Hello everyone,
Recently, I have read several reports and personal experiences describing a noticeable decline in quality in the new KALLAX series from IKEA. I am particularly interested in whether other users also feel that the workmanship and material quality have significantly decreased compared to previous models. Specifically, I am referring to the following aspects: warping of the panels, less stable joints, and the increasingly frequent transport damages, which I have also observed myself.
Are there any experiences in this forum that confirm or contradict this perception? How do you assess the overall situation, especially regarding value for money? Could it be that certain production years or manufacturing locations are affected differently? I look forward to your well-informed feedback.
Recently, I have read several reports and personal experiences describing a noticeable decline in quality in the new KALLAX series from IKEA. I am particularly interested in whether other users also feel that the workmanship and material quality have significantly decreased compared to previous models. Specifically, I am referring to the following aspects: warping of the panels, less stable joints, and the increasingly frequent transport damages, which I have also observed myself.
Are there any experiences in this forum that confirm or contradict this perception? How do you assess the overall situation, especially regarding value for money? Could it be that certain production years or manufacturing locations are affected differently? I look forward to your well-informed feedback.
Hello Pukatan,
I understand your concerns well, as I recently bought a new KALLAX shelf myself and was also somewhat disappointed at first.
My shelf had several chips on the edges that weren’t there before. In addition, the wood feels thinner and a bit less sturdy. On the other hand, I have heard that IKEA may have cut costs on some materials due to supply shortages and rising expenses. That could explain the issue.
I would be interested to know how strongly others are experiencing this, as it obviously affects both the durability and the overall feel of the furniture. However, we should also keep in mind that this is a mass-produced product, so some variation is probably inevitable. Still, I believe a certain basic level of quality is important.
I understand your concerns well, as I recently bought a new KALLAX shelf myself and was also somewhat disappointed at first.
Pukatan schrieb:
I am particularly interested in whether other users also feel that the workmanship and material quality have declined noticeably compared to previous models.
My shelf had several chips on the edges that weren’t there before. In addition, the wood feels thinner and a bit less sturdy. On the other hand, I have heard that IKEA may have cut costs on some materials due to supply shortages and rising expenses. That could explain the issue.
I would be interested to know how strongly others are experiencing this, as it obviously affects both the durability and the overall feel of the furniture. However, we should also keep in mind that this is a mass-produced product, so some variation is probably inevitable. Still, I believe a certain basic level of quality is important.
Hello everyone!
I do think the new KALLAX has that certain "meh, it’s okay" vibe. 😅 Of course, it’s no longer the old solid wood, but more like an MDF style.
That’s exactly what I noticed too! When you place old and new KALLAX parts side by side, you can immediately tell the difference.
But hey, for the price it’s actually alright, as long as you’re not planning to put it under heavy loads. 😉
I do think the new KALLAX has that certain "meh, it’s okay" vibe. 😅 Of course, it’s no longer the old solid wood, but more like an MDF style.
Henry schrieb:
The wood is thinner and a bit less sturdy
That’s exactly what I noticed too! When you place old and new KALLAX parts side by side, you can immediately tell the difference.
But hey, for the price it’s actually alright, as long as you’re not planning to put it under heavy loads. 😉
Hello everyone,
very interesting topic, thank you for the detailed observations.
To better assess the drop in quality with the new KALLAX series, I would like to address a few technical points. First, it is important to distinguish between the materials used: the latest generation seems to rely more on lower-density particle boards, which can affect strength and stability.
Another point is the joining technique. IKEA used to focus more on sturdy dowel joints, whereas the new models have more screw connections, which in some cases are not adequately sized to guarantee long-lasting stability.
I would be interested to know how exactly the wobbling shows up for you: is it a general issue or are there only isolated reports? And does anyone use the KALLAX in a structural manner, such as a room divider, and can report stability problems in that context?
very interesting topic, thank you for the detailed observations.
To better assess the drop in quality with the new KALLAX series, I would like to address a few technical points. First, it is important to distinguish between the materials used: the latest generation seems to rely more on lower-density particle boards, which can affect strength and stability.
Luke44 schrieb:This is confirmed by measurements of the board thickness. Additionally, the surface finishes are applied more thinly, which increases susceptibility to scratches.
The boards are thinner and the fit is worse.
Another point is the joining technique. IKEA used to focus more on sturdy dowel joints, whereas the new models have more screw connections, which in some cases are not adequately sized to guarantee long-lasting stability.
I would be interested to know how exactly the wobbling shows up for you: is it a general issue or are there only isolated reports? And does anyone use the KALLAX in a structural manner, such as a room divider, and can report stability problems in that context?
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