ᐅ What should I consider when installing Ikea PAX wardrobes in attic rooms?

Hello everyone, I am planning to install an Ikea PAX wardrobe in my attic and want to consider as many important points as possible beforehand to avoid any issues. My attic has a sloped ceiling with varying heights, and I am unsure how best to adapt or assemble the PAX wardrobe so that it stands securely and makes optimal use of the space. What specific factors should I take into account when installing an Ikea PAX in an attic, especially regarding anchoring, height, distance from the wall, and any slope? Are there common mistakes to avoid or special measures to ensure stability? Thanks in advance for your experiences and tips!

It is important to measure the slope precisely and only use cabinets that fit in that space. Always secure the PAX unit to the wall, even if it appears to stand securely. If space is tight, use the shorter frames or remove some shelves.

I’m happy to provide a simple structure to help ensure nothing is overlooked:

- Measurement: Don’t just measure the maximum room height; carefully measure the usable height along the slope as well.
- Adjustment: Ikea PAX offers different heights (201 cm, 236 cm); choose the smaller size if the ceiling slope is steep.
- Wall Attachment: The cabinet frames must be securely fixed to the wall to prevent tipping. Uneven floors, especially in attic spaces, can cause instability.
- Follow Assembly Instructions: When dealing with slopes, adjusting the frame or cabinet doors may be necessary, such as trimming doors or mounting them higher.
- Space Planning: Also consider the space needed to open the doors, which is often underestimated with sloped ceilings.

Common mistakes include placing the PAX unit directly against the slope without adjustment, not attaching it to the wall, and measuring the slope incorrectly, resulting in the cabinet being too tall or uneven.

It is advisable to also check the load capacity when fastening to the wall. Especially with rigid roof slopes, the walls may have lower load-bearing capacity, as they often consist of cladding or lightweight partition walls. Ideally, use anchors that are suited to the wall type. Additionally, it is recommended to roughly set up the PAX before final assembly and check the fit to identify any adjustments needed early on.

dopite schrieb:
Typical mistakes include placing the PAX unit directly against the sloped ceiling without adjustments, not securing it to the wall, and incorrect measurement of the slope, resulting in the wardrobe being too tall or uneven.

Thank you for the detailed response, dopite. How exactly can I adjust the wardrobe doors to fit the slope? Are there recommended methods for shortening the doors or repositioning the hinges without compromising the appearance? I have little experience with furniture modifications and would prefer to avoid any visible flaws.

When adjusting PAX doors to fit sloped ceilings, there are two common approaches:

- Shortening the doors: This is technically possible but requires precise cutting and finishing of the edges to achieve a clean result. Not every DIYer has the necessary tools or experience to make invisible cuts.

- Shifting or mounting the doors higher: You can install the hinges with spacers to compensate for the upper slope without shortening the door itself. This allows some flexibility, is reversible, and poses less risk to the appearance.

It is very important to measure carefully beforehand and, if in doubt, test-fit a sample door first.