ᐅ IKEA BESTA DIY – How to Build a Corner Cabinet from Two Units?

Hello everyone, I’m planning to build a corner cabinet using two Ikea Besta units and I’m looking for tips and instructions here in the forum on the best way to do this.

Here’s my starting point: I have two identical Besta cabinets, each measuring 60x40x64 cm (width x depth x height). My goal is to connect them so that they form a space-saving L-shape, ideal for a living room media corner. I want to ensure the connection is stable and the appearance is as neat as possible — so no unsightly overhangs or visible screwed sides.

My detailed questions are:
- What is the best way to mechanically connect the two Besta units at the corner so they hold securely and don’t drift apart?
- Are there specific connectors that work well for corner joints (e.g. special corner brackets, fasteners, or custom wooden elements)?
- How do you handle the issue of the fronts or doors in the corner setup? Do they need any modifications?
- Any tips for stabilizing the units if I want to add shelves or drawers inside.

I’m especially interested in anticipating potential challenges and which steps or tools are really necessary for a successful outcome. I look forward to practical experience or recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Hi Alberich61,

First of all, great that you’re moving forward with the project! Since you want to install two identical BESTA units, I’d like to give you a brief guide on how to connect the corner cleanly.

Introduction: The main challenge is creating a firm and stable corner connection that also looks good.

Step 1: Position the two BESTA units at a 90° angle
- To ensure they are perfectly aligned, I recommend using a jig or an angle template.

Step 2: Use connecting elements
- Unfortunately, Ikea doesn’t offer special corner connectors for BESTA, so you can either:
- Use metal brackets inside, screwed flush to the carcass. Important: pre-drill!
- Or use wooden dowels or biscuits (lamellos) to join both parts; this may require partial disassembly of the side panels.

Step 3: Stability
- Additionally, use cross braces inside or reinforce the back panel.
- For models with doors, I suggest keeping the doors on the front only and closing off the inner sides neatly with matching cover panels or trims if needed.

My tip: Prefer mostly invisible connections (biscuits or dowels) combined with real metal brackets that aren’t visible from the inside. This way, you get a solid and clean result.

Summary:
- Exact angle alignment
- Connection with dowels/biscuits + metal brackets from the inside
- Reinforcement with cross braces or back panel
- Access to side parts may be limited

If you need tool recommendations or drilling tips, feel free to ask. Hope this answers your question well!

stefangla schrieb:
Unfortunately, Ikea does not offer special corner connectors for BESTA, so you can either:
- Use metal brackets inside, screwed flush to the carcass. Important: pre-drill!
- Or use wooden dowels or biscuits to join both parts; but this requires partial removal of the side panels.

Hello Alberich61,

I would like to add a bit more detail here, as many small aspects are crucial for achieving a durable and square corner cabinet.

First, regarding connection methods:
- Metal brackets: These are very practical if you want to disassemble the cabinet later. Make sure the bracket is mounted inside the panels, and pre-drill the screw holes with an appropriate drill bit to prevent splitting.
- Wooden dowels/biscuits: These provide an invisible, very strong connection but require more precision during assembly and some planing on the panel edges.

What many underestimate is the precise alignment of the units at a right angle. Even a slight deviation can cause door issues later on. It’s best to use a carpenter’s square and, if needed, small shims to level and align the cabinet.

Regarding the front design:
- If both units have doors, keep in mind that at the corner the doors meet not parallel but at a 90° angle. The opening radius can become problematic if the doors interfere with each other.
- One option is to omit doors on the inside edges or replace them with drawer fronts.
- Alternatively, a corner hinge can be installed, though this usually requires custom solutions or additional hardware.

Stabilizing the structure is also important:
- The BESTA back panel, made of thin MDF, can be reinforced with additional cross braces behind the carcasses.
- If you install shelves, pay attention to their load capacity—sometimes it’s worthwhile to switch to thicker shelves or add extra supports.

Tools:
- A cordless screwdriver with depth stop and a set of wood drill bits are essential.
- A biscuit joiner is handy but not mandatory; connections can also be made using precision-drilled wooden dowels.

One quick question: Do you want the modules to be permanently fixed, or should the cabinet remain movable?

I hope this helps! If needed, I can also provide tips on cutting or adjusting doors.

Domau0 schrieb:
If both units have doors, keep in mind that they meet at the corner not parallel but at a 90° angle. The door opening radius can become problematic if the doors block each other.

This is exactly the issue I see as critical. Many simply decide to place two units at an angle without carefully considering the hinge situation. The result: doors that are difficult to open or fronts that constantly bump into each other.

My approach: instead of a rigid corner cabinet, opt for a flexible solution with open shelves at the corner. This not only saves you the hassle of adjusting fittings but also provides better accessibility.

Furthermore, I would question whether the corner dimension of the two 60x40cm (24x16 inches) BESTA units is really ideal. Ikea also offers corner cabinets or corner units that better fit this room shape and allow for stable corner solutions. Of course, this can sometimes be more expensive but is worthwhile in the long run.

I’m not a fan of improvising with angle brackets—the tendency to wobble is still high if you’re not a professional craftsman.

Therefore, my suggestion:
- either plan for a professional corner solution from Ikea or additional corner components
- or work with an open corner area to improve accessibility.

DIY connection of two straight BESTA units at a 90° angle is possible but brings many problems. Just putting that out there.