ᐅ How do I build an Ikea Besta as a kitchen island with plenty of storage?
Created on: 20 Dec 2015 16:03
M
mapau45
Hello everyone,
I am planning to use Ikea Besta cabinets as the base for a kitchen island and want to create plenty of storage space. Specifically, I am interested in how to connect the individual Besta units to create a stable, freestanding island that is comparable to a regular kitchen island in terms of storage capacity and durability.
The space will be about 2.40 meters long (7 feet 10 inches), and I want to arrange the furniture so that upper cabinets are not an option—so everything will be within the cabinets themselves. Are there any good tips for customizing the interior fittings and for properly securing the countertop? What should I pay special attention to when linking the Besta units together to ensure the kitchen island remains stable over the years?
I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!
I am planning to use Ikea Besta cabinets as the base for a kitchen island and want to create plenty of storage space. Specifically, I am interested in how to connect the individual Besta units to create a stable, freestanding island that is comparable to a regular kitchen island in terms of storage capacity and durability.
The space will be about 2.40 meters long (7 feet 10 inches), and I want to arrange the furniture so that upper cabinets are not an option—so everything will be within the cabinets themselves. Are there any good tips for customizing the interior fittings and for properly securing the countertop? What should I pay special attention to when linking the Besta units together to ensure the kitchen island remains stable over the years?
I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!
Thank you for your quick and helpful replies!
Regarding the materials: I am planning a 3 cm (1.2 inch) thick lacquered plywood countertop. I imagine it to be stable enough and not too heavy.
Could you explain a bit more about the wider shelves? Do you mean the 60 cm (24 inch) deep shelves instead of the standard 40 cm (16 inch)?
I have also been considering whether to install back panels or rather outer claddings. Back panels at the rear are actually important for stability, but that wouldn’t look right on an island.
Are there special adjustable legs from Ikea for this purpose, or would it be better to get separate angle brackets?
Thanks in advance for any further tips!
Regarding the materials: I am planning a 3 cm (1.2 inch) thick lacquered plywood countertop. I imagine it to be stable enough and not too heavy.
NAU34 schrieb:
Tip: Use the wider shelves, they carry more load and feel more stable.
Could you explain a bit more about the wider shelves? Do you mean the 60 cm (24 inch) deep shelves instead of the standard 40 cm (16 inch)?
I have also been considering whether to install back panels or rather outer claddings. Back panels at the rear are actually important for stability, but that wouldn’t look right on an island.
enrique7 schrieb:
Also, you should choose the island’s legs so that any uneven flooring can be compensated for, to avoid stress on the joints.
Are there special adjustable legs from Ikea for this purpose, or would it be better to get separate angle brackets?
Thanks in advance for any further tips!
Hello @mapau45,
You are right, the plywood countertop sounds very suitable – not too heavy, but stable. The 60cm (24 inches) deep Besta shelves definitely support more weight, yes.
Regarding the backsplashes: If you omit them, you can instead use crossbars or a backing made of thin plywood that reinforces the carcasses from the inside without being visible. This provides stability, even with a freestanding setup.
Ikea offers adjustable-height feet in some series, but for a kitchen island, I recommend higher-quality, sturdy furniture or table legs that can be precisely leveled and support heavier loads.
Also, a tip for assembly: definitely work with a partner and use clamps when joining parts to prevent any shifting.
Best regards!
You are right, the plywood countertop sounds very suitable – not too heavy, but stable. The 60cm (24 inches) deep Besta shelves definitely support more weight, yes.
Regarding the backsplashes: If you omit them, you can instead use crossbars or a backing made of thin plywood that reinforces the carcasses from the inside without being visible. This provides stability, even with a freestanding setup.
Ikea offers adjustable-height feet in some series, but for a kitchen island, I recommend higher-quality, sturdy furniture or table legs that can be precisely leveled and support heavier loads.
Also, a tip for assembly: definitely work with a partner and use clamps when joining parts to prevent any shifting.
Best regards!
Regarding stability once again:
That’s exactly what I did—I attached wooden strips inside behind the cabinets and also screwed metal brackets at several connection points. This way, everything stays nicely stable, even if the island gets bumped.
In my opinion, separate feet with sturdy adjustability are better, especially if the floor is not perfectly level. There are also support legs designed for kitchen base cabinets that might work. The important thing is that nothing creaks or wobbles.
All in all: the effort is worth it because you end up with a perfectly fitted kitchen island with plenty of storage. Good luck!
alvalo schrieb:
If you leave them out, you can use crossbars or a back panel made of thin plywood instead, which reinforces the cabinets from the inside without being visible.
That’s exactly what I did—I attached wooden strips inside behind the cabinets and also screwed metal brackets at several connection points. This way, everything stays nicely stable, even if the island gets bumped.
mapau45 schrieb:
Are there special adjustable Ikea legs for this, or would it be better to buy separate angle brackets?
In my opinion, separate feet with sturdy adjustability are better, especially if the floor is not perfectly level. There are also support legs designed for kitchen base cabinets that might work. The important thing is that nothing creaks or wobbles.
All in all: the effort is worth it because you end up with a perfectly fitted kitchen island with plenty of storage. Good luck!
In response to your question, @mapau45:
Exactly, the 60cm (24 inches) deep shelves are more stable and support weight better. Plus, you get more storage space that way. Although the Besta cabinets are versatile, the larger the shelf, the less it tends to flex.
A quick tip from me: When you connect Besta units side by side, make sure to properly adjust the doors or drawers, as assembling them together can create tension. It takes some time, but it's definitely worth it!
And very important: Stay hydrated while building! It helps to keep frustration at bay 😄🍵
mapau45 schrieb:
Could you explain more about the wider shelves? Do you mean the 60cm (24 inches) deep shelves instead of the standard 40cm (16 inches)?
Exactly, the 60cm (24 inches) deep shelves are more stable and support weight better. Plus, you get more storage space that way. Although the Besta cabinets are versatile, the larger the shelf, the less it tends to flex.
A quick tip from me: When you connect Besta units side by side, make sure to properly adjust the doors or drawers, as assembling them together can create tension. It takes some time, but it's definitely worth it!
And very important: Stay hydrated while building! It helps to keep frustration at bay 😄🍵
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