ᐅ What is the best way to install Ikea PAX wardrobes on uneven walls?

Hello everyone,

I am facing the challenge of installing several Ikea PAX wardrobes in a room with uneven walls. The issue is that the walls vary significantly – some are not straight, have dents, and slight inclinations. I am unsure how to best align and mount the PAX wardrobes so that they stand securely, appear flush, and do not leave visible gaps or affect stability.

So far, I have considered whether shims, wedges, or other aids could help level the units, or if fastening them to the wall might be problematic on one side. Maybe there are specific installation tips or techniques to level everything optimally.

Does anyone have experience with setting up and installing PAX systems on uneven walls? Which tools and materials should I rely on? And are there any adjustments I should consider before purchasing or during assembly?

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Hello amaro38,

I can recommend a structured approach to help you install your PAX wardrobes optimally on uneven walls:

- Measuring: First, carefully measure the irregularities on all affected walls using a spirit level and a protractor. Mark the highest and lowest points.

- Check the floor: The wardrobe base should not only fit well against the wall but also stand level on the floor. Measure any floor unevenness as well.

- Shims or wedges: Small wooden wedges or specially designed plastic shims work well to compensate for minor gaps and to stabilize the wardrobe. Make sure the shims are permanently non-slip, preferably made of rubber or with a rubber coating.

- Wall fixing: Ikea recommends securing PAX wardrobe units to the wall—in the case of uneven walls, this often means planning the drill holes with some spacing and possibly using flexible wall plugs that can accommodate small deviations.

- Connecting the modules: If you place several PAX wardrobes next to each other, connect them to prevent sliding or wobbling.

- Filling gaps: Sometimes it helps to fill small gaps between the wardrobe and the wall with acrylic sealant or filler to improve the overall appearance.

Common mistake: Simply bridging unstable spots without stabilizing the construction.

Summary: Measure, level, connect, fix.

Good luck with your assembly!

amaro38 schrieb:
I’m not sure how to best align and install the PAX wardrobes so that they stand securely, appear flush, and don’t have visible gaps or stability issues.

This challenge is quite common in older apartments or renovations where walls are no longer perfectly vertical or may bow inward slightly. Here is a detailed plan on how I would technically approach this:

- 1. Preparation: First, loosely assemble all PAX units together, but do not fully fasten them yet.

- 2. Level adjustment: Use a reliable spirit level (preferably a digital or laser level) to position the wardrobes exactly vertical before fixing them in place. To do this:

- Position the wardrobe roughly where it will stand.
- Measure the unevenness of the wall precisely at least at three points: bottom, middle, and top.
- Use wooden shims or spacers on the floor to compensate for initial level differences.

- If the floor is very uneven, the wardrobe base frame can be raised with an additional support frame.

- 3. Wall fixing with flexibility: Since walls are uneven, I recommend flexible wall brackets (e.g., L-brackets with elongated holes) so you can still fine-tune the wardrobe position later. Use appropriate anchors (e.g., expansion anchors or cavity wall anchors depending on the wall material).

- 4. Connect wardrobes: Join multiple PAX units together using the supplied connecting clips. This prevents single modules from tipping or shifting.

- 5. Visual adjustment: Larger gaps to walls can be concealed with acrylic sealant or silicone. For asymmetrical wall surfaces, beveling the side panels with narrow molding strips may help to visually even them out.

- Important: Avoid “quick fixes” like just lightly leaning the wardrobes without wall fixing. PAX wardrobes are tall and can tip over if not securely fixed, especially on uneven surfaces.

One more question for you: How severe are the wall irregularities? Are they only a few millimeters or several centimeters? This greatly affects the methods for compensation.

Domau0 schrieb:
Avoid “temporary solutions” like simply leaning the cabinets lightly without securing them to the wall. PAX wardrobes are tall and can tip over if they are not firmly fixed, especially on uneven surfaces.

I can only emphasize this. Safety when installing PAX is, in my opinion, the top priority. Additionally, I would like to point out the following:

- Before installation, check whether your anchors are suitable for the wall type (drywall, concrete, brick). This is often a stumbling block, especially in older buildings.

- If you have narrow gaps between the cabinet and the wall, it’s worth using slim wooden strips or skirting boards, which you can paint to match your walls or the cabinet. These visually cover unevenness and prevent dust accumulation.

- A practical tip: If you place several PAX wardrobes side by side, assemble them first on a level surface, such as a hallway floor, then move them together against the uneven wall. This makes it easier to align them correctly as a group.

- If you don’t have a digital tape measure, it’s worth borrowing a good-quality spirit level before installation that precisely shows 90 degrees.

- Finally: Patience when leveling really pays off so that the cabinets remain stable for years without issues and the doors do not stick.

I hope this helps!