ᐅ What should I do if the back panel of the Pax wardrobe does not fit?
Created on: 22 Jul 2024 09:13
T
TarleoHello everyone,
I am currently facing an issue with my new Pax wardrobe: the back panel does not fit. More precisely, the wall where I wanted to place the Pax wardrobe is slightly uneven, and the back panel cannot be attached flush because it either falls short or does not rest properly on the sides. I have double-checked the measurements, and the back panel is the original Ikea part for this model, so it should fit properly.
My question is: What can I specifically do if the Pax back panel doesn’t fit? Are there any tricks to adjust or attach it differently without compromising the stability of the wardrobe? Or would it be better to look for an alternative solution?
I would be very grateful for practical advice and any experiences you have had with similar situations. Thank you!
I am currently facing an issue with my new Pax wardrobe: the back panel does not fit. More precisely, the wall where I wanted to place the Pax wardrobe is slightly uneven, and the back panel cannot be attached flush because it either falls short or does not rest properly on the sides. I have double-checked the measurements, and the back panel is the original Ikea part for this model, so it should fit properly.
My question is: What can I specifically do if the Pax back panel doesn’t fit? Are there any tricks to adjust or attach it differently without compromising the stability of the wardrobe? Or would it be better to look for an alternative solution?
I would be very grateful for practical advice and any experiences you have had with similar situations. Thank you!
Hello Tarleo,
These fitting issues with the Pax back panel happen quite often, and I completely understand your frustration. The first important step is to carefully check where the back panel does not fit: Is it the height, the width, or is the material warping? The back panels are usually made of thin hardboard, which can easily warp when exposed to moisture or improper storage.
My first step would be:
- Measure the actual internal dimensions of your cabinet carcass, specifically the groove where the back panel fits.
- Measure the back panel itself. Small tolerances can especially cause problems in older buildings with uneven walls.
If the back panel is too wide, it can be carefully trimmed with a fine saw, but be cautious—this must be done precisely, otherwise the stability may be affected.
Another option is not to attach the back panel fully with the nails Ikea provides, but rather to use individual sturdy screws with washers to secure the back panel at specific points. This can help if your wall has slight irregularities.
For long-term stability, it’s important that the back panel ensures the rigidity of the unit and is not left loose. Therefore, the connection with the carcass is crucial.
I’m interested: On what type of floor or base does your cabinet stand? And how large are the deviations exactly? This information will help provide more targeted advice.
These fitting issues with the Pax back panel happen quite often, and I completely understand your frustration. The first important step is to carefully check where the back panel does not fit: Is it the height, the width, or is the material warping? The back panels are usually made of thin hardboard, which can easily warp when exposed to moisture or improper storage.
My first step would be:
- Measure the actual internal dimensions of your cabinet carcass, specifically the groove where the back panel fits.
- Measure the back panel itself. Small tolerances can especially cause problems in older buildings with uneven walls.
If the back panel is too wide, it can be carefully trimmed with a fine saw, but be cautious—this must be done precisely, otherwise the stability may be affected.
Another option is not to attach the back panel fully with the nails Ikea provides, but rather to use individual sturdy screws with washers to secure the back panel at specific points. This can help if your wall has slight irregularities.
For long-term stability, it’s important that the back panel ensures the rigidity of the unit and is not left loose. Therefore, the connection with the carcass is crucial.
I’m interested: On what type of floor or base does your cabinet stand? And how large are the deviations exactly? This information will help provide more targeted advice.
Hello Tarleo,
I would like to add Filippo, as from my experience with Pax wardrobe installations, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Check the base panel and make sure the wardrobe is truly level. Unevenness in the floor often transfers to the back panel.
- In older buildings, walls can sometimes have irregular alignments. It helps to use small, self-adhesive felt pads or spacers behind the back panel to cushion it.
- If you need to adjust the back panel, fine sandpaper or an electric file can help to make small modifications.
- Make sure the back panel reaches all the intended fixing points on the sides. If it doesn’t, you can screw in additional small dowels or brackets on the inside, which won’t be visible but will add stability.
Also, I recommend not just reading the assembly instructions once but checking for newer versions or additional tips from Ikea—sometimes models have been updated.
Important: If the back panel really doesn’t fit at all, verify that you have the correct version for the wardrobe’s specific depth and width, as there are different versions.
What is the wall made of exactly? Is it a simple plaster wall, or something more complex like drywall (plasterboard) or irregularities caused by wood paneling? That would help with the adjustments.
I would like to add Filippo, as from my experience with Pax wardrobe installations, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Check the base panel and make sure the wardrobe is truly level. Unevenness in the floor often transfers to the back panel.
- In older buildings, walls can sometimes have irregular alignments. It helps to use small, self-adhesive felt pads or spacers behind the back panel to cushion it.
- If you need to adjust the back panel, fine sandpaper or an electric file can help to make small modifications.
- Make sure the back panel reaches all the intended fixing points on the sides. If it doesn’t, you can screw in additional small dowels or brackets on the inside, which won’t be visible but will add stability.
Also, I recommend not just reading the assembly instructions once but checking for newer versions or additional tips from Ikea—sometimes models have been updated.
Important: If the back panel really doesn’t fit at all, verify that you have the correct version for the wardrobe’s specific depth and width, as there are different versions.
What is the wall made of exactly? Is it a simple plaster wall, or something more complex like drywall (plasterboard) or irregularities caused by wood paneling? That would help with the adjustments.
Filippo schrieb:
I’m curious: What type of substrate is the cabinet standing on? And how large are the deviations exactly? That helps to give more precise advice. Thanks, Filippo, for the detailed answer! The cabinet is standing on a relatively level concrete floor, but the wall has a fairly rough old plaster finish. The deviations only occur in the last few centimeters at the back, where the cabinet body meets the wall plaster. The back panel itself is a bit too short in height, I estimate about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches). That makes it difficult to fit it in neatly.
Palenar schrieb:
What exactly is the condition of the wall? Is it a simple plaster wall, or something more complex like drywall (plasterboard) or unevenness caused by wooden paneling? That would help with the adjustments. It’s old plaster, partly a bit uneven, not drywall. I can imagine moisture might still play a role here; the material looks quite old. I’m also wondering if it’s possible to somehow extend the back panel, or if that’s just pointless... Does anyone have experience with something like this? I assume Ikea probably wouldn’t sell a replacement back panel that is longer?
There are no official Ikea back panels for the Pax system that vary in height. The back panel is specifically designed for the standardized dimensions of the cabinet.
If the back panel is actually 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) too short in height, extending it is not an option because the material is very thin and provides stability.
What would make sense:
- Compensate for uneven wall surfaces behind the back panel using a thin, flat wooden or plastic strip so that the back panel rests properly again.
- Alternatively, the back panel can be mounted with small spacers on the wall to solve the issue.
Cutting or extending the back panel is generally not recommended, as it compromises its function as a stabilizing element.
One more tip: Back panels are usually installed from the inside using small nails or clips. You can secure the back panel at several points and, if necessary, compensate for uneven spots on the wall rather than modifying the back panel itself.
If the back panel is actually 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) too short in height, extending it is not an option because the material is very thin and provides stability.
What would make sense:
- Compensate for uneven wall surfaces behind the back panel using a thin, flat wooden or plastic strip so that the back panel rests properly again.
- Alternatively, the back panel can be mounted with small spacers on the wall to solve the issue.
Cutting or extending the back panel is generally not recommended, as it compromises its function as a stabilizing element.
One more tip: Back panels are usually installed from the inside using small nails or clips. You can secure the back panel at several points and, if necessary, compensate for uneven spots on the wall rather than modifying the back panel itself.
Hello Tarleo,
I want to encourage you by saying: A fitting issue with the Pax back panel can usually be resolved without having to replace the entire back panel.
Often, pulling the cabinet slightly away from the wall helps, especially if the wall is uneven. This allows the back panel to sit properly against the cabinet, while any unevenness remains outside.
Other options include:
- Attaching a thin spacer strip (e.g., flat battens) to act as a buffer and keep the cabinet square.
- Using sturdy screws with washers to fix the back panel, instead of relying solely on nails.
It is also important to regularly check with a spirit level that your cabinet is standing straight, as tilted installation can worsen fitting problems.
If you like, I can also give you step-by-step tips on how I personally handle such situations.
I want to encourage you by saying: A fitting issue with the Pax back panel can usually be resolved without having to replace the entire back panel.
Often, pulling the cabinet slightly away from the wall helps, especially if the wall is uneven. This allows the back panel to sit properly against the cabinet, while any unevenness remains outside.
Other options include:
- Attaching a thin spacer strip (e.g., flat battens) to act as a buffer and keep the cabinet square.
- Using sturdy screws with washers to fix the back panel, instead of relying solely on nails.
It is also important to regularly check with a spirit level that your cabinet is standing straight, as tilted installation can worsen fitting problems.
If you like, I can also give you step-by-step tips on how I personally handle such situations.
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