ᐅ Why do the shelves in BILLY bookcases sometimes lose their shape?
Created on: 26 May 2016 14:23
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DajosiaHello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: why do the shelves of the popular BILLY bookcases from IKEA sometimes lose their shape?
I have noticed that especially with longer shelves or when they are loaded with a bit more weight, a slight sagging often occurs. It often seems as if the shelves permanently warp or even sag slightly, which of course affects the stability and appearance of the bookcase.
I’m wondering if the material of the shelves, the thickness used, or perhaps the way the bookcases are assembled play a role here?
Are there common causes for this issue or known weak points that should be taken into account when using or assembling them?
I would be very grateful for a professional and well-informed response or any tips on how to avoid this problem as much as possible!
I have noticed that especially with longer shelves or when they are loaded with a bit more weight, a slight sagging often occurs. It often seems as if the shelves permanently warp or even sag slightly, which of course affects the stability and appearance of the bookcase.
I’m wondering if the material of the shelves, the thickness used, or perhaps the way the bookcases are assembled play a role here?
Are there common causes for this issue or known weak points that should be taken into account when using or assembling them?
I would be very grateful for a professional and well-informed response or any tips on how to avoid this problem as much as possible!
Hello Dajosia,
In response to your very good and detailed question, I would like to provide some technical background that can explain the issue with sagging shelves.
BILLY shelves are typically made from stress-free, thin particleboard, which is reasonably sturdy but inherently has some flexibility due to its material properties. The standard depth is approximately 28 cm (11 inches), and the thickness is usually about 16 mm (0.63 inches) – this means that with longer shelves (> 70 cm (28 inches)) and higher loads, the structural support may not always be sufficient to completely prevent bending.
Additionally, the type of load is crucial: If the weight is not evenly distributed or heavy items are placed in specific spots on the shelf, the sagging increases significantly.
To help the shelves maintain their shape as long as possible, it is important to install them correctly by using the side panels as supports for the long edges and distributing the load over a broad area. For longer shelves, you might consider additional supports or reinforcements such as metal brackets.
My question for you is: How long are your shelves, and what exactly is stored on them? Have you fixed the shelving unit directly to a wall, or is it freestanding?
In response to your very good and detailed question, I would like to provide some technical background that can explain the issue with sagging shelves.
BILLY shelves are typically made from stress-free, thin particleboard, which is reasonably sturdy but inherently has some flexibility due to its material properties. The standard depth is approximately 28 cm (11 inches), and the thickness is usually about 16 mm (0.63 inches) – this means that with longer shelves (> 70 cm (28 inches)) and higher loads, the structural support may not always be sufficient to completely prevent bending.
Dajosia schrieb:This is because the material is naturally hygroscopic – it absorbs moisture from the air and thereby slightly changes its physical properties. Depending on whether the environment becomes more humid or dry, the shelf can expand or contract.
It often seems as if the shelves permanently warp or even sag slightly
Additionally, the type of load is crucial: If the weight is not evenly distributed or heavy items are placed in specific spots on the shelf, the sagging increases significantly.
To help the shelves maintain their shape as long as possible, it is important to install them correctly by using the side panels as supports for the long edges and distributing the load over a broad area. For longer shelves, you might consider additional supports or reinforcements such as metal brackets.
My question for you is: How long are your shelves, and what exactly is stored on them? Have you fixed the shelving unit directly to a wall, or is it freestanding?
Hello Dajosia and everyone interested,
I would like to revisit the basics because this topic is very common: BILLY shelves are made of laminated particleboard, the panels are relatively thin and designed for a certain minimum load.
When the shelves are longer, around 80 cm (31.5 inches) or more, the deflection increases significantly depending on the load weight. This often happens because the supporting side panels only hold the shelves at the short ends.
This is an important point because, especially in variable environments with high humidity, the risk of warping is greater. Additionally, heat and improper storage further promote deformation.
One way to counteract this is to provide central pillar support or use special shelf brackets that support the board. Also, keeping heavy books or items as close to the side panels as possible often helps.
No worries, you can still use BILLY shelves effectively if you keep the weight and distribution in mind and add small reinforcements.
One more question: Is your shelf heavily loaded? And what is the humidity like in your home?
I hope these explanations help!
I would like to revisit the basics because this topic is very common: BILLY shelves are made of laminated particleboard, the panels are relatively thin and designed for a certain minimum load.
When the shelves are longer, around 80 cm (31.5 inches) or more, the deflection increases significantly depending on the load weight. This often happens because the supporting side panels only hold the shelves at the short ends.
deoke schrieb:
The material is naturally hygroscopic – it absorbs moisture from the air and thereby slightly changes its physical properties.
This is an important point because, especially in variable environments with high humidity, the risk of warping is greater. Additionally, heat and improper storage further promote deformation.
One way to counteract this is to provide central pillar support or use special shelf brackets that support the board. Also, keeping heavy books or items as close to the side panels as possible often helps.
No worries, you can still use BILLY shelves effectively if you keep the weight and distribution in mind and add small reinforcements.
One more question: Is your shelf heavily loaded? And what is the humidity like in your home?
I hope these explanations help!
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