ᐅ How can I build Ikea Metod kitchen islands with integrated storage myself?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to build an IKEA Metod kitchen island with integrated storage myself and would like to ask for tips, experiences, and assembly advice here. I am especially interested in the following points:

- How do you set up the kitchen island securely and stably, especially when adding extra storage units?
- Which Metod modules and carcasses are best suited to maximize storage space under the countertop?
- Are there any useful tricks for organizing drawers and cabinet elements in the island, for example for spices or cooking utensils?
- What should be considered when fastening and aligning the island to ensure everything fits properly and the countertop sits neatly?

I have basic DIY experience but am uncertain about connecting the modules to each other and ensuring stability. Also, it would be great to know how to properly prepare and secure the often quite heavy countertops.

Looking forward to your practical and detailed ideas so I can be well prepared from the start. Thanks in advance!

Hey usel40,
great that you’re tackling this yourself! Metod islands are super flexible, you’re going to love them! My tip: definitely go for the larger base cabinets with drawers—the storage capacity is unbeatable. 🙂

The stability mainly comes from the connecting rails between the modules—they are a must! If you want to secure the countertop on the island, screws through the upper frame parts are the best solution. Good luck, and make sure you have enough workspace, that makes it even more enjoyable!

usel40 schrieb:
How do you set up a kitchen island securely and stably, especially when planning additional storage units?

For stability, I recommend customizing the carcasses with Ikea connectors and additionally using brackets to prevent any wobbling. The countertop should always be fixed at multiple points—ideally with mounting clips and extra screws from underneath—to avoid putting pressure on the cabinets.

usel40 schrieb:
Which Metod modules and carcasses are best suited to maximize storage space under the countertop?

In terms of depth, 60 cm (24 inches) carcasses are standard. Using double drawers under the countertop makes optimal use of the storage space. You can also install tall cabinets with spice racks or specialty compartments inside, as long as the height fits.

usel40 schrieb:
What should be considered when fixing and leveling the island so that everything fits later and the countertop sits properly?

Be sure to use a spirit level during installation—the floors should be as even as possible. Adjustable feet help compensate for unevenness.

Hi, just use the standard Metod units, they fit well together. Screw the modules together using the included connector rails. Place the countertop last and screw it in from underneath. For storage space under the countertop, drawer units are best.

Hello usel40,

I completely understand that a large kitchen island with lots of storage can feel a bit overwhelming. I had a similar experience when I planned my first Metod island. It’s really important to take enough time to measure everything precisely, especially if you want to use the island freestanding – carefully planning the dimensions of the drawers and storage units helped me avoid any surprises during assembly.

As a tip: take your time organizing the drawers properly, maybe even add smaller inserts on the outside or inside for spices and accessories. This way everything feels well organized and you keep the clutter away. When the countertop was in place, I also used small shims to compensate for minimal unevenness – that also improved stability.

If you like, I can also share how I managed the cable routing for the induction cooktop, which for me was located in the island area. You might feel a bit unsure at first, but with some patience, it really works!

Regarding stability: Always use the connection rails of the modules. It is best to secure countertops to the cabinets with screws, as this provides strong support and evenly distributes the load.

For storage, deep drawers are excellent. Remember to adjust the feet of the modules until the island is perfectly level.