ᐅ IKEA BESTA DIY: How Can I Create Extra Storage Using Additional Shelves?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to modify an IKEA Besta shelving unit to create more storage space within the individual compartments by adding extra shelves. My specific question is: How can I add additional shelves to increase storage without compromising the stability of the BESTA modules?

I am particularly interested in the following points:
- Which materials and fixing methods are best suited when using shelves other than the original ones?
- Are there maximum load limits for such additional shelves?
- What about the installation, especially if I want to use the original holes for the shelves?
- Do you have any tips for ensuring the extra shelves fit flush and visually match the rest of the BESTA unit?

Thank you in advance for your experiences and recommendations!

Hello Prapra,

Your concern is very practical, and I have personally fitted some BESTA units with additional shelves. Here is a structured guide that should help you:

- Material choice: It’s best to use chipboard or MDF panels 12 to 15 mm (0.5 to 0.6 inches) thick, which you can paint or laminate to match the color. These materials are stable and easy to work with.

- Drill holes and brackets: Use the original rows of holes on the side panels designed for the BESTA shelves. These are ideal for mounting extra shelf supports. Suitable shelf supports for 5 mm (0.2 inch) diameter can be purchased separately or ordered as replacement parts from IKEA.

- Load capacity: Make sure the shelves are not loaded beyond the manufacturer’s specifications. The original load capacity is around 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) per shelf. With thicker wood types, the load capacity increases, but don’t overdo it.

- Fixing: Simply insert the supports into the holes, place the shelf on top, and check that everything is level. To improve appearance, you can use edge banding or edge protectors.

- Appearance: If you don’t want to use original BESTA shelves as inserts, it’s advisable to choose the same decor or wood finish to maintain the style.

Common mistakes:
- Using materials that are too thin, which can bend or warp.
- Drilling outside the provided rows of holes, which reduces stability.

I hope these tips help you. Feel free to ask if you need more details.

Nabla64 schrieb:
Make sure that the shelves are not subjected to greater loads than those specified by the manufacturer.

This is a very important point. Additionally, when adding shelves to IKEA BESTA units, special attention should be paid to the load capacity of the shelf supports and the structural strength of the side panels. The standardized rows of holes are often not designed to carry heavy weights over extended periods.

In practice, this means:
- Use materials for additional shelves with a maximum thickness of 15 mm (0.6 inches).
- Avoid concentrating heavy loads on single shelves, as this can cause sagging of the top panels or side panels.
- Reinforce shelves crosswise if necessary, or install additional supports resting on the base.

Assembly note: When installing the shelf supports, always ensure they are at a uniform height and precisely positioned within the row of holes to prevent uneven shelves.

In short: Installing shelves requires care to avoid exceeding load limits and to maintain stability.

For additional shelves in BESTA, simply use the original rows of holes. Wood shelves 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 inches) thick are sturdy enough. Make sure to use suitable shelf supports and distribute the weight evenly.

Prapra schrieb:
How can I add extra storage with intermediate shelves without compromising the stability of the BESTA modules?

It is important that the intermediate shelves are not only adjustable in height but also able to bear weight securely. To maintain the stability of the BESTA cabinet units, careful attention should be given to selecting and installing the shelf supports.

Additionally, for larger compartments, you can use thicker wood for the shelves and, if needed, reinforce them with small support strips attached to the back panel or top. For wider shelves, it is recommended not to simply rest the shelves freely but to securely hook them onto the original supports.

Tip: For particularly heavy items, choose thicker shelf boards made of strong MDF and distribute the load across multiple points.

If mounting with the standard holes is not possible, adding small additional holes can be an option, but this requires careful planning to avoid weakening the structure.