Grundtal Rails from IKEA

For the house that lacks ample counter space – or for the foodies who have too much stuff

IKEA’s Grundtal Series provides sleek, modern style for organizing your kitchen and a Grundtal Rail serves as the foundation to the system.  This stainless steel rail supports numerous organizer accessories.  

The rail is round (approximately 3/4 inch) and is available in three different lengths: 20 7/8 inches, 31 ½ inches and 47 ¼ inches.  It's supported by end mounts that hold the rail out 2 1/8 inches.  This is easy to assemble.  Fasteners are not included - walls require different mounting hardware and you'll need to select a fastener suitable for your walls.  Grundtal’s system strongly relies upon their product-specific S-hooks and while they have a variety of gadgets in the system, everyone will want multiple hooks for hanging just about anything.

I have two Grundtal Rails.  In my previous house they supported large S-hooks, a spice rack and a paper towel holder.  In my current house they support the S-hooks and a Cutlery Caddy, but the series also includes a wall rack/dish drainer combination and a dish drainer. One of my racks holds dog towels close to the back door (for when our furry friends come inside soaked and muddy) and a few other kitchen items.  The second is above the counter but under the cabinet and holds frequently-used kitchen gadgets and garlic. Pan lids fit behind this for storage if wanted or you can hang oven mitts or dishtowels from the hooks.   

It's easy to clean with a damp cloth and non-abrasive detergent. I usually wipe this clean with warm water unless it has been splattered by cooking oil and then a little dish detergent on my cloth works fine.  Wipe off any detergent and dry with a clean cloth. 

My Grundtal Rail and accessories will travel with us to our next house. They have endured one cross-country move, they’ve been installed in two houses, and they remain scratch free.  What I really appreciate is that this system is timeless. My first rail was picked up at an IKEA store in the Chicago area in 2006. Today, in 2014, I can find replacement accessories without concern that designs have changed.

Mud puppy often requires having
quick access to mud towels

What I'm Saying: While the lines are sleek, they complement any design style. They worked fine in my old Victorian house and today, they look perfect in my much more contemporary house. They organize my cluttered kitchen leaving counter space open for the toaster, coffeemaker and various other small kitchen appliances in addition to leaving work space for food prep. Opinions vary considerably when discussing IKEA products - people love or hate the shopping experience as well as the products.  When shopping for affordable, contemporary sleek products for organizing the kitchen my first stop is always IKEA, or at least a trip to their website. The Grundtal series has proven a reliable and affordable way to organize my kitchen as well as the laundry and mud room. 

Plus: No longer available through only IKEA, Sleek, Affordable, Parts remain current and replaceable, Encourages organization and self-expression

Minus: Mounts are sold separately (but that's also thoughtful)