Hackers Help: Make a storage bed frame from kitchen high cabinets?

My name is Lola and I’m about to start building my first IKEA hack! I’m a poor student (haha) and so I’d love if I can ask some questions before I start buying stuff. My plan is to build a storage bed frame using the IKEA METOD kitchen cabinets.

My room is 235cm wide.

I was going to use two METOD high cabinet frames sideways: one with 220cm in the back and one with 200cm in the front. I was going to also leave a gap of about 40cm in the middle so I could use the underbed storage space.

And then I was planning on buying a large piece of plywood 235cm wide to put on top of the cabinets. My big question is: there will be a 15cm gap in the back and a 35cm gap in the front. Do you think there’s a chance that the plywood will topple over if someone steps on top of the gap areas? I didn’t want to screw in down in case I decide do sell the Ikea furniture in the future…but if I have to, I will.

I can also install some sort of beam in the corner I suppose…

Anyway, looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks!!

~ by Lola

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Hi Lola

Glad you are embarking on your first IKEA hack. I drew this based on your description. I hope I got you right.

Yes, I do think there is a chance the plywood would topple over if not screwed down to the cabinets. And it could also break if someone steps on the unsupported areas. As you mentioned, adding a beam (with a frame, like Project 2 below) in the corner would be a good start.

Here are a few similar hacks that may inspire you and spark a few ideas as you design your storage bed frame.

This hack uses the SEKTION wall cabinets (the US version of the METOD) and has storage under the bed too. A lot more extensive than your initial plan but it does provide ideas on how you can use kitchen cabinets as a storage bed frame.

Another storage bed but this uses the old EXPEDIT. What I wanted to show you from this project was the use of the beams to reinforce the gap and support the plywood. The middle section of a bed actually takes the brunt of the weight of the person on top of it. I reckon you should consider adding the support beam to the gap in your storage bed frame design to prevent any middle-of-the-night-crash-accidents.

This last one uses the STUVA system, as an alternative to the METOD. Using the shorter STUVA frames (64cm) makes it a stronger base than the METOD high cabinet, laid on its side. If using the METOD high cabinet on its side, do understand that it only comes with one reinforced shelf (meaning screwed onto the frame). So make sure you add vertical support planks to prevent sagging.

Good luck on your hack.

Let us know how it goes.

Happy hacking

Jules

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