ᐅ Why do some BILLY doors no longer fit properly on the shelves?

Created on: 12 Jan 2021 08:37
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luju68
Hello everyone, I’ve noticed that some of the doors on my Billy bookcases no longer fit properly. Specifically, the doors don’t close smoothly, sometimes hang unevenly, or have too much gap on the sides. This issue mainly occurs with furniture that is a bit older or that I bought years ago but have recently ordered new doors for. I’m interested to know if others have experienced this problem and, more importantly, what the causes might be. Could it be a manufacturing issue, warping of the materials, or possibly a change in the door dimensions by IKEA? It would be great if someone could share their experiences or explanations.
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GIPAPO
13 Jan 2021 08:22
Basically, it often comes down to the installation. If the drill holes or anchors are slightly misaligned or the hinges are not positioned precisely, the door can wobble or fail to close properly. The same applies to inaccurate alignment when fitting the doors.
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luju68
13 Jan 2021 12:17
onMarcos schrieb:
IKEA has slightly modified the door profiles and hinges over the years.
Thank you for the detailed explanations; that clarifies a lot. How can you find out if the new doors are actually different? Are there official dimensions or diagrams from IKEA?
GIPAPO schrieb:
If the drill holes or dowels are slightly misaligned
I’m also wondering whether this is common or frequent with IKEA, or if it’s usually due to DIY or self-installation. It would be helpful if someone has experience with this or suggestions on how to best avoid such errors.
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onMarcos
14 Jan 2021 07:48
luju68 schrieb:
Are there official measurements or diagrams from IKEA?

IKEA does not publish detailed official dimension charts for individual door models. However, what you can do is:

1. Carefully measure the old door: height, width, thickness, and the distances between the hinge drill holes.
2. Unpack the new door and compare the same measurements.

In forums, it is often recommended to compare carefully before purchasing. If there are significant differences, it is worth contacting IKEA customer service directly. Sometimes they provide advice or alternative door models suitable for the specific shelving unit year.

Some DIY enthusiasts also create small adjustment or modification guides if the spacing differs slightly in some areas. Accurate measuring is always essential before ordering new doors.