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tamarasau10 Jun 2022 08:13Hello everyone,
I am currently considering how to add extra shelves to my Ikea Metod kitchen cabinets to make better use of the storage space. At the moment, I only have the standard shelves installed, but the spacing is too large for me, and I would like to create smaller compartments.
Does anyone have experience with the best way to retrofit shelves? Are special anchors or brackets required? Is it possible to use other materials for the shelves instead of the original Ikea parts? It is especially important to me that the shelves are stable and do not bend, as I have quite a bit of weight to store.
I look forward to your tips, experiences, or creative solutions!
I am currently considering how to add extra shelves to my Ikea Metod kitchen cabinets to make better use of the storage space. At the moment, I only have the standard shelves installed, but the spacing is too large for me, and I would like to create smaller compartments.
Does anyone have experience with the best way to retrofit shelves? Are special anchors or brackets required? Is it possible to use other materials for the shelves instead of the original Ikea parts? It is especially important to me that the shelves are stable and do not bend, as I have quite a bit of weight to store.
I look forward to your tips, experiences, or creative solutions!
Hello tamarasau,
I have already added extra shelves to several Metod cabinets. Here is a brief guide on how you can do this:
- First, measure the height for the new shelves carefully so they fit your items.
- Ikea offers specific "shelf inserts" for Metod that you can easily attach using the matching dowels into the designated pre-drilled holes.
- If you want to use other materials, you will need to drill rows of holes yourself. Make sure to maintain even spacing (usually a 37 mm (1.5 inches) grid) and use sturdy shelf supports.
- For weight capacity, I recommend using particleboard at least 16 mm (5/8 inches) thick, or better yet, MDF, as these remain stable without sagging.
Tip: Check if you can use the existing holes so you don’t weaken the structure by drilling new ones.
If you want, I can provide you with more details about materials and tools.
I have already added extra shelves to several Metod cabinets. Here is a brief guide on how you can do this:
- First, measure the height for the new shelves carefully so they fit your items.
- Ikea offers specific "shelf inserts" for Metod that you can easily attach using the matching dowels into the designated pre-drilled holes.
- If you want to use other materials, you will need to drill rows of holes yourself. Make sure to maintain even spacing (usually a 37 mm (1.5 inches) grid) and use sturdy shelf supports.
- For weight capacity, I recommend using particleboard at least 16 mm (5/8 inches) thick, or better yet, MDF, as these remain stable without sagging.
Tip: Check if you can use the existing holes so you don’t weaken the structure by drilling new ones.
If you want, I can provide you with more details about materials and tools.
Oh, I think the idea of expanding the Metod cabinets so flexibly is great! 😊 I have done this myself and can only recommend sticking to the 37 mm (1.5 inch) hole spacing. It makes life so much easier! And hey, the original Ikea shelves are sturdy and simple to install—I’ve had very good experiences with them. Good luck, it will definitely work out!
An important factor is the load capacity of the shelves. The Ikea Metod shelves generally provide sufficient stability for kitchen utensils. If you use other materials, make sure that the boards are at least 16 to 18 mm (5/8 to 3/4 inch) thick and fully supported on the sides to prevent bending.
Hello tamarasau,
I would like to add that when installing the additional shelves, it is essential to ensure precise alignment. The 37 mm (1.5 inches) spacing used by Ikea is actually a standardized system that allows you to drill the holes accurately.
Here is a brief summary:
- Use a drilling template or guide to drill the dowel holes exactly on the grid.
- Use Metod-compatible shelf supports that fit securely into the holes.
- If you plan for higher loads, you can additionally screw small brackets under the shelves.
That is absolutely correct – without the grid, you lose flexibility for adjusting the shelves later.
I’m happy to provide tips on the right tools!
I would like to add that when installing the additional shelves, it is essential to ensure precise alignment. The 37 mm (1.5 inches) spacing used by Ikea is actually a standardized system that allows you to drill the holes accurately.
Here is a brief summary:
- Use a drilling template or guide to drill the dowel holes exactly on the grid.
- Use Metod-compatible shelf supports that fit securely into the holes.
- If you plan for higher loads, you can additionally screw small brackets under the shelves.
COLEBAR schrieb:
Other materials are possible, but then you will need to drill new holes on the 37 mm (1.5 inches) grid.
That is absolutely correct – without the grid, you lose flexibility for adjusting the shelves later.
I’m happy to provide tips on the right tools!
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