Hello everyone,
I have a question regarding the IKEA Brimnes shelves: I own a BRIMNES shelving unit that I have been using for a while, but I have noticed that the thin shelves bend slightly under heavier loads. Are there ways to reinforce the existing shelves without completely replacing them?
I am particularly interested in simple, practical solutions that are easy to implement and cause minimal damage to the material, while still significantly improving stability.
Has anyone here had experience with reinforcing BRIMNES shelves? For example, by attaching additional strips, metal brackets, or other DIY methods? What materials would you recommend?
Thanks for your tips!
I have a question regarding the IKEA Brimnes shelves: I own a BRIMNES shelving unit that I have been using for a while, but I have noticed that the thin shelves bend slightly under heavier loads. Are there ways to reinforce the existing shelves without completely replacing them?
I am particularly interested in simple, practical solutions that are easy to implement and cause minimal damage to the material, while still significantly improving stability.
Has anyone here had experience with reinforcing BRIMNES shelves? For example, by attaching additional strips, metal brackets, or other DIY methods? What materials would you recommend?
Thanks for your tips!
G
guillaume29 Jan 2017 10:03You can reinforce the shelves by attaching sturdy wooden strips (e.g., spruce or beech) to the underside of the shelves.
It is important to fasten the strips as close to the edges as possible to prevent bending. I consider metal brackets less effective because they mainly stabilize corners but not the surface.
Additionally, it is advisable to reduce the load on the shelf by distributing the weight evenly.
It is important to fasten the strips as close to the edges as possible to prevent bending. I consider metal brackets less effective because they mainly stabilize corners but not the surface.
Additionally, it is advisable to reduce the load on the shelf by distributing the weight evenly.
F
FABIAN_DEO30 Jan 2017 16:49Regarding the question "Is it possible to reinforce IKEA BRIMNES shelves afterwards?":
In general, reinforcing BRIMNES shelves is definitely possible but requires some basic DIY skills and the right materials. The shelves are typically made of particleboard with a decorative foil, which limits their load-bearing capacity and can cause sagging under heavy weight.
I recommend the following procedure:
- First, remove the shelves from the unit.
- Then, attach one or preferably two sturdy strips of solid beech or pine wood, measuring about 20-30 mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in height and 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches) in thickness, to the underside of the shelf using wood screws. These strips act as beams and significantly increase stiffness.
- Make sure the screws are not too long to avoid damaging the surface veneer.
- Alternatively or additionally, you can install a metal bracket on the back edge of the shelf to provide extra stability. However, this method generally offers less reinforcement compared to wooden beams along the entire underside.
Before you start, it’s important to know the expected load. By default, the shelves are designed for around 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). If you plan to place heavier or point-loaded items (e.g., books or devices), reinforcement is definitely worthwhile.
Could you provide more precise information about the shelf dimensions and how the support points are arranged? Are the shelves supported only by the side panels, or are there any central supports?
One final tip: when reinforcing your shelves, place the screws in spots that won’t be visible later, such as underneath the shelf panel. This way, the appearance stays neat.
In general, reinforcing BRIMNES shelves is definitely possible but requires some basic DIY skills and the right materials. The shelves are typically made of particleboard with a decorative foil, which limits their load-bearing capacity and can cause sagging under heavy weight.
I recommend the following procedure:
- First, remove the shelves from the unit.
- Then, attach one or preferably two sturdy strips of solid beech or pine wood, measuring about 20-30 mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in height and 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches) in thickness, to the underside of the shelf using wood screws. These strips act as beams and significantly increase stiffness.
- Make sure the screws are not too long to avoid damaging the surface veneer.
- Alternatively or additionally, you can install a metal bracket on the back edge of the shelf to provide extra stability. However, this method generally offers less reinforcement compared to wooden beams along the entire underside.
Before you start, it’s important to know the expected load. By default, the shelves are designed for around 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). If you plan to place heavier or point-loaded items (e.g., books or devices), reinforcement is definitely worthwhile.
Could you provide more precise information about the shelf dimensions and how the support points are arranged? Are the shelves supported only by the side panels, or are there any central supports?
One final tip: when reinforcing your shelves, place the screws in spots that won’t be visible later, such as underneath the shelf panel. This way, the appearance stays neat.
FABIAN_DEO schrieb:
The screws must not be too long to avoid damaging the veneer.This is an important point. I also recommend drilling pilot holes before screwing to prevent the chipboard from splitting.
Regarding reinforcement: The best method is to install wooden battens lengthwise under the shelves to increase bending stiffness. Using metal profiles is also possible, but be sure they are not too heavy and remain hidden.
If the shelf will bear a heavy load, an additional central support beam can help distribute the weight more evenly. However, this requires sufficient space in the shelf and that the design allows for it.
In summary: Stability can be significantly improved with appropriate reinforcements without compromising appearance or functionality.
Similar topics