ᐅ Installing doors later into KALLAX units – any experience?

Hello everyone,

I have a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA that I would like to retrofit with doors to make the open storage space look tidier. Besides the general feasibility, I am especially interested in experiences regarding the attachment of the doors, which materials work best, and what to consider when choosing hinges.

Does anyone have tips or detailed instructions on how to install doors on a KALLAX module without damaging the unit or compromising its stability? I would also like to know if there are recommended alternatives to the original IKEA doors or if DIY solutions with suitable materials have proven successful.

Thank you in advance for your responses!

When retrofitting doors on KALLAX units, it is best to use strong hinges with screw fastening on thin wood.

Important: Pre-drill holes to prevent the shelf from splitting.

Alternative: Magnetic catches, if fixed doors are not required.

adelina31 schrieb:
Does anyone have tips or detailed instructions on how to attach doors to a KALLAX unit without damaging the shelf or compromising its stability?

For attaching doors to KALLAX, I recommend the following procedure:

1. Material choice: KALLAX sides and shelves are usually made of particleboard with a plastic coating, about 12-16 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) thick. It is best to use lightweight doors made of MDF or plywood to avoid putting too much strain on the unit.

2. Door mounting: The simplest and most stable method is to install so-called cup hinges (also known as concealed hinges), which you can fit directly into the door. The unit does not require large cutouts. The hinges are screwed into the shelf compartment with short screws.

3. Preparation: Pre-drilling is essential to prevent the shelf material from cracking. It is best to use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter.

4. Alternative fixing methods: Clamp-on magnetic catches or screw clamps can be used as holders if the shelf should not be damaged.

5. Stability: Make sure to mount the door so that the unit does not become misaligned. For larger doors, adding a stabilizing strip to the inside of the door can be helpful.

Do you happen to have a specific door size or material in mind? That would help tailor the instructions more precisely.

Laukau5 schrieb:
The simplest and most stable method is installing so-called cup hinges

I completely agree with that! Additionally, I would recommend using handles shaped like a bail pull, which are easy to grip and don’t look bulky. Especially with KALLAX, which often has a minimalist style, simple handles fit perfectly.

adelina31 schrieb:
if there are any recommended alternatives to the original IKEA doors

A very affordable and decorative alternative is lightweight glued-laminated wood panels that you can cut and paint yourself. This gives you complete creative freedom and often looks more high-quality than the original IKEA doors. And for DIY fans, it’s a really fun project :-)

A little tip: take your time marking out and pre-drill the holes to avoid cracking the surface. Otherwise, you might end up with unsightly chipping.

Looking forward to seeing what you create!