IKEA Kitchen Suspension Rails – Click to Install
SUSPENSION RAILS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Exactly where and how to install the Ikea Suspension Rails seems to be one of the biggest hurdles when people decide to install their own Ikea kitchen.
At first, it may not seem to be a difficult task, but the problem is if it isn’t done in a certain way, factoring in several essential factors, what looks to be a “job well done” at first turns out to be “not that great at all” when we start hanging the cabinets.
In this post, I will share three things with you: two videos and a DIY guide, so hopefully, it will give you a better understanding of the suspension rail system and get your kitchen project started correctly.
In the first video, I will address a few critical issues with the instruction provided with the suspension rails and throw in a handful of valuable tips. You don’t want to miss out on those.
Next, in the second video, I will show you how to “stretch” the rails so you won’t have to add a few inches if a rail is too short to cover the whole wall. Don’t worry if I am a bit unclear; you will know what I mean when you watch the video.
Finally, you will find a DIY Guide that lets you, with a few clicks of your mouse, quickly find specific information about where to install the suspension rails in your kitchen.
I hope you will find it helpful, and if you have any thoughts or ideas on the topic of suspension rails, please leave a comment below.
Let’s get started.
1 - VIDEO: MASTERING SUSPENSION RAILS.
First things first. Please watch this video before you move on to the second video.
2 - VIDEO: SUPERCHARGE YOUR IKEA SUSPENSION RAIL INSTALLATION.
Next, another video. Please watch this video before you move on to the DIY Guide.
I recommend watching both videos on YouTube so you can save them for later.
3 - THE GUIDE. A FEW CLICKS IS ALL IT TAKES.
PICK YOUR PREFERENCE
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Please read before proceeding: Disclosure.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I take pride in promoting the tools and products featured on this website. If you choose to click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
It’s important to note that my recommendations are solely based on my personal experience with each tool or product. I genuinely find them helpful and valuable, and the commission is not the driving factor behind my endorsement.
I have tried and tested every single tool I recommend – no exceptions.
I encourage you to only invest in these tools or products if you genuinely believe they will contribute to your goal attainment.
Go Green and save batteries
This is the third laser level I bought since I started to install kitchens, and hopefully, the last. It uses the same battery as my power tools and can run for a long time on a full charge.
This one has a green laser light, making it much easier to see the lines in broad daylight.
It is not a cheap tool, though, but I would have saved quite a bit of dollars if I had bought it, to begin with, instead of purchasing more affordable options twice.
Since I use the laser for a lot more than just checking ceilings and hanging rails, it has been money well spent for me.
Put it up and forget about it.
Before digging in and spending money on this pole, I clipped my (first) laser to a few suspension rails resting on something high in the corner of the room. Sounds time-consuming and complicated, right? Well, it was.
Also, I had to figure out an alternative way to position the level when installing the last suspension rail.
Now, with this pole, I put it up in a favourable position, and it just sits there during the entire installation, allowing me to move my level up or down easily.
Hello Rannes,
I want to attach an Ikea suspension rail with screws through the beams, but there’s a beam every 60 cm. Is there a way to attach an additional screw that self-anchors when screwed into an underlayment panel where there’s no beam behind it? Do you have a tip for me?
Thanks for all the great videos.
I’m glad that you find the videos helpful.
For the lower rails, one screw into solid wall beam is sufficient if you add four legs to each cabinet.
For the upper cabinets, one screw per 60 cm may be enough it it really depends on how good a grip you get when you attach the rails. Sometimes I manage to have two screws per stud.
You can see the screws and anchors is use here:
https://kitchensbyrannes.com/screws-for-ikea-suspension-rails/
Hi Lars,
You sir, are a rockstar! Love your videos.
I have a question regarding hanging a rail for a third tier of cabinets. That is a smaller 15 inch cabinet on top of 40 inch upper cabinets. I was thinking to follow along with you videos to create a baseline from the floor mark your base rails around 32 3/16 depending on the floor, then add 60 inches to mark and set the upper rail. Following that I’m looking for the measurement to add the rail for the 15 inch cabinet above the 90 inch set. I’m thinking to set the 90 and 40 inch cabinets then add the rails for a better measurement, but that may create a difficult installation having cabinets in the way. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Doug
Hi Doug.
Thanks 👍
Easy, the top rail for the uppermost cabinet (15″) is sitting 15″ above the one for your 90″ pantry and 40″ wall cabinet. Remember to check that the rails are vertically lined up too.
LOL, I was expecting 14 6/8th.
i looked through your tool store and videos but i didnt see a link or description of the type of clamp you prefer for your intallation. if you could let me know on this board, i would appreciate it.
thanks for information. its very helpful
Hi Dave,
These are the ones I recommend. Not too long but plenty of clamping power.
https://amzn.to/3YH7kpj
Im installing these in a condo with concrete walls, what do you recommend?
Hi Alexandra. For concrete I recommend these: https://amzn.to/3z1IZA3 (affiliate link).
If your wall is concrete, a regular drill with hammer function won’t be sufficient. You will need something similar to this https://amzn.to/3T49LyD
If you don’t want to buy one, you cant rent one for a few days at your local hardware store or tool rental place.
Enjoying your channel and all the information you share regarding IKEA kitchen installation. We’re considering IKEA for a remodel. The rail system seems straightforward, however we are trying to find details about how much load the uppers can reasonably manage. Can you share your thoughts about how much weight upper cabinets are able to manage. Thank you.
Hi Damon.
I cannot say, as Ikea doesn’t provide this information.
I still have to hear about any Ikea wall cabinet falling off the wall if they are installed correctly i.e. with the suspension rail securely fastened to the wall.
Hello Lars,
I’ve received cabinets that will span an 8 foot wall. However IKEA sent rails that are only7 feet long . Is this usual.
Hi.
The rails doesn’t come any longer than 84 inches.
So you would need two, or to “stretch” it.
https://youtu.be/P_X0bqoB8rg