ᐅ How can I install Ikea Metod kitchen cabinets in a rental property without leaving any damage?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering installing IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets in my rental apartment. My main concern is to be able to remove the cabinets completely without leaving any damage at the end of the tenancy, to avoid issues with the landlord or having to pay for repairs.

I am especially interested in the best mounting options to securely and stably attach the cabinets while minimizing damage to walls or floors when dismantling. It would also be helpful to know if there are any recommended tips or materials (e.g., special anchors, adhesives, mounting plates) that make removal easier without compromising the stability of the installation.

Do you have experience or practical advice on how to install IKEA Metod cabinets in rental homes neatly, with minimal traces, and later take them down without problems? Thank you in advance!

Hello Philipp,

I would recommend not drilling the cabinets directly into the wall, but instead mounting them on a substructure made of wood or metal strips that is fixed only at certain points. This way, you can later remove the strips and the wall will remain almost without holes. Also, use anchors that can be easily pulled out or removed with a small trick, such as toggle bolts. This reduces the marks when you move out.

Hello Philipp,

For additional information:

- It is important to plan the load-bearing points precisely. Metod kitchen cabinets are relatively heavy, so the fasteners must be strong enough. Common cavity anchors or universal wall plugs are not always reliable in this case.
- For rental apartments, I recommend so-called toggle bolts or expansion anchors, which minimize damage. Some users also mention mounting plates that are screwed onto the wall, allowing the cabinets to be simply hooked onto them. When moving out, you just unhook the cabinets and remove the plate.
- In general, you should clarify with the landlord what is permitted before drilling to avoid any issues.

Also, make sure the cabinets are securely assembled (e.g., connected sufficiently with metal brackets), so they don’t wobble and you don’t need extra fixings that would require more wall anchors.

Hello Philipp,

I encountered a similar situation some time ago and installed the Metod wall cabinets in a way that allowed me to remove them later without leaving any residue. Here are some tips based on my experience:

- Use high-quality spacers or a wooden batten framework to attach the cabinets to the wall. Fix these battens in a few places on the wall using suitable wall plugs and screws. This distributes the weight and results in only a few small holes when removing the cabinets.
- Choose wall plug systems that can be easily drilled out or removed with a plug extractor, such as metal hollow wall anchors. Plastic plugs often leave larger holes when pulled out.
- Make sure the cabinets themselves don’t require additional wall fastenings—adjust the legs or set the base cabinets securely using tools to ensure stability.
- Also, place felt or rubber strips under the cabinets to prevent abrasion and damage to door frames or baseboards if they shift slightly.

If you do this carefully and precisely, you will only have small drill holes left at the end, which can be easily repaired with standard filler. Good luck!