ᐅ KALLAX shelving unit splitting at the joints – what can be done?
Created on: 18 Jun 2021 09:17
M
mikolaj
Hello everyone,
A few weeks ago, I bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA, and unfortunately, I noticed today that it appears to be splitting or developing small cracks at several connection points. Especially where the individual boards are screwed or joined together, the wood seems swollen in some areas, and there are also small chips in some places.
The shelf is neither exposed to direct sunlight nor to moisture. The load is fairly moderate, just normal books and decorative items.
Has anyone experienced similar problems? What could be the cause, and how can this be effectively and permanently repaired or prevented?
I would really appreciate any advice, as the furniture is otherwise very practical and visually appealing, but of course, it’s frustrating when it shows damage.
Thanks in advance!
A few weeks ago, I bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA, and unfortunately, I noticed today that it appears to be splitting or developing small cracks at several connection points. Especially where the individual boards are screwed or joined together, the wood seems swollen in some areas, and there are also small chips in some places.
The shelf is neither exposed to direct sunlight nor to moisture. The load is fairly moderate, just normal books and decorative items.
Has anyone experienced similar problems? What could be the cause, and how can this be effectively and permanently repaired or prevented?
I would really appreciate any advice, as the furniture is otherwise very practical and visually appealing, but of course, it’s frustrating when it shows damage.
Thanks in advance!
Hello Mikolaj,
I’m happy to give you a detailed overview of the best approach to deal with your issue of splitting joints on the KALLAX shelving unit.
1. Cause Analysis:
- Cracks or splits at joints usually result from a combination of stress and material tension.
- Particleboard is sensitive to moisture; even small amounts can cause swelling.
- Over-tightening the screws can also stress the material, leading to damage.
2. Repair Suggestions:
- Loosen the screws and carefully remove or reposition the screw holes if possible.
- Fill cracks with waterproof wood glue or wood filler that is compatible with particleboard.
- Use clamps to hold glued areas in place during curing.
3. Prevention:
- Maintain a stable indoor humidity level (ideally 45-60%).
- Avoid placing excessive loads.
- Tighten screws gently, without applying excessive force.
I hope this helps you restore your shelving unit. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
I’m happy to give you a detailed overview of the best approach to deal with your issue of splitting joints on the KALLAX shelving unit.
1. Cause Analysis:
- Cracks or splits at joints usually result from a combination of stress and material tension.
- Particleboard is sensitive to moisture; even small amounts can cause swelling.
- Over-tightening the screws can also stress the material, leading to damage.
2. Repair Suggestions:
- Loosen the screws and carefully remove or reposition the screw holes if possible.
- Fill cracks with waterproof wood glue or wood filler that is compatible with particleboard.
- Use clamps to hold glued areas in place during curing.
3. Prevention:
- Maintain a stable indoor humidity level (ideally 45-60%).
- Avoid placing excessive loads.
- Tighten screws gently, without applying excessive force.
I hope this helps you restore your shelving unit. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
My addition to what LOJOPAR already wrote:
It is important that the glue is truly suitable for coated chipboard. Some adhesives can damage the surface or fail to hold permanently.
Additionally, I recommend applying a suitable sealant or paint after the repair, so the repaired area is less sensitive to moisture.
This will help prevent the cracks from reopening in the future.
LOJOPAR schrieb:
Filling cracks with waterproof wood glue or wood filler that is also compatible with chipboard.
It is important that the glue is truly suitable for coated chipboard. Some adhesives can damage the surface or fail to hold permanently.
Additionally, I recommend applying a suitable sealant or paint after the repair, so the repaired area is less sensitive to moisture.
This will help prevent the cracks from reopening in the future.
Thanks first of all for the many helpful responses.
I will start by checking the screws and loosening them if necessary.
The cracks are not very large, which indicates to me that the shelf is probably not seriously damaged, but of course I want a stable solution in the long term.
I’m 99% sure it’s not due to moisture, especially since the room is well ventilated and I haven’t noticed any significant fluctuations. Nevertheless, I will take a closer look at the area.
What about replacing individual boards? Would you recommend trying it myself or having a professional do it? I have some DIY skills but don’t want to risk making the shelf less stable.
I will start by checking the screws and loosening them if necessary.
The cracks are not very large, which indicates to me that the shelf is probably not seriously damaged, but of course I want a stable solution in the long term.
I’m 99% sure it’s not due to moisture, especially since the room is well ventilated and I haven’t noticed any significant fluctuations. Nevertheless, I will take a closer look at the area.
What about replacing individual boards? Would you recommend trying it myself or having a professional do it? I have some DIY skills but don’t want to risk making the shelf less stable.
mikolaj schrieb:
What about replacing individual boards? Would you recommend trying it yourself or having a professional do it?Good question!
Personally, I haven’t replaced any boards on my KALLAX shelving unit because I found it quite complicated to put everything back together correctly.
If you have some DIY skills and proceed carefully, you can certainly give it a try. It’s important to align all screw holes and joints precisely and avoid weakening the material further.
If you need to disassemble the shelf anyway, it might be a good opportunity to swap out any damaged parts.
Otherwise, some IKEA service points also offer replacement materials if you want to keep the shelf in its original condition.
I’d recommend trying small repairs first before replacing individual boards, as that’s usually quicker and more cost-effective.
Mikolaj, you can replace the boards, but only if you completely disassemble the shelf and then reassemble it carefully. Otherwise, the stability will be compromised.
Get new panels from IKEA or make replacement panels to fit. Always pre-drill the screws to prevent cracking.
Get new panels from IKEA or make replacement panels to fit. Always pre-drill the screws to prevent cracking.
In the art of DIY shelf board replacement, the rule is: Drill, drill, drill! Pre-drilling is the key. Without it, you risk splintering.
And while you’re at it, treat your shelf with a bit of care afterward – clean it thoroughly and apply some furniture polish 🙂 This will make it look like new!
And while you’re at it, treat your shelf with a bit of care afterward – clean it thoroughly and apply some furniture polish 🙂 This will make it look like new!
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