Stretching a BESTA

So Ive got a new member of the family named Battlecat on the way-



and Ive been kinda stressing over the last 3 years where I was gonna put all 33 inches of him when he finally showed up. Tonight I decided to stretch a BESTA. Basically I cut the middle post down to 2.25 inches. I’m just kind of winging it as I go along.


I cut 2.25 inches from the back, and covered the cut line with masking tape beforehand to keep the laminant from chipping.

Snapple fun fact: IKEA boards have a creamy cardboard filling. Who knew?


Next just some black paint and sponge brush


The rest just went together easily by the IKEA directions like its supposed to-




And walla! Now watch Battlecat be too wide or somesuch lol. Ive kept most of the depth, just lost about 2” in the back center for the post. The top still feels pretty solid. Obviously its not as strong as before- especially since its filled with cardboard lol, but I’m not stacking this one or planning to put much weight on it. Should be fine. The big trick now is gonna be making an oversized glassvik door from scratch. I’ve got some ideas but my plate is currently pretty full so Im not sure when I’ll get around to it.

Looks good!

I was thinking about doing the same with one of the discontinued higher double Bestas and add some cut to size shelves. Looking at the inner structure... those cardboards really make me worry...
Anyway, great mod!
Also waiting for BC&HM here. After all these years and the poor communication, I am pretty much done with this set though.

Thanks guys. Yeah that board didnt feel very solid so I was worried about cutting it. 2 1/4” in ended up being almost the perfect spot. Dont give up on Heman and BC! Youre too close now lol.