ᐅ How do I build Ikea Metod cabinets with large storage capacity?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to get several Ikea Metod kitchen cabinets to create as much storage space as possible in my small apartment. I want to arrange and install the cabinets in a way that truly maximizes storage capacity, especially for heavier kitchen appliances and supplies.

My questions are:
- Which cabinet types from the Metod system offer the most storage space?
- How can the internal layout (e.g., drawers, shelves) be best planned to make optimal use of the volume?
- Are there any special tips for assembly or stability to consider when fully loading the cabinets?
- What about combining different sizes to store items flexibly and ergonomically?

I look forward to your experiences and recommendations! Thanks in advance.

Hello Carla,

for maximum storage capacity in the Ikea Metod system, I recommend the following:

- Choose base cabinets with drawers: they hold more than standard shelves.
- Use tall cabinets (60 or 80 cm wide (24 or 31.5 inches), 80-90 cm high (31.5-35.5 inches)) that can be equipped with pull-outs.
- Internal pull-out systems greatly improve access to stored items.
- Pay attention to the maximum load capacity of shelves and drawers (usually 15-25 kg (33-55 lbs)), as heavy appliances require special pull-outs.
- For stability, make sure to secure the cabinets to the wall and floor to prevent any deformation under full load.

Regarding combinations: it’s best to pair tall cabinets with shallower upper cabinets or open shelves for ergonomic access.

I hope this helps you.

Hello Carla,

I really appreciate how thoroughly you are examining the Metod cabinets! 🙂

In addition to jaandas’s points, I’d like to suggest that you create a detailed sketch during your planning phase where you include all the dimensions of your kitchen and specify the intended use for each area.

- Pay attention to the internal dimensions of the cabinets and compare them with the sizes of kitchen tools or storage containers you want to accommodate.
- You can take advantage of different cabinet depths, for example, 60 cm (24 inches) for everyday items and 40 cm (16 inches) for things you use less frequently.
- For stability, use the original Ikea mounting hardware and make sure all screws are tightened securely.

Good luck with the assembly; it’s definitely worth taking the time to plan everything carefully! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

It is best to use large base cabinets with pull-out drawers and plenty of smaller drawers. Pay attention to the depth measurement. Secure firmly to the wall.

jaanda schrieb:
Pull-out storage systems significantly improve access to storage space.

That sounds important, thanks! Is there anything special to consider when installing the pull-outs? In my last cabinet, I noticed the drawers didn’t always slide smoothly. Is this often due to a defective product, or is it something that can be easily avoided?

Also, I’m curious if I can customize the drawer widths myself—for example, having two narrow drawers and one wide drawer in an 80cm (31.5 inches) cabinet—or is the system fixed in its configuration?

Hello Carla,

Proper installation of the drawer slides is crucial for their functionality:
- All side panels must be perfectly parallel; otherwise, the drawers will jam.
- Use the supplied dowels and screws; it is not recommended to use alternative fasteners.
- If there are multiple drawers in a cabinet, you can adjust the widths flexibly as long as the internal dimensions of the cabinet are maintained.

Regarding faulty products: at Ikea, this is rare and is usually due to alignment issues during assembly or uneven floors or walls.

If you want to ensure the drawers operate smoothly, use a spirit level and align everything with millimeter precision.