ᐅ Has anyone had experience using foam rubber as a non-slip solution for the KALLAX?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering how to better secure my IKEA KALLAX shelf units against slipping. I came across the idea of using foam rubber as an anti-slip solution under the feet or shelves of the KALLAX units. My question to you is: Has anyone had practical experience using foam rubber as an anti-slip material specifically for KALLAX shelves? How well does the material adhere to laminate or hardwood flooring? Is it durable and does it provide enough grip to keep the shelf stable even under heavier loads? Any advice or tips on thickness, adhesive, or alternatives are also welcome. Thanks in advance for your input!

Hey Renpra!

It’s great that you want to try foam rubber! 🙂 I used it under the feet of my KALLAX shelf and I can say: it works really well! I used to have the problem that the shelf would slip easily on my smooth laminate floor, but with foam rubber, it doesn’t move at all anymore.

I used foam rubber about 3mm (0.1 inch) thick, which is a good thickness for anti-slip without raising the shelf noticeably. It was important for me to clean the surface thoroughly beforehand so the adhesive would stick properly. The adhesive has held perfectly for over 6 months now, and I haven’t had any slipping since. I can only encourage you to give it a try – it’s definitely worth it! :-)

Thank you for the question, Renpra, this is very relevant for me as I’m also considering it.

I’ve already attached anti-slip pads under the feet of my KALLAX, but I haven’t tried the original cork rubber yet. Since I have laminate flooring, I’m especially wondering if the cork rubber might have any long-term negative effects on the floor or possibly leave stains. Have you noticed anything like that, or do others perhaps have any insights?

I’m also interested in how the grip actually works, especially if you need to move the shelf occasionally. Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hello everyone,

Regarding the use of foam rubber as an anti-slip solution: foam rubber is generally a suitable material because it has a soft surface that provides good grip on smooth floors. However, it is important to pay attention to quality – some cheaper versions may crumble over time or lose their resilience.

For use under the KALLAX, I recommend a thickness of about 2-4 mm (0.08-0.16 inches), which has proven to be a good balance between stability and flexibility. For adhesion, contact adhesive based on silicone or special mounting tape that is water- and aging-resistant are suitable.

Concerning durability: the foam rubber should be checked occasionally, and damaged areas can then be replaced quickly. It can work very well on laminate and hardwood flooring, but it is worth testing a small area first to ensure no discoloration occurs.

todunar schrieb:
I used about 3mm (1/8 inch) thick foam rubber, which is a good thickness for anti-slip purposes ... It was important for me to thoroughly clean the surface beforehand ... the adhesive has now held up great for over 6 months

That really sounds like a practical solution! I think it’s great when you can rely on natural or simple materials that are easy to apply yourself.

Renpra, have you considered whether to stick the foam rubber just under the feet, or maybe also inside the shelving unit for stabilization and additional slip resistance? I’ve noticed with my furniture that sometimes it helps to place small anti-slip mats inside on the sides, especially if the shelf is positioned in a corner or against a wall, to prevent sideways movement.

EVA foam as an anti-slip material for KALLAX is an interesting idea, but in my opinion, the load and type of use should also be considered. For example, if the shelf is filled with many heavy books or boxes, EVA foam can work; however, the durability of the material depends on the pressure and tribology, meaning friction and wear.

I would recommend also looking at specialized anti-slip pads for furniture feet, which are often made of SBR rubber or similar materials, as these are designed more professionally for such applications. Nevertheless, EVA foam can be an affordable and easy-to-source alternative, especially for smaller KALLAX components.