Hello everyone,
I recently bought an IKEA Besta shelving unit and would like to add a glass top to give the furniture a more elegant and durable appearance. My question is about the best way to securely and stably mount a glass panel on the Besta without it slipping or getting damaged.
I am especially interested in practical advice on mounting methods, suitable materials for supports, and possible protective measures to prevent scratches or other damage to both the wood and glass.
Has anyone had experience with this? How did you fix the glass panel, and what dimensions and glass thickness did you choose?
I look forward to your suggestions and solutions!
I recently bought an IKEA Besta shelving unit and would like to add a glass top to give the furniture a more elegant and durable appearance. My question is about the best way to securely and stably mount a glass panel on the Besta without it slipping or getting damaged.
I am especially interested in practical advice on mounting methods, suitable materials for supports, and possible protective measures to prevent scratches or other damage to both the wood and glass.
Has anyone had experience with this? How did you fix the glass panel, and what dimensions and glass thickness did you choose?
I look forward to your suggestions and solutions!
Hello pietsu,
I like to go into technical details here and explain the common installation methods for glass panels on Besta shelves:
- Glass & panel quality: The Besta particleboard has low inertia and some flexibility. This means the glass should rest as flat as possible to minimize point loads that could cause stress.
- Material thickness: 6 mm tempered safety glass (ESG) is the standard for such applications. 8 mm provides a bit more stability but is significantly heavier and more expensive.
- Support and protection: Self-adhesive silicone cushioning pads are best suited, as they keep the glass panel slightly spaced and can compensate for slight unevenness. These should be applied at least at the four corners and ideally also distributed in the middle.
- Mounting clips: There are different clip systems that can be attached to the Besta frame. The glass panel is clamped on the side, but the clamping force must be chosen so the panel is not stretched or subjected to point loads. The clips are usually made of plastic/polypropylene and are flexible.
- Installation tips:
- First, thoroughly clean the support surface and glass panel so the rubber pads and clips adhere well.
- Apply the silicone pads on the Besta surface.
- Carefully place and position the glass panel.
- Attach the clips with gentle pressure and check the fit of the panel.
- Safety aspect: If there are children in the household, I definitely recommend tempered safety glass and the combination of rubber pads and clips. This way, the glass is both protected and secured without stickers or aggressive adhesives that could damage wooden surfaces.
If you want, I can also provide a list of sources for suitable silicone pads and clips.
I like to go into technical details here and explain the common installation methods for glass panels on Besta shelves:
- Glass & panel quality: The Besta particleboard has low inertia and some flexibility. This means the glass should rest as flat as possible to minimize point loads that could cause stress.
- Material thickness: 6 mm tempered safety glass (ESG) is the standard for such applications. 8 mm provides a bit more stability but is significantly heavier and more expensive.
- Support and protection: Self-adhesive silicone cushioning pads are best suited, as they keep the glass panel slightly spaced and can compensate for slight unevenness. These should be applied at least at the four corners and ideally also distributed in the middle.
- Mounting clips: There are different clip systems that can be attached to the Besta frame. The glass panel is clamped on the side, but the clamping force must be chosen so the panel is not stretched or subjected to point loads. The clips are usually made of plastic/polypropylene and are flexible.
- Installation tips:
- First, thoroughly clean the support surface and glass panel so the rubber pads and clips adhere well.
- Apply the silicone pads on the Besta surface.
- Carefully place and position the glass panel.
- Attach the clips with gentle pressure and check the fit of the panel.
- Safety aspect: If there are children in the household, I definitely recommend tempered safety glass and the combination of rubber pads and clips. This way, the glass is both protected and secured without stickers or aggressive adhesives that could damage wooden surfaces.
If you want, I can also provide a list of sources for suitable silicone pads and clips.
T
Timmyse3614 Jan 2023 12:56Hi pietsu and everyone else,
I’d like to address the emotional side of things for a moment. I was worried for a long time that a glass panel on my Besta might feel unstable or unsafe. There were weeks when I didn’t dare to fully secure it or even just place it loosely.
What helped me was that the clips simply provide a good sense of security, without putting pressure on the glass or making you worry that it might crack immediately.
My advice is to take your time sourcing the right buffers and clips and work carefully. This way, you’ll enjoy lasting satisfaction with the result – and it won’t feel temporary.
And if something doesn’t fit: don’t panic! I had to adjust it twice before everything was perfect. That’s completely normal and part of the process.
Good luck, you can do it!
I’d like to address the emotional side of things for a moment. I was worried for a long time that a glass panel on my Besta might feel unstable or unsafe. There were weeks when I didn’t dare to fully secure it or even just place it loosely.
kulau schrieb:
The clips are usually made from plastic/polypropylene and are flexible.
What helped me was that the clips simply provide a good sense of security, without putting pressure on the glass or making you worry that it might crack immediately.
My advice is to take your time sourcing the right buffers and clips and work carefully. This way, you’ll enjoy lasting satisfaction with the result – and it won’t feel temporary.
And if something doesn’t fit: don’t panic! I had to adjust it twice before everything was perfect. That’s completely normal and part of the process.
Good luck, you can do it!
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