ᐅ Do you have any tips for clean drilling when working on Ikea PLATSA DIY projects?

Hello everyone, I’m starting a question here that affects many of us working with the Ikea Platsa system: Do you have tips for really clean and precise drilling in PLATSA DIY projects? Specifically, I’m interested in how to avoid chipping or damaging the wood while drilling, especially since the panels are often coated and can tear out easily. What drill bits or techniques do you use to make the holes not only accurate but also clean? Which tools work best, and is it essential to do test drills on a sample piece beforehand? I’d appreciate it if you could share your experiences, including any tips or tricks that aren’t commonly mentioned.

Hello elnau40, your question is very relevant because the PLATSA system, with its coated particle boards, is indeed sensitive when drilling. From my experience, the best approach is to keep the following in mind:

- Use sharp wood drill bits with a centering tip to minimize surface splintering.
- Drill slowly and apply consistent pressure, avoiding excessive force.
- Most importantly: drill first from the front side with the wood drill bit, then turn the piece over and drill briefly on the opposite side—this prevents splintering on the back.
- If possible, use a drill stand or at least a guide to keep the drill bit straight.
- Test your drill bits and technique on a scrap piece of the PLATSA material to check the results beforehand.

Cheap drill bits are usually too dull and quickly damage the boards. It is worth working especially with a Forstner bit if you want particularly clean edges. Hope this helps you!

elnau40 schrieb:
Which tools are best suited, and should you definitely do test drillings at a trial spot beforehand?

Yes, definitely test first. I use sharp wood drill bits with a centering tip and drill slowly. A drill press is very helpful to ensure clean, straight holes.

Good morning,

I would like to explain this topic in more detail because many people working on PLATSA projects end up experiencing small frustrations while drilling. The surface of these furniture pieces is often melamine-coated, which can easily chip when drilling, especially where the bit exits. Here are some tips that have always proven effective:

- Basically, you should secure the workpiece so it doesn’t slip while drilling.
- As mentioned, use sharp tools. Dull drill bits tend to tear the material.
- The principle of "back drilling" is important: first drill from the “finished” side, then drill through from the other side. This results in clean edges without chipping.
- If you don’t have a drill press, try to drill as straight as possible using a square guide and steady hands.
- Another technique: apply masking tape over the drilling spot, which also reduces chipping.

I would also recommend using a Forstner bit or at least a special wood drill bit with a center point if you need larger diameters (e.g., 8mm (0.3 inch) dowel holes).

Finally: don’t drill too fast. Take your time with moderate speed to get clean holes. I hope these tips help you!

Brian schrieb:
Another technique: apply tape over the drilling spot, which also helps reduce splintering.

Exactly! Tape often works wonders 😊. I always use regular painter’s masking tape because it can be removed without leaving any residue. This keeps the surface nice and clean, especially with PLATSA, where every scratch stands out.

klabe schrieb:
Most important: first drill from the front side with a wood drill bit, then flip the piece and drill just slightly on the opposite side – this prevents splintering on the backside.

I can only confirm that. Especially since I’m not a professional with a drill press, this is a really simple method to achieve good results.

If you like, grab a small workbench too, which makes everything even easier and lets you focus better on drilling 😉.

mathilda schrieb:
I use sharp wood drill bits with a center point and drill slowly.

Thank you all for the tips so far! I will definitely try the tape method and drilling slowly.

klabe schrieb:
First drill from the front side with the wood drill bit, then turn the piece over and just start the drill briefly on the opposite side – this prevents tear-out on the back side.

I’m also curious: How careful do you need to be when “starting the hole” on the back side? Do you have to drill completely through or is it enough to just start the drill lightly? I suppose it depends on the thickness of the board as well.

Do you have any specific drill or drill bit recommendations that make the whole process easier? Many of my tools are designed more for metal or heavy-duty work, so I’d like to get some better guidance. Thanks in advance!