ᐅ Ikea BESTA – How can I securely attach additional internal compartments?
Created on: 28 Jun 2015 20:42
T
Tanbedri
Hello everyone, I have an Ikea Besta shelving unit and want to add extra internal compartments, such as shelves or small insert compartments, that are securely fixed. I’m not just looking for a simple storage solution, but a stable setup that can handle some weight without the compartments wobbling or falling out. Are there any effective methods to firmly attach these additional internal shelves within the BESTA system? Ideally, I prefer techniques that do not leave visible screws or permanently damage the furniture but are still very reliable. I would appreciate any recommendations, especially tips on how to test the stability or which materials work best.
Evapau schrieb:
You could use shelf supports that fit into the existing hole pattern.This is a common method, but its success largely depends on the quality of the supports. Simply ‘pushing them into the hole’ is often not enough for heavy loads, as the chipboard core can quickly tear out.
keoju schrieb:
If you want to be on the safe side, you can additionally attach screws or brackets inside the cabinetHere I see an interesting point: If the furniture is meant to remain flexible, this represents a compromise. Screws in the carcass stabilize but limit flexibility. My question to you, Tanbedri: How important is flexibility to you in terms of easy future modifications or complete preservation of the furniture? Depending on this, solutions can be designed differently.
Parmin schrieb:
My question to you, Tanbedri: How important is flexibility to you in terms of easy future modifications or complete retention of furniture?This is actually quite important to me. I’d like to be able to modify or remove the compartments later without immediately damaging the entire cabinet. Screws are only acceptable if they can be removed without leaving marks or causing minimal damage. Therefore, my preference was more towards plug-in or clamp solutions.
Tanbedri schrieb:
Screws are therefore only acceptable if they can be removed without leaving any residue or cause only minimal damage.In that case, I recommend using the standard fittings and, if necessary, opting for suitable shelving systems with clip-on supports. You might also consider using edge protectors or protective caps for the drill holes to prevent tear-out.
If your load of about 10 kg (22 lbs) is the maximum, I suggest not using thin particleboard for the shelves entirely, but rather focusing on thicker, more stable MDF panels, which will significantly reduce bending stress.
An alternative could be installing reinforced profile supports, for example, mounted on the back panel or underneath, to withstand lateral pressure. However, this is more complex.
fidasi schrieb:
Then I recommend using the standard fittings and, if necessary, opting for suitable shelving systems with knock-in shelf supports.I agree, but I would like to add: Although the often recommended knock-in shelf supports make good use of the standard holes, they carry the risk of pulling out under heavier loads, especially if the furniture is frequently moved.
Parmin schrieb:
Screwing into the wall provides stability but limits flexibility.This is exactly where I see the conflict: What use is flexible furniture if its practical use is compromised by lack of stability? Perhaps a hybrid solution would be worth considering, where you use screws in accessible locations for heavy loads and the knock-in system for lighter compartments. That way, you can rearrange things easily if needed.
I would also recommend using corner braces at the back, preferably small flat metal brackets that you attach inside with short screws. This will make everything more stable and prevent the shelves from wobbling.
If you are concerned about marks, the drill holes can be easily filled later with wood filler and then sanded over. This way, the repair will be very neat.
Regarding load-bearing capacity, shelves around 15 mm (0.6 inches) thick are generally strong enough if you support them well at four points.
If you are concerned about marks, the drill holes can be easily filled later with wood filler and then sanded over. This way, the repair will be very neat.
Regarding load-bearing capacity, shelves around 15 mm (0.6 inches) thick are generally strong enough if you support them well at four points.
If you want to avoid causing damage and prefer not to use screws, take a look at these clamp or slide-in holders. They securely grip the shelves and can be easily inserted and removed without any tools. IKEA offers suitable accessories specifically designed for the Besta system, which are very reliable.
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