ᐅ How can I make custom dividers for Ikea BESTA drawers myself?

Created on: 6 Apr 2024 08:37
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Saugustavo
Hello everyone,

I recently bought an Ikea BESTÅ drawer unit and would like to customize it with homemade dividers to better organize the storage space. Unfortunately, the accessories available from Ikea don’t always fit the drawer dimensions or the type of layout I have in mind.

My question is: What is the best way to make and install custom dividers for the BESTÅ drawers?

I’m especially interested in which materials work best to create a sturdy, durable, and visually appealing result. Are there proven methods to securely fix the dividers inside the drawers so they don’t shift or damage the drawer sides?

Any tips on accurate measuring and working with the divider materials (e.g., cutting, sanding) would also be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and experiences!
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Santi
6 Apr 2024 12:04
In short: Use plywood, cut to custom sizes, sand well, and glue foam rubber to the edges. Fits well and doesn’t slip.
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Saugustavo
6 Apr 2024 17:22
blapau schrieb:
Partition walls should be slightly shorter (about 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inches)) so that they fit in easily and don’t warp.

That’s a very helpful tip, thanks!

Would it be possible to design the partition walls so they can interlock, like a slot system? That way, I could adjust individual compartments flexibly. Has anyone tried something like this? What would be a suitable board thickness for such a system?

Also, how is the stability if the individual partition walls only connect on two sides? Would that be sufficient to support a fully loaded drawer, including heavier items?
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andre3
6 Apr 2024 18:05
Saugustavo schrieb:
Would it be possible to slot the partition walls together, like a plug-in system?

Yes, a plug-in system is feasible using 8 mm (about 0.3 inches) thick MDF or plywood panels. It is important to mill grooves at half the panel thickness (around 4 mm (0.15 inches)) so the parts fit together snugly. Be careful: the fit must be precise to ensure the system remains stable.
Saugustavo schrieb:
And how about stability if the individual partition walls only touch on two sides?

That depends on the number of connection points. A grid system with multiple joints and possibly a small guide rail on the drawer base provides sufficient stability, even for heavier contents. Without additional fastening, it may wobble.
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Davidleo
7 Apr 2024 09:14
I made a slot-together system using 8mm (5/16 inch) MDF and I’m really impressed! It’s very sturdy, and you can easily adjust the compartments whenever you want. Just perfect if you want to reorganize.

Tip: Sand the inner edges well; otherwise, the assembly can sometimes be tricky.
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lisku
7 Apr 2024 10:03
If you want to be on the safe side, you can also reinforce the plug connections lightly with wood glue. This ensures everything is very secure, but it can still be disassembled with some force.
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Franck
7 Apr 2024 14:36
Additionally: For measuring, use a digital caliper to increase precision. This is especially beneficial for plug-in systems.