ᐅ Ikea Besta DIY – How do I build an internal drawer organizer?

Good evening everyone,

I recently got the Ikea Besta system and would like to build an internal drawer organizer to better arrange my items. Since the drawers are quite large and open inside, I’m looking for a DIY solution that is sturdy, flexible, and as simple as possible to implement. Mainly, I want to know which materials and fixing methods are suitable, how to best adjust the measurements, and if anyone has experience with sizes that work well with Ikea’s dimensions.

Does anyone have tips or even instructions on how to practically make an internal drawer organizer for Besta drawers yourself? I appreciate any suggestions, whether using wood, plastic, or other materials. I’m also interested in how you attach the dividers to prevent them from shifting.

Thanks in advance!

A proven method for organizing the inside of Ikea Besta drawers is to use plywood strips with a thickness of 12 mm (½ inch), cut precisely to size.

It is important to measure the internal dimensions of the drawer accurately (width, depth, and height) to ensure exact cuts. You can secure the dividers in place using small wooden dowels or half-blind screws on the sides to prevent shifting. Alternatively, self-adhesive metal mounting brackets can be attached inside the drawer walls.

I recommend making the internal dividers slightly removable, for example by using guide rails, if you want flexible compartment arrangements. Plastic inserts are also an option, but they are less stable and prone to moving around without secure fixing.

This approach allows for a stable and durable internal organization.

Cut wooden strips, attach them on the outside of the drawer walls, and clamp the partitions in place.

Alternatively, you can use furniture-building profiles and screw them in. Simple and effective.

Hello,

I fully support the idea of using wooden divider strips and would like to add that it can be helpful to design the layout so it can be expanded modularly. This means that if you need several small compartments, you can use narrow strips with small brackets that can be easily removed.

A tip: Use wood glue combined with small screws or nails for a secure connection. Alternatively, self-adhesive felt strips under the internal dividers can prevent them from rubbing or sliding against the inside of the drawer.

Before you start cutting, you should make a drawing listing all the measurements precisely and defining the positions of the individual dividers. This way, you avoid mistakes and can plan more effectively.

vinli schrieb:
You can secure the dividers on the sides with small wooden dowels or half-lap screws to prevent shifting.

Has anyone implemented this method and can confirm its durability? I often find that with DIY solutions, the dividers tend to shift or become fragile over time. One question I have is: Would it make sense to create a type of tongue-and-groove joint? Theoretically, that would provide much greater stability without the need for permanent screws.

Additionally, I’d be interested to know how the whole assembly can be taken apart later if needed, without damaging everything—especially important when moving house or changing drawers.

theo63 schrieb:
One question I have: Wouldn't it make sense to build some kind of tongue-and-groove joint?

That was exactly my idea as well. Tongue-and-groove joints are a bit more complex to cut, but they are quite useful for a removable and stable drawer organizer. This prevents wobbling without the need for screws.

You can mill the grooves to millimeter precision using a router or even cut them with a sharp utility knife in MDF or thin wood panels. The challenge, however, is not to make the fit too tight, otherwise, the parts won't come out easily.

If you don't have these tools, you can also use simple slot connections made from wooden strips with silicone sealing tape, which also provides grip without permanent fixing.