IKEA BESTÅ 190.478.37 Frame instructions manual
The IKEA BESTÅ 190.478.37 is a versatile frame component designed for building customized BESTÅ storage solutions. This manual provides essential information for safe assembly, installation, and use. It includes details on parts identification, required tools, step-by-step assembly instructions, safety warnings, mounting guidelines, and care instructions to ensure a stable and functional furniture piece.
Parts & Tools
Before starting assembly, verify all parts are present and undamaged.
| Part Name/Number | Description | Quantity |
| Frame (190.478.37) | Main frame structure | 1 |
| Cam Lock Nuts | For connecting panels | 8 |
| Cam Lock Screws | To secure cam locks | 8 |
| Connector Bolts | For joining frames together | 4 |
| Wall Attachment Device | For securing to wall | 1 set |
| Adjustable Feet | For leveling on uneven floors | 4 |
| Wooden Dowels | For alignment during assembly | 8 |
Required Tools: Phillips screwdriver, hammer, level, measuring tape, pencil.
Safety Information
WARNING! Serious or fatal crushing injuries can occur from furniture tip-over. ALWAYS secure this furniture to the wall using the provided wall attachment device.
- Work Area: Assemble on a clean, flat, protected surface to avoid scratches.
- Lifting: This item is heavy. Use two people for lifting and moving.
- Children: Do not let children play with or climb on the furniture.
- Wall Mounting: Must be attached to solid wall material (studs or masonry). Do not attach to drywall alone.
- Tools: Use correct tools to avoid damaging parts or causing injury.
Assembly Instructions
Follow steps in order. Do not fully tighten screws until all parts are aligned.
- Prepare Parts: Lay out all parts and hardware. Identify front, back, sides, top, and bottom panels.
- Insert Dowels: Gently tap wooden dowels into pre-drilled holes on side panels using a hammer.
- Connect Side to Bottom: Align side panel with bottom panel using dowels. Insert cam lock screws into side panel and tighten cam lock nuts from the bottom panel using a screwdriver.
- Attach Other Side: Repeat step 3 for the opposite side panel.
- Attach Top Panel: Place top panel onto the assembled sides and bottom. Secure using cam lock nuts and screws.
- Attach Back Panel: Slide the fiberboard back panel into the grooves on the rear of the frame. Secure with provided nails or screws.
- Install Adjustable Feet: Screw the four adjustable feet into the bottom of the frame.
- Final Tightening: Check all connections and fully tighten all cam locks and screws.
Tip: Assemble the frame close to its final location to avoid heavy lifting.
Mounting to Wall
CRITICAL STEP: This furniture must be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping.
- Locate Wall Studs: Use a stud finder to locate solid wooden studs in your wall. Mark their positions with a pencil.
- Position Frame: Place the assembled frame in its desired location against the wall.
- Attach Bracket to Furniture: Using the provided screws, attach the wall bracket(s) to the top rear inside of the frame as indicated in the manual.
- Mark Wall: Through the bracket holes, mark the drilling points on the wall.
- Drill and Anchor: Drill pilot holes at the marks. If hitting a stud, use the provided wood screws. If not, use appropriate wall anchors for your wall type (not always provided).
- Secure Bracket: Screw the bracket firmly to the wall.
- Verify Stability: Gently try to tilt the frame forward. It should not move. Re-tighten if necessary.
Installation of Doors/Drawers
This frame is compatible with BESTÅ doors and drawers (sold separately).
- Door Hinges: Attach hinges to the door according to the door's instructions.
- Mount Hinges to Frame: Clip the hinges into the pre-drilled holes on the front edge of the frame. Adjust door alignment using the hinge screws (up/down, left/right, in/out).
- Drawer Runners: Attach the runner halves to the sides of the drawer box and the corresponding halves to the inside of the frame.
- Install Drawer: Insert the drawer onto the runners until it clicks into place.
- Handles: Attach handles to doors and drawers as desired.
Adjustments & Leveling
To ensure doors and drawers function properly and the unit is stable.
- Leveling: Turn the adjustable feet clockwise to raise that corner, counter-clockwise to lower it. Use a level on top of the frame.
- Door Alignment: Use a screwdriver to adjust the hinge screws:
- Height: The screw at the back of the hinge.
- Depth: The screw in the middle of the hinge.
- Side-to-Side: The screw at the front of the hinge.
- Drawer Alignment: Slightly loosen the screws holding the runner to the frame to adjust drawer height or side tilt.
Weight Capacity
Adhere to maximum load limits to ensure safety and longevity of the product.
| Surface | Maximum Load |
| Frame Shelf (distributed) | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Top of Frame | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Drawer (each, fully extended) | 22 lbs (10 kg) |
WARNING! Do not exceed these weights. Place heavier items on lower shelves. The unit is not designed to be used as a work surface or to support TVs over a certain size without a dedicated TV bench.
Care & Maintenance
Proper care will maintain the appearance and function of your BESTÅ frame.
- Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth. Dry immediately. For tougher stains, use a mild soap solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or solvents.
- Protection: Use coasters under glasses and placemats under hot dishes to prevent damage to the surface.
- Moving: Empty the unit before moving it. Adjust feet upwards to avoid scratching the floor.
- Inspection: Periodically check that all screws and wall attachments are tight.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Frame is wobbly | Uneven floor, loose screws, not wall-mounted | Level with adjustable feet. Tighten all cam locks and screws. SECURE TO WALL. |
| Doors won't close properly | Misaligned hinges, frame not level | Adjust hinge screws. Ensure frame is level. |
| Drawer sticks or is uneven | Misaligned runners, overloaded | Adjust runner position on frame. Check weight limit. |
| Back panel bulging | Not fully seated in grooves | Disassemble slightly, ensure panel is correctly inserted into all grooves before final tightening. |
| Cam lock won't tighten | Cross-threaded or stripped | Loosen completely, realign parts, and try again. If damaged, contact IKEA for replacement part. |
Warranty & Support
This IKEA product is covered by a limited warranty. Refer to the IKEA warranty terms included with your purchase or available at IKEA stores and www.IKEA.com.
Missing Parts or Need Help?
- Online: Visit www.IKEA.com for assembly guides, spare parts, and contact information.
- Phone: Contact IKEA customer support at 1-888-888-4532.
- In Store: Bring your receipt and product information to the Returns & Exchanges desk.
Recycling: At end of life, disassemble and recycle materials according to local regulations.
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