Hello everyone,
I am currently rethinking the design of my bedroom and am particularly interested in the IKEA Pax wardrobe systems. My main question is: Which IKEA Pax models are considered especially stable and durable, especially when the system is used over a long period and loaded with a lot of content? I have read that stability mainly depends on the depth (35 cm (14 inches) vs. 58 cm (23 inches)) and the specific side panels, but I am unsure if there are really significant differences between the various versions. I would also like to learn about experiences regarding durability with frequent opening and closing, as well as additional fittings such as drawers or internal pull-outs. Who has tips or concrete practical experience with the most robust Pax models for everyday use? Thanks in advance!
I am currently rethinking the design of my bedroom and am particularly interested in the IKEA Pax wardrobe systems. My main question is: Which IKEA Pax models are considered especially stable and durable, especially when the system is used over a long period and loaded with a lot of content? I have read that stability mainly depends on the depth (35 cm (14 inches) vs. 58 cm (23 inches)) and the specific side panels, but I am unsure if there are really significant differences between the various versions. I would also like to learn about experiences regarding durability with frequent opening and closing, as well as additional fittings such as drawers or internal pull-outs. Who has tips or concrete practical experience with the most robust Pax models for everyday use? Thanks in advance!
Hello doan8,
When it comes to stability in Pax wardrobes, models with the greater depth (58 cm / 23 inches) are generally more stable than the shallower 35 cm (14 inches) versions because they often come with sturdier back panels and side reinforcements due to order specifications.
- The 75 x 236 cm (30 x 93 inches) tall Pax units with 58 cm (23 inches) depth have reinforced particleboard side panels and a continuous back panel, which provide increased stability.
- For additional support, it is very important to always secure the wardrobe to the wall (follow the assembly instructions).
- Feet can be optionally installed, which take the load off the floor and enhance stability.
For frequent use, I recommend furniture fittings with metal drawer slides, as they are more durable than plastic slides.
Drawers or internal pull-outs, if installed correctly, do not significantly affect stability; however, an even distribution of weight should be ensured.
In short: the solid basic structure is provided by the larger carcass with 58 cm (23 inches) depth, and careful wall attachment significantly improves steadiness.
When it comes to stability in Pax wardrobes, models with the greater depth (58 cm / 23 inches) are generally more stable than the shallower 35 cm (14 inches) versions because they often come with sturdier back panels and side reinforcements due to order specifications.
- The 75 x 236 cm (30 x 93 inches) tall Pax units with 58 cm (23 inches) depth have reinforced particleboard side panels and a continuous back panel, which provide increased stability.
- For additional support, it is very important to always secure the wardrobe to the wall (follow the assembly instructions).
- Feet can be optionally installed, which take the load off the floor and enhance stability.
For frequent use, I recommend furniture fittings with metal drawer slides, as they are more durable than plastic slides.
Drawers or internal pull-outs, if installed correctly, do not significantly affect stability; however, an even distribution of weight should be ensured.
In short: the solid basic structure is provided by the larger carcass with 58 cm (23 inches) depth, and careful wall attachment significantly improves steadiness.
Hello doan8,
Your question is very relevant because stability is crucial for a piece of furniture like the Pax wardrobe, which is designed for long-term use. I’d like to go into a bit more detail:
The Pax system is made from particleboard, with thickness varying depending on the model and depth. Models with a depth of 35 cm (14 inches) have thinner side panels than those with 58 cm (23 inches). Additionally, the thickness of the back panel is an important factor since it connects the entire structure.
The sturdiest models are usually 75 x 236 cm (30 x 93 inches) with a depth of 58 cm (23 inches). Here, the side panels are about 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) thick, while the shallower variants use panels around 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) thick. This significantly affects the load-bearing capacity.
When under load, especially the sides experience tension and compression forces, which can be better absorbed by thicker panels and an additionally reinforced back panel with horizontal braces.
When using internal drawers or hanging cabinets, the load on the base elements increases, which can negatively impact less stable models. Also, screw points for the interior components are often better designed in sturdier variants.
My advice: If you plan to store heavy clothes or many items, you should opt for the Pax version with 58 cm (23 inches) depth, pay attention to the special frame system, and don’t forget to securely and firmly fix the wardrobe to the wall.
Another option is to reinforce the wardrobe with metal brackets, especially if the location is subject to heavy use or if there are children in the household.
Could you please share approximately how much weight you intend to store and whether you prefer larger or smaller compartments? This way, I can give you more targeted advice on the interior fittings.
Your question is very relevant because stability is crucial for a piece of furniture like the Pax wardrobe, which is designed for long-term use. I’d like to go into a bit more detail:
The Pax system is made from particleboard, with thickness varying depending on the model and depth. Models with a depth of 35 cm (14 inches) have thinner side panels than those with 58 cm (23 inches). Additionally, the thickness of the back panel is an important factor since it connects the entire structure.
The sturdiest models are usually 75 x 236 cm (30 x 93 inches) with a depth of 58 cm (23 inches). Here, the side panels are about 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) thick, while the shallower variants use panels around 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) thick. This significantly affects the load-bearing capacity.
When under load, especially the sides experience tension and compression forces, which can be better absorbed by thicker panels and an additionally reinforced back panel with horizontal braces.
When using internal drawers or hanging cabinets, the load on the base elements increases, which can negatively impact less stable models. Also, screw points for the interior components are often better designed in sturdier variants.
My advice: If you plan to store heavy clothes or many items, you should opt for the Pax version with 58 cm (23 inches) depth, pay attention to the special frame system, and don’t forget to securely and firmly fix the wardrobe to the wall.
Another option is to reinforce the wardrobe with metal brackets, especially if the location is subject to heavy use or if there are children in the household.
Could you please share approximately how much weight you intend to store and whether you prefer larger or smaller compartments? This way, I can give you more targeted advice on the interior fittings.
Surela schrieb:
Could you also mention approximately how much weight you plan to store or whether you prefer larger or smaller compartments? That way I can give you more targeted advice on the interior layout.Thank you very much for the detailed reply, Surela! That’s already very helpful.
Regarding the weight: I plan to store about 40-50 kg (88-110 lbs) of clothing and some shoe boxes in the wardrobe—distributed across several shelves and drawers. It is important to me that the shelves don’t bend and the drawer slides work smoothly, especially for the larger models.
As for the compartments, I prefer a mix of tall sections for hangers and several shelf compartments. So, a few larger spaces alongside many smaller compartments and drawers. The stability should be particularly good in the lower section to support heavier loads on multiple levels.
How do the different models compare? Are there significant differences in shelf load capacity?
doan8 schrieb:
The stability should be really good, especially at the lower part, to support heavier loads across multiple levels.This fits well with the 58cm (23 inches) Pax variant, as the shelves there typically have a higher load capacity (up to around 30 kg (66 lbs) with optimal distribution) compared to the slimmer 35cm (14 inches) models.
Additionally, there are reinforcement brackets that can be mounted on top of the shelves. These significantly prevent sagging under heavy loads. I would recommend using them whenever you have heavier weights.
The drawer runners in Ikea Pax are generally designed to be sturdy, but you should pay attention to the metal runners, as they are more durable than the plastic versions. This will make daily use smoother.
If you plan to store very heavy items there, you can reinforce the lower part of the cabinet frame further—unless doing so makes the basic construction too large or expensive for you.
Similar topics