for a year now. I used it as a freestanding unit and replaced the back panel with an 8 mm (about 0.3 inches) MDF board for added stability, securing it with long screws. Additionally, I reinforced the internal joints with metal brackets.

If I understand you correctly, you prefer a solution that isn’t too complicated, right? If you want, you can also fix the lowboard directly to the wall, which will completely prevent any wobbling.

Otherwise, replacing the feet with height-adjustable leveling feet can help if the floor is uneven. This makes the whole structure more stable.

barda621 Apr 2016 11:33

Insert metal brackets, reinforce the back panel, and possibly secure it firmly to the wall.

These are the most effective methods to make the Besta lowboard more stable.

GLALEO21 Apr 2016 14:19

#10

homergo schrieb:
I am thinking, for example, of additional bracing, different fasteners, or maybe special materials that I can use as supplements.

That’s exactly the right approach! Plastic anchors alone are not enough.

I've also installed small, thin steel rods crosswise, which really stiffens the whole structure. If you’re skilled with DIY, it’s definitely worth it! However, you need to measure carefully so that everything fits perfectly later on.

And if you replace the back panel with a thicker board, that’s already half the battle won.

FAZAR22 Apr 2016 09:42

#11

Guyju schrieb:
First, completely disassemble the lowboard and remove the back panel.

I also see this as the most important initial step.

May I ask specifically how you choose the screws for attaching the back panel?

In case the user plans to load the unit with a heavy TV, self-tapping chipboard screws with countersunk heads are recommended, ideally 25-35 mm (1-1.4 inches) long depending on the wood thickness.

REN40 schrieb:
For those who want to be on the safe side, it's also advisable to use angle brackets inside the unit.

It is important to consider the load direction when using angle brackets! Not all brackets have the same capacity for tensile loads—so it’s better to use sturdy steel angle profiles.

What about your experiences? Who has tried alternative fastening brackets or even multiplex shelf boards as reinforcement?

ᐅ Are there ways to make an IKEA Besta unit even more stable when used as a lowboard?

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