Hello everyone,
I am currently considering using a Kallax shelving unit from IKEA for my book collection and wondering if the shelves of the Kallax system are actually strong enough to hold many books. Most of my books are hardcover editions and quite heavy in some cases, including cookbooks with sturdy bindings.
The specific question is: Are the Kallax shelves suitable for storing books, and what is the maximum load capacity of each shelf in everyday use? Are there any experiences regarding how the shelves behave under long-term load (warping, risk of breaking, etc.)? I would prefer not to invest in a shelving unit that sags or gets damaged after a short time.
I look forward to your assessments and experience reports. Thanks in advance!
I am currently considering using a Kallax shelving unit from IKEA for my book collection and wondering if the shelves of the Kallax system are actually strong enough to hold many books. Most of my books are hardcover editions and quite heavy in some cases, including cookbooks with sturdy bindings.
The specific question is: Are the Kallax shelves suitable for storing books, and what is the maximum load capacity of each shelf in everyday use? Are there any experiences regarding how the shelves behave under long-term load (warping, risk of breaking, etc.)? I would prefer not to invest in a shelving unit that sags or gets damaged after a short time.
I look forward to your assessments and experience reports. Thanks in advance!
Hello Jenssi,
To properly address your question from a technical perspective, it is important to understand both the material composition of the Kallax shelves and their typical load limits. The Kallax shelves are usually made of a wood fiberboard with a white melamine coating, which provides high strength and abrasion resistance. The thickness of the shelf is about 16 mm (0.63 inches), which is already a solid thickness for shelving boards.
In practical tests and according to IKEA's specifications, the maximum load capacity is approximately 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per shelf without bending. It is important that the load is distributed as evenly as possible—books placed only on a small area of the shelf increase the risk of bending. For very heavy books like hardcover encyclopedias or cookbooks, it may be advisable to add additional shelves or spread the books across multiple compartments.
Another factor is the length/span of the shelf: standard Kallax compartments are about 33 cm (13 inches) wide, so the short span works in favor of the shelf’s ability to bear weight. Additionally, the shelves are locked into the Kallax structure, which adds extra stability.
May I ask how many books or what total weight you plan per compartment? Then I could advise whether the shelves will hold up well or if reinforcements might be needed.
To properly address your question from a technical perspective, it is important to understand both the material composition of the Kallax shelves and their typical load limits. The Kallax shelves are usually made of a wood fiberboard with a white melamine coating, which provides high strength and abrasion resistance. The thickness of the shelf is about 16 mm (0.63 inches), which is already a solid thickness for shelving boards.
In practical tests and according to IKEA's specifications, the maximum load capacity is approximately 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per shelf without bending. It is important that the load is distributed as evenly as possible—books placed only on a small area of the shelf increase the risk of bending. For very heavy books like hardcover encyclopedias or cookbooks, it may be advisable to add additional shelves or spread the books across multiple compartments.
Another factor is the length/span of the shelf: standard Kallax compartments are about 33 cm (13 inches) wide, so the short span works in favor of the shelf’s ability to bear weight. Additionally, the shelves are locked into the Kallax structure, which adds extra stability.
May I ask how many books or what total weight you plan per compartment? Then I could advise whether the shelves will hold up well or if reinforcements might be needed.
To complement bapar:
The Kallax shelves are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a melamine coating. According to technical data from IKEA, the officially allowed load capacity for the shelves is approximately 13 kg (29 lbs) when the weight is evenly distributed. This weight corresponds roughly to 20–25 average hardcover books.
Based on personal experience and several tests in different households, I can say that exceeding this load increases the risk of sagging. Prolonged overloading may ultimately cause irreversible damage that makes the shelf unstable.
Tip: If you plan to store very heavy or thick books, it is advisable to distribute the weight across several compartments or use additional shelves, which are available as accessories. Alternatively, shelves can be reinforced, but Kallax shelves are not designed for industrial-level loads.
Conclusion: Kallax shelves are well suited for normal use with books, as long as the 13 kg (29 lbs) per compartment limit is not significantly exceeded.
The Kallax shelves are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a melamine coating. According to technical data from IKEA, the officially allowed load capacity for the shelves is approximately 13 kg (29 lbs) when the weight is evenly distributed. This weight corresponds roughly to 20–25 average hardcover books.
Based on personal experience and several tests in different households, I can say that exceeding this load increases the risk of sagging. Prolonged overloading may ultimately cause irreversible damage that makes the shelf unstable.
Tip: If you plan to store very heavy or thick books, it is advisable to distribute the weight across several compartments or use additional shelves, which are available as accessories. Alternatively, shelves can be reinforced, but Kallax shelves are not designed for industrial-level loads.
Conclusion: Kallax shelves are well suited for normal use with books, as long as the 13 kg (29 lbs) per compartment limit is not significantly exceeded.
Hello Jenssi,
I would like to add my perspective. I have been using the Kallax shelves for several years, mainly as a bookcase. I have noticed that the shelves can slightly bow under very heavy loads, especially when many large hardcover books are placed on them.
In my experience, it is important that the shelves not only support the weight but are also carefully installed. If the components are not fitted precisely or the unit is placed on uneven flooring, this can affect the stability of the shelves.
I have also read that, if needed, a thin MDF board can be placed as an additional base on the shelves to better distribute the load. Whether this makes sense for your situation depends on your collection of books.
If you plan to place particularly heavy volumes on the upper compartments, I would recommend storing the heaviest books lower down – this reduces stress on the shelves and also increases the overall stability of the unit.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
I would like to add my perspective. I have been using the Kallax shelves for several years, mainly as a bookcase. I have noticed that the shelves can slightly bow under very heavy loads, especially when many large hardcover books are placed on them.
In my experience, it is important that the shelves not only support the weight but are also carefully installed. If the components are not fitted precisely or the unit is placed on uneven flooring, this can affect the stability of the shelves.
I have also read that, if needed, a thin MDF board can be placed as an additional base on the shelves to better distribute the load. Whether this makes sense for your situation depends on your collection of books.
If you plan to place particularly heavy volumes on the upper compartments, I would recommend storing the heaviest books lower down – this reduces stress on the shelves and also increases the overall stability of the unit.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Thank you in advance for the initial helpful responses.
To add some details: I currently own about 15-20 hardcover books per compartment, with an average total weight of around 12-14 kilograms (26-31 pounds). They mainly consist of literature, non-fiction books, and cookbooks, some of which are quite thick and heavy.
The shelf is used in the living room, so the load is permanent, and the books are often taken out and put back, meaning the shelf is regularly subjected to use.
bapar, regarding your offer: Do you think reinforcing the shelves would be advisable, or is the Kallax system capable of supporting this weight over longer periods without noticeable damage? Uneven loading is likely in my case, as I do not sort the books carefully.
I’m curious to see how long-term use will affect the shelf, as I am particularly interested in its durability over time.
To add some details: I currently own about 15-20 hardcover books per compartment, with an average total weight of around 12-14 kilograms (26-31 pounds). They mainly consist of literature, non-fiction books, and cookbooks, some of which are quite thick and heavy.
The shelf is used in the living room, so the load is permanent, and the books are often taken out and put back, meaning the shelf is regularly subjected to use.
bapar, regarding your offer: Do you think reinforcing the shelves would be advisable, or is the Kallax system capable of supporting this weight over longer periods without noticeable damage? Uneven loading is likely in my case, as I do not sort the books carefully.
I’m curious to see how long-term use will affect the shelf, as I am particularly interested in its durability over time.
Similar topics