ᐅ Kallax shelving unit tips over despite being secured to the wall – has anyone experienced this?
Created on: 2 Oct 2020 09:37
A
agustinHello everyone,
I recently purchased a Kallax shelving unit from Ikea, and despite properly securing it to the wall, it still occasionally tips over. The mounting was done according to the instructions, using the included anchors and screws directly into the solid wall. I attached the brackets at several points on the back panel and also made sure the screws are tight. Still, the shelf seems somewhat unstable, especially when I apply weight to one side.
Has anyone had similar experiences? What could be the reasons for tipping despite wall mounting? I’m asking because I’m unsure whether I need to adjust the mounting method or if the type of wall might be a factor. The wall is concrete, not drywall.
I would really appreciate it if someone could share their experiences or offer advice on handling the Kallax unit with similar issues. Thank you in advance!
I recently purchased a Kallax shelving unit from Ikea, and despite properly securing it to the wall, it still occasionally tips over. The mounting was done according to the instructions, using the included anchors and screws directly into the solid wall. I attached the brackets at several points on the back panel and also made sure the screws are tight. Still, the shelf seems somewhat unstable, especially when I apply weight to one side.
Has anyone had similar experiences? What could be the reasons for tipping despite wall mounting? I’m asking because I’m unsure whether I need to adjust the mounting method or if the type of wall might be a factor. The wall is concrete, not drywall.
I would really appreciate it if someone could share their experiences or offer advice on handling the Kallax unit with similar issues. Thank you in advance!
S
sancamille2 Oct 2020 11:20Hi,
check whether the anchors are properly installed and not too small. Concrete requires heavy-duty anchors, not just standard anchors. Also important: the fixing points must be sufficiently distributed, with at least four screws for a stable Kallax. If that is not enough, additional anchoring into the floor can help.
check whether the anchors are properly installed and not too small. Concrete requires heavy-duty anchors, not just standard anchors. Also important: the fixing points must be sufficiently distributed, with at least four screws for a stable Kallax. If that is not enough, additional anchoring into the floor can help.
F
Friedrich2 Oct 2020 15:46I can understand why this makes you uneasy, as a Kallax unit should not become a safety hazard but rather be practical and stable for everyday use. Something similar happened to me: despite securing the shelf to the wall, it still felt wobbly, which made me doubt it at first.
It’s also possible that the way the weight is distributed in the shelf was underestimated. Have you placed heavy items only on one side? An uneven center of gravity can increase the risk of tipping.
sancamille schrieb:I can only confirm this – at first, I only used the included wall plugs, which were too weak for my drywall. Later, I used stronger hardware, and the shelf was much more stable.
check if the wall plugs really fit properly and are not too small
It’s also possible that the way the weight is distributed in the shelf was underestimated. Have you placed heavy items only on one side? An uneven center of gravity can increase the risk of tipping.
Hello agustin,
I’ve read through your problem and can imagine how frustrating it must be, especially since the Kallax is generally considered quite sturdy. Your note that the mounting was done according to the instructions is already very helpful.
It is important to carefully consider the wall structure. For concrete walls, using heavy-duty anchors is definitely the right approach. Even more crucial, however, is the proper arrangement of the mounting points. The standard solution often includes only two brackets for the upper back, which may be suboptimal for larger Kallax models.
I would recommend adding additional brackets in the middle, besides the upper corner mounts, to secure the shelving unit evenly. Also, check whether the unit has a stable base on the floor—sometimes a slight fix or a wedge can help if the floor isn’t completely level.
As
If you want, I can explain in more detail how to expand and reinforce the mounting—just let me know.
I’ve read through your problem and can imagine how frustrating it must be, especially since the Kallax is generally considered quite sturdy. Your note that the mounting was done according to the instructions is already very helpful.
It is important to carefully consider the wall structure. For concrete walls, using heavy-duty anchors is definitely the right approach. Even more crucial, however, is the proper arrangement of the mounting points. The standard solution often includes only two brackets for the upper back, which may be suboptimal for larger Kallax models.
I would recommend adding additional brackets in the middle, besides the upper corner mounts, to secure the shelving unit evenly. Also, check whether the unit has a stable base on the floor—sometimes a slight fix or a wedge can help if the floor isn’t completely level.
As
Friedrich schrieb:. Maybe try to distribute the load as evenly as possible.
an uneven center of gravity can encourage tipping
If you want, I can explain in more detail how to expand and reinforce the mounting—just let me know.
Hey agustin and readers 😉
The Kallax is really a nice shelf, but if it wobbles, it can be very annoying. From my experience: sometimes the shelf feels like it's on a tiny carousel because either the wall is slightly uneven or the floor isn’t completely flat.
One more thing: if you have kids or pets who might push or pull on the shelf, an additional floor anchor might be worth considering. Just so you don’t get stuck under the shelf 😉
In any case, stay calm, a bit of tinkering is worth it. And if you want to realign the shelf, maybe use a small spirit level for accurate leveling. That’s what I did, and my Kallax hasn’t been dancing on the hardwood floor since! 🙂
The Kallax is really a nice shelf, but if it wobbles, it can be very annoying. From my experience: sometimes the shelf feels like it's on a tiny carousel because either the wall is slightly uneven or the floor isn’t completely flat.
Josan schrieb:That worked wonders for me. I used small wooden furniture wedges – they are cheaper than new wall plugs and easy to install if the shelf starts tipping forward.
a slight fix or a wedge if the floor isn’t perfectly level
One more thing: if you have kids or pets who might push or pull on the shelf, an additional floor anchor might be worth considering. Just so you don’t get stuck under the shelf 😉
In any case, stay calm, a bit of tinkering is worth it. And if you want to realign the shelf, maybe use a small spirit level for accurate leveling. That’s what I did, and my Kallax hasn’t been dancing on the hardwood floor since! 🙂
A
AUSTINREN4 Oct 2020 07:05In summary, the following approach is recommended to improve the stability of Kallax shelves despite wall mounting:
1. Check anchors and fixing materials: For concrete walls, use heavy-duty anchors with the appropriate temperature and load specifications. The anchors included in the standard package are often too weak.
2. Optimize the number and position of fixing points: Distributing the bracket fixings at multiple points, especially in the center and near the edges, prevents tipping movements.
3. Load distribution: Weights on the shelf should be distributed as evenly as possible to avoid leverage effects.
4. Check the floor level: Unevenness can be compensated with furniture shims or rubber pads.
5. Optional: Additional securing methods, such as floor fixings, if feasible and sensible.
Taking these points into account usually addresses the main causes of Kallax tipping. A methodical approach, starting with verifying the fixing materials and their distribution, is recommended.
1. Check anchors and fixing materials: For concrete walls, use heavy-duty anchors with the appropriate temperature and load specifications. The anchors included in the standard package are often too weak.
2. Optimize the number and position of fixing points: Distributing the bracket fixings at multiple points, especially in the center and near the edges, prevents tipping movements.
3. Load distribution: Weights on the shelf should be distributed as evenly as possible to avoid leverage effects.
4. Check the floor level: Unevenness can be compensated with furniture shims or rubber pads.
5. Optional: Additional securing methods, such as floor fixings, if feasible and sensible.
Taking these points into account usually addresses the main causes of Kallax tipping. A methodical approach, starting with verifying the fixing materials and their distribution, is recommended.
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