ᐅ How easy is it to convert an Ikea PAX wardrobe into a walk-in closet?
Created on: 6 Dec 2015 19:23
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WIELHELMHello everyone,
I am considering converting my existing Ikea Pax wardrobe into a walk-in closet. In my case, this involves connecting several Pax units to create a space that you can not only look into but also step inside. I am mainly interested in how straightforward this conversion actually is.
- What construction challenges are there when joining the individual Pax units?
- How does stability and structural integrity hold up if I use the wardrobes essentially as walls?
- Do I need to install additional reinforcements, or are the supplied fasteners sufficient?
- What tips and tricks are there for achieving a precise and aesthetically pleasing result?
I look forward to your experiences and insights! Thanks in advance.
I am considering converting my existing Ikea Pax wardrobe into a walk-in closet. In my case, this involves connecting several Pax units to create a space that you can not only look into but also step inside. I am mainly interested in how straightforward this conversion actually is.
- What construction challenges are there when joining the individual Pax units?
- How does stability and structural integrity hold up if I use the wardrobes essentially as walls?
- Do I need to install additional reinforcements, or are the supplied fasteners sufficient?
- What tips and tricks are there for achieving a precise and aesthetically pleasing result?
I look forward to your experiences and insights! Thanks in advance.
Hello WIELHELM,
Your project sounds exciting! I recently converted a PAX wardrobe into a small walk-in closet myself and can offer you some tips.
First, regarding the basic structure: You can easily place the individual PAX units side by side and screw them together using the original connectors. These are sufficient for a secure connection if the floor is level.
For stability, I strongly recommend:
- Securing the wardrobes to the wall, especially if they are used as partition walls.
- Additionally, you can install a sturdy tension batten or strip at the top to connect all the units. This greatly increases stability.
- If you want to create some kind of door opening or passage, make sure there are no heavy loads or hanging shelves in that area.
I also installed hooks and extra strips to securely attach clothing rods. Important: PAX units are modular components and not load-bearing construction elements, so avoid placing too much weight on individual units.
Conclusion: The conversion is feasible if the units are properly connected and stabilized. It becomes more complex if you want to turn the whole thing into a small room, as an additional drywall or plasterboard may be necessary.
Good luck! If you like, I can share my detailed approach with you.
Your project sounds exciting! I recently converted a PAX wardrobe into a small walk-in closet myself and can offer you some tips.
First, regarding the basic structure: You can easily place the individual PAX units side by side and screw them together using the original connectors. These are sufficient for a secure connection if the floor is level.
For stability, I strongly recommend:
- Securing the wardrobes to the wall, especially if they are used as partition walls.
- Additionally, you can install a sturdy tension batten or strip at the top to connect all the units. This greatly increases stability.
- If you want to create some kind of door opening or passage, make sure there are no heavy loads or hanging shelves in that area.
I also installed hooks and extra strips to securely attach clothing rods. Important: PAX units are modular components and not load-bearing construction elements, so avoid placing too much weight on individual units.
Conclusion: The conversion is feasible if the units are properly connected and stabilized. It becomes more complex if you want to turn the whole thing into a small room, as an additional drywall or plasterboard may be necessary.
Good luck! If you like, I can share my detailed approach with you.
RUBEN54 schrieb:
Some time ago, I converted a PAX wardrobe into a small walk-in closet myself and can share a few tips with you.That sounds really helpful, thank you! I always find it impressive when someone takes on a project like this. I’ve always been worried that such a conversion might quickly become unstable or look unappealing.
WIELHELM, do you already have an idea of how large your walk-in closet should be? I’d be very interested to know what dimensions you are aiming for and whether you’ve considered doors or some kind of room enclosure, for example.
It’s often a big step to design an open space with PAX elements. I think it’s good that you are already thinking about structural stability, because that is often overlooked.
RUBEN54 schrieb:
First, regarding the basic structure: You can easily place the individual PAX units side by side and screw them together using the original connectors. These are sufficient for a secure connection if the floor is level.I have some reservations about this: Just because the original connectors are adequate on a level floor doesn’t automatically mean they are suitable to serve as a load-bearing "wall" in a walk-in closet. PAX is a furniture module, not a building component.
I would recommend critically reviewing the structural integrity and, above all, the safety, and if necessary, reinforcing with additional stabilizing structures—ideally using materials designed for such loads.
WIELHELM schrieb:
Do I need to add extra reinforcements, or are the supplied fasteners sufficient?Definitely: Additional reinforcements are essential if you are building more than a simple wardrobe. I wouldn’t underestimate this, as it can become dangerous otherwise.
A purely modular PAX walk-in closet is also somewhat of a visual compromise. It might be worth considering complementing it with fixed walls or other materials.
I’m also interested to hear if anyone has experience with lighting and ventilation in such a walk-in PAX closet.
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