ᐅ Ikea Besta DIY: What should you consider when remodeling the fronts?
Created on: 20 Jun 2021 14:23
J
JOHAN61
Hello everyone,
I am currently planning a DIY project using my Ikea Besta furniture and would like to modify the fronts to give them a more personalized look. I am wondering which important aspects I should definitely consider when replacing or customizing the fronts. Specifically, I am interested in the best approach for adapting custom fronts, which materials are suitable, what to watch out for during the installation, and if there are any common pitfalls during the conversion that should be avoided. Experience-based advice and tips, especially regarding precise fitting and appearance, would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!
I am currently planning a DIY project using my Ikea Besta furniture and would like to modify the fronts to give them a more personalized look. I am wondering which important aspects I should definitely consider when replacing or customizing the fronts. Specifically, I am interested in the best approach for adapting custom fronts, which materials are suitable, what to watch out for during the installation, and if there are any common pitfalls during the conversion that should be avoided. Experience-based advice and tips, especially regarding precise fitting and appearance, would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!
Mega cool project! I completely made and painted my Besta fronts myself a few months ago – very satisfied! It’s important not to make the fronts too heavy, otherwise they will sag.
And please take your time when drilling! A little inaccuracy and nothing fits anymore. Using a drilling template can help you avoid a lot of stress.
Good luck, it’s going to be great!
And please take your time when drilling! A little inaccuracy and nothing fits anymore. Using a drilling template can help you avoid a lot of stress.
Good luck, it’s going to be great!
During the renovation, I also noticed that it can be helpful to dry-fit all the parts before assembly. This way, you can see early on if all the holes align and if the material has the correct thickness.
At first, I had some doubts too, but replacing the fronts really gave our living room a fresh new charm. So I completely understand that you’re focusing on the details. What have you planned so far for the design of the new fronts?
At first, I had some doubts too, but replacing the fronts really gave our living room a fresh new charm. So I completely understand that you’re focusing on the details. What have you planned so far for the design of the new fronts?
Thank you for all the feedback so far!
I can understand that, but I also believe the modular system mainly works for standard requirements. My goal is to have custom, durable fronts that also look more comfortable than the standard ones.
Could you please specify how precise the measurements need to be? Are there any tolerances? I want to avoid functionality becoming stiff or difficult over time.
The fronts will be made of painted MDF, with slim, clear handles. The challenge for me seems to be securing them firmly without visible, unattractive screw heads.
Gilbert schrieb:
Those who modify the fronts sometimes lose the simple advantages of the modular system.
I can understand that, but I also believe the modular system mainly works for standard requirements. My goal is to have custom, durable fronts that also look more comfortable than the standard ones.
cassandra schrieb:
The exact dimensions of the original fronts and hinges must be maintained
Could you please specify how precise the measurements need to be? Are there any tolerances? I want to avoid functionality becoming stiff or difficult over time.
The fronts will be made of painted MDF, with slim, clear handles. The challenge for me seems to be securing them firmly without visible, unattractive screw heads.
JOHAN61 schrieb:
The fronts should be made of lacquered MDF, with sleek, slim handles.That sounds good, but even with lacquered MDF, you should definitely ensure edge sealing; otherwise, the material will absorb moisture.
Regarding tolerances: 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 inches) inward or outward is usually still manageable, but for the hinges themselves, less risk is better. If the door fits too tightly against the cabinet side or has too much play, the hinge will suffer over time and the door will sag.
I still maintain: the most important thing is the mounting, since Ikea often uses its own system that you can’t replicate exactly. So, I would try to use the original hinges.
Just to emphasize this again: The hinges from the Besta system are quite special.
I had considered push-to-open back then, and the mounting plate is very shallow and must fit precisely. I can only recommend using a drilling template and checking the positions several times.
If the screws are visible and that bothers you, you can use small cover caps, which gives a cleaner appearance.
I had considered push-to-open back then, and the mounting plate is very shallow and must fit precisely. I can only recommend using a drilling template and checking the positions several times.
If the screws are visible and that bothers you, you can use small cover caps, which gives a cleaner appearance.
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