Hello everyone, I have a question about the IKEA Pax wardrobe: Is it possible to install drawers later on in a Pax wardrobe that was originally purchased without drawers? It is important for me to know if there are official retrofit kits available for drawers, how easy the installation is, and whether I might need to replace or add parts such as special rails or support strips. I am also interested to know if the drawers can be positioned flexibly or if they have to be fixed strictly in predefined locations. Thanks in advance for your information and experiences!
Yes, you can retrofit Pax drawers. IKEA sells drawer inserts separately. It is important to choose the correct rails for your model. Installation is simple: clip the rails into the frame and insert the drawers. You can position the drawers fairly flexibly, as the rails can be attached to different holes in the frame.
As an addition: Retrofitting drawers into the Pax system is generally quite feasible. My advice: First check the frame depth and height of your Pax unit, as the drawer inserts and running rails come in different sizes.
- IKEA offers drawers in various depths (e.g., 35 cm (14 inches) and 58 cm (23 inches)).
- The rails must match the cabinet height and depth precisely; otherwise, the drawer will not slide smoothly.
- The rails are attached with screws into the pre-drilled holes in the carcass – careful alignment is crucial here.
What is often overlooked: If you don’t have a suitable back panel in the area where the drawer rails are installed, an additional support frame or reinforcements may be necessary.
If you retrofit drawers without replacing the doors, make sure the drawer fronts suit the style.
Conclusion: It’s straightforward if you have some DIY skills and use the correct parts.
- IKEA offers drawers in various depths (e.g., 35 cm (14 inches) and 58 cm (23 inches)).
- The rails must match the cabinet height and depth precisely; otherwise, the drawer will not slide smoothly.
- The rails are attached with screws into the pre-drilled holes in the carcass – careful alignment is crucial here.
What is often overlooked: If you don’t have a suitable back panel in the area where the drawer rails are installed, an additional support frame or reinforcements may be necessary.
If you retrofit drawers without replacing the doors, make sure the drawer fronts suit the style.
Conclusion: It’s straightforward if you have some DIY skills and use the correct parts.
Nabla64 schrieb:
The rails are screwed into the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet carcass – careful alignment is important here.This is an important note. There is no universal solution for retrofitting drawers in the Pax system, as the cabinet has different drilling patterns depending on the version. My advice would be:
- Check your exact Pax model (height, width, depth)
- Purchase the appropriate drawer inserts and rails for these dimensions
- Use the original IKEA mounting holes to ensure stability
- If drawer bottoms are missing, make sure to use original parts, as third-party accessories often do not fit properly
If you keep doors on your Pax, keep in mind that drawers are easier to operate with additional handles or push-to-open mechanisms.
In summary: Retrofitting is possible but requires careful planning and suitable parts; otherwise, you may experience misalignment and poor function.
Elijah42 schrieb:
You can position the drawers quite flexibly since the rails are attached to different holes on the frame.Thank you all, especially for your detailed post, Nabla64. I hadn’t considered the different depths and drill holes.
One more question: Does IKEA provide any guidelines or instructions for aligning the rails correctly? I want to avoid the drawers sticking or running unevenly. Is there anything specific I should keep in mind when retrofitting, for example if multiple drawers are going to be stacked?
I have relatively little experience with furniture assembly but want to make sure everything is stable and functional after retrofitting.
Similar topics