Hello everyone,
I am planning to build a storage bench using Ikea Besta units. I want the bench to be stable enough, comfortable to sit on, and have easy access to the storage inside. My specific questions are:
- Which Besta units are best suited for the base?
- How can I create a secure seating surface that can easily support weight?
- What modifications are needed to convert the doors or flaps into storage access panels?
- Are there any tips for fastening the bench to ensure it is stable and durable?
Who has experience with a DIY project like this and can provide helpful tips or a step-by-step guide? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
I am planning to build a storage bench using Ikea Besta units. I want the bench to be stable enough, comfortable to sit on, and have easy access to the storage inside. My specific questions are:
- Which Besta units are best suited for the base?
- How can I create a secure seating surface that can easily support weight?
- What modifications are needed to convert the doors or flaps into storage access panels?
- Are there any tips for fastening the bench to ensure it is stable and durable?
Who has experience with a DIY project like this and can provide helpful tips or a step-by-step guide? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Hey kire57,
That sounds like a great project! For the base, I usually use the 120x40x64 cm (47x16x25 inches) BESTA cabinets (without the back panel, which you make yourself). The seating surface is best made with a plywood board that rests on the cabinets and is secured with brackets – this is very sturdy.
It’s important to protect the edges nicely, perhaps with a cushion cover or foam if you want comfort.
Regarding the storage door: normally, you can simply use the doors from the BESTA, but if you prefer, you can also install flaps with gas springs – this makes opening easier.
And a tip for fastening: securely screw the bench to the wall, as this provides extra stability and prevents tipping. It sounds like a lot, but with the right materials, it’s quite easy to do!
That sounds like a great project! For the base, I usually use the 120x40x64 cm (47x16x25 inches) BESTA cabinets (without the back panel, which you make yourself). The seating surface is best made with a plywood board that rests on the cabinets and is secured with brackets – this is very sturdy.
It’s important to protect the edges nicely, perhaps with a cushion cover or foam if you want comfort.
Regarding the storage door: normally, you can simply use the doors from the BESTA, but if you prefer, you can also install flaps with gas springs – this makes opening easier.
And a tip for fastening: securely screw the bench to the wall, as this provides extra stability and prevents tipping. It sounds like a lot, but with the right materials, it’s quite easy to do!
WARREN schrieb:
Storage space: Use the cabinet doors; flaps mean more effort.I generally agree, but the added value of flaps is worth considering in everyday use. Doors usually offer better durability and less wear on the hinges. On the other hand, a well-installed flap with gas struts can make accessing the storage easier and save space.
Furthermore, I consider the stability of DIY construction critical. Just because a plywood board rests on top doesn’t mean it will support the load without bending. I recommend building a supporting frame underneath or at least adding cross braces. Otherwise, it may sag under prolonged load.
Do you have specific dimensions or examples of how to cleverly integrate these cross braces into existing furniture?
Tinaneo schrieb:
Just because a plywood board is laid on top doesn’t mean it can carry the load without deflecting.Thank you, that’s an important point. I was thinking of an 18 mm plywood board, 120 cm (47 inches) wide and about 40 cm (16 inches) deep – I want to be able to sit on it comfortably, so it should be strong enough.
Tinaneo schrieb:
Do you have specific dimensions or examples of how to cleverly integrate these cross braces into the existing furniture?That would be very helpful! I want to keep the frame as hidden as possible, but still stable enough for everyday use. Does anyone have experience integrating this into the BESTA cabinet dimensions?
For Stability:
An 18 mm (¾ inch) plywood panel spanning 120 cm (47 inches) requires one or more cross braces in the middle to prevent sagging. Ideally, use wooden battens about 40x20 mm (1.5x0.75 inches) thick, fixed to the underside of the panel.
Example: Two BESTA cabinets, each 60 cm (24 inches) wide, placed side by side with the plywood panel as a seating surface. Cross braces are screwed between the cabinets and anchored to the wall. This creates a stable frame structure.
Regarding Opening Mechanisms:
Standard doors are easier to install and require less maintenance. Flaps with gas struts need precise drilling and fitting but provide convenient access from above.
Recommendation:
- For a bench seat, I suggest not exceeding a depth of 40 cm (16 inches).
- Securely fix the cabinets to the wall.
- Attach the seating surface so it does not wobble, for example, by using brackets and screws from underneath into the cross braces.
This way, you achieve a long-lasting, practical solution.
An 18 mm (¾ inch) plywood panel spanning 120 cm (47 inches) requires one or more cross braces in the middle to prevent sagging. Ideally, use wooden battens about 40x20 mm (1.5x0.75 inches) thick, fixed to the underside of the panel.
Example: Two BESTA cabinets, each 60 cm (24 inches) wide, placed side by side with the plywood panel as a seating surface. Cross braces are screwed between the cabinets and anchored to the wall. This creates a stable frame structure.
Regarding Opening Mechanisms:
Standard doors are easier to install and require less maintenance. Flaps with gas struts need precise drilling and fitting but provide convenient access from above.
Recommendation:
- For a bench seat, I suggest not exceeding a depth of 40 cm (16 inches).
- Securely fix the cabinets to the wall.
- Attach the seating surface so it does not wobble, for example, by using brackets and screws from underneath into the cross braces.
This way, you achieve a long-lasting, practical solution.
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