ᐅ How can I cost-effectively convert IKEA BESTA units into a kitchen island with storage?

Grab the 120cm (47 inches) BESTÅ carcasses, which saves material costs for the board and provides plenty of storage space. For drawers, you can use IKEA’s internal pull-out boxes and omit the doors; this way, it looks like a continuous drawer front.

TEOZAR schrieb:
For mobility, wheels are a good option as long as the island remains stable and the wheels can be locked.

That sounds good. Does anyone have recommendations for especially sturdy wheels that lock securely to prevent any shaking or wobbling? Load capacity is important to me, since not only the countertop but also about 40–50 kg (88–110 lbs) of cookware will be on it.

kulau schrieb:
You can design the interior using VARIERA boxes and shelves for flexible storage.

I haven’t really considered VARIERA boxes so far. Do they really hold a lot, or are they more suited for small items? Is it worth integrating them into the island, or would drawers be a better option?

For casters, I recommend using heavy-duty industrial casters with a locking brake, which can support up to 50 kg (110 lbs) or more per caster. Installation is simple; they only need to be firmly screwed to the base plate. This way, you can easily move the island to the desired position and secure it safely.

Hello bomau,

I have prepared a simple step-by-step guide for building a BESTÅ kitchen island for you:

1. Planning:
- Adjust the island dimensions (e.g. 150x70 cm (59x28 inches))
- Choose cabinets: 2x 120 cm (47 inch) BESTÅ carcasses or 3x 60 cm (24 inch), depending on storage needs

2. Height adjustment:
- BESTÅ cabinets are 64 cm (25 inch) high
- Countertop about 28-30 mm (1.1-1.2 inch) plus adjustable legs (about 20-25 cm (8-10 inch)) = approximately 90 cm (35 inch) countertop height

3. Countertop:
- Order an affordable plywood board from the hardware store
- Cut to size (150x70 cm (59x28 inches))

4. Fixing:
- Secure the countertop from underneath to the carcasses with brackets
- Use adjustable feet for floor-level adjustment

5. Interior fittings:
- VARIERA boxes for small items
- Kitchen drawers from outside IKEA – if a specific drawer system is needed

6. Castors (optional):
- Use heavy-duty castors with locks
- Secure or lock the island as firmly as possible for stability

Small tips:
- Level all modules before assembly
- Sand and, if necessary, seal the countertop edges after cutting
- Pre-drill screw holes to protect the boards from cracking

If you like, I can also make a sketch for you, but this way you can easily combine the components.

sinhau schrieb:
Fix the countertop from underneath to the carcasses using brackets

That sounds very stable to me. How many brackets would you recommend per 120cm (47 inches) cabinet? And are the standard metal brackets from IKEA sufficient, or would more robust ones from a hardware store be better?

sinhau schrieb:
After cutting the countertop, sand the edges and, if necessary, seal them

Can you share some advice on suitable sealants? I want my island to withstand water splashes and crumbs without the countertop swelling or staining.

3-4 brackets per cabinet are usually sufficient. It is best to use brackets that are 30-40 mm (1.2-1.6 inches) wide and made of steel. IKEA brackets are often thinner and less sturdy. Sealant for plywood: clear varnish or acrylic lacquer, which makes the surface water-resistant.