ᐅ How can I convert IKEA Besta units into a kitchen island with plenty of storage and workspace?
Created on: 25 Oct 2020 09:37
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BipraHello everyone,
I am planning to convert my IKEA Besta cabinets into a kitchen island that not only looks good but also offers plenty of storage space and a generous work surface. I want to avoid the island becoming too bulky and restricting the kitchen’s walkways too much.
My questions for the community:
- What is the best way to modify Besta cabinets for a kitchen island, for example with suitable countertops and adjustments to the cabinet layout?
- Which dimensions and module combinations make sense to create as much storage as possible while maintaining good usability?
- Are there any special tips for stabilizing the island, especially if it will also be used as a seating or work area?
- And which materials are best suited as a countertop for Besta cabinets?
I look forward to your experiences, advice, and constructive tips!
I am planning to convert my IKEA Besta cabinets into a kitchen island that not only looks good but also offers plenty of storage space and a generous work surface. I want to avoid the island becoming too bulky and restricting the kitchen’s walkways too much.
My questions for the community:
- What is the best way to modify Besta cabinets for a kitchen island, for example with suitable countertops and adjustments to the cabinet layout?
- Which dimensions and module combinations make sense to create as much storage as possible while maintaining good usability?
- Are there any special tips for stabilizing the island, especially if it will also be used as a seating or work area?
- And which materials are best suited as a countertop for Besta cabinets?
I look forward to your experiences, advice, and constructive tips!
Hello!
The Besta conversion into a kitchen island sounds great – a bit of character and storage space in the middle of the kitchen is always a plus. 😄
My tip: Choose a sturdy but not too heavy countertop, such as oak or laminated wood. It looks elegant and is quite durable. For stabilization, simple metal brackets under the countertop help prevent any wobbling.
And for plenty of storage space, shallow drawers with divider systems work best. This way, you can stay organized without having to open all the cabinets to find something.
Good luck with your DIY project! 🍀
The Besta conversion into a kitchen island sounds great – a bit of character and storage space in the middle of the kitchen is always a plus. 😄
My tip: Choose a sturdy but not too heavy countertop, such as oak or laminated wood. It looks elegant and is quite durable. For stabilization, simple metal brackets under the countertop help prevent any wobbling.
And for plenty of storage space, shallow drawers with divider systems work best. This way, you can stay organized without having to open all the cabinets to find something.
Good luck with your DIY project! 🍀
To prevent wobbling in the kitchen island, it is advisable to connect the Besta cabinets with cross braces or a cut-out back panel.
For the countertop, I recommend 28 mm (1.1 inch) thick solid wood boards or HPL-coated panels, as these provide the necessary stability and durability.
Regarding the cabinet combinations:
- With carcasses measuring 60 x 64 cm (24 x 25 inches), many combinations can be planned depending on the kitchen layout.
- Tall drawers allow storage of pots and pans.
- When arranging, ensure sufficient legroom for a seating area, meaning at least 60 cm (24 inches) width for the seat and approximately 75–90 cm (30–35 inches) countertop height.
Walking paths should be at least 100 cm (39 inches) wide to ensure comfortable working conditions.
For the countertop, I recommend 28 mm (1.1 inch) thick solid wood boards or HPL-coated panels, as these provide the necessary stability and durability.
Regarding the cabinet combinations:
- With carcasses measuring 60 x 64 cm (24 x 25 inches), many combinations can be planned depending on the kitchen layout.
- Tall drawers allow storage of pots and pans.
- When arranging, ensure sufficient legroom for a seating area, meaning at least 60 cm (24 inches) width for the seat and approximately 75–90 cm (30–35 inches) countertop height.
Walking paths should be at least 100 cm (39 inches) wide to ensure comfortable working conditions.
Thank you for the quick responses!
I would like to mention that the island will also be used as a breakfast bar and workspace. Therefore, a countertop height of about 90 cm (35 inches) would be better than the standard height of 75 cm (30 inches).
Question: How can I adjust the height with the Besta base cabinets? Should I build a support frame, or are there other options? Stability must, of course, be ensured.
I have also considered letting the countertop overhang slightly to allow legroom when using bar stools. How many centimeters (inches) of overhang are realistic without risking the countertop breaking or wobbling too much?
I would like to mention that the island will also be used as a breakfast bar and workspace. Therefore, a countertop height of about 90 cm (35 inches) would be better than the standard height of 75 cm (30 inches).
Question: How can I adjust the height with the Besta base cabinets? Should I build a support frame, or are there other options? Stability must, of course, be ensured.
I have also considered letting the countertop overhang slightly to allow legroom when using bar stools. How many centimeters (inches) of overhang are realistic without risking the countertop breaking or wobbling too much?
Bipra schrieb:
How can I adjust the height with the Besta base cabinets? Should I build a plinth or are there other solutions?It’s quite simple: a sturdy plinth is your friend. Since the Besta carcasses are about 64 cm (25 inches) high, you can, for example, build or order a 25 cm (10 inches) high base that is securely attached to the cabinets. That way, you’ll reach around 90 cm (35 inches). For stability, additional cross braces are very helpful.
Bipra schrieb:
How much overhang is realistic without risking the countertop breaking or wobbling too much?An overhang of 3–5 cm (about 1–2 inches) is usually safe; for more, you should support the countertop with brackets or hidden supports. Otherwise, leaning on it might cause trouble. 😉
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reoleon4726 Oct 2020 11:37Great project, Bipra! 😊
I built a Besta island just like that last year. A tip from me: use plywood for the base frame—it’s strong and lightweight. I made the countertop from oak wood with a 4 cm (1.5 inch) overhang on the back side for the seating area, and it holds up really well! Of course, supported with sturdy brackets underneath.
And the best part: you can customize the interior layout of the Besta cabinets individually and create real space miracles with boxes, drawers, and inserts!
Don’t get discouraged, it’s a lot of fun and the results are amazing! 👍
I built a Besta island just like that last year. A tip from me: use plywood for the base frame—it’s strong and lightweight. I made the countertop from oak wood with a 4 cm (1.5 inch) overhang on the back side for the seating area, and it holds up really well! Of course, supported with sturdy brackets underneath.
And the best part: you can customize the interior layout of the Besta cabinets individually and create real space miracles with boxes, drawers, and inserts!
Don’t get discouraged, it’s a lot of fun and the results are amazing! 👍
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