Hello everyone,
I am planning to install the Ikea PAX wardrobe system in one of my damp rooms—specifically in the bathroom, which does not have a direct shower but is considered a damp room due to daily bathing and the resulting humidity. My main question is: Is the Ikea PAX system suitable for use in damp rooms?
I have read that furniture made from wood-based materials can generally cause issues because moisture can damage the material, cause swelling, or promote mold growth. However, I really like the PAX wardrobes because of their flexibility, modular design, and value for money.
Are there any experiences or insights regarding whether PAX with protected surfaces—such as lacquer or laminate—can withstand such an environment over the long term?
What about ventilation, distance from the wall, or special protective measures?
Thanks for your assessments!
I am planning to install the Ikea PAX wardrobe system in one of my damp rooms—specifically in the bathroom, which does not have a direct shower but is considered a damp room due to daily bathing and the resulting humidity. My main question is: Is the Ikea PAX system suitable for use in damp rooms?
I have read that furniture made from wood-based materials can generally cause issues because moisture can damage the material, cause swelling, or promote mold growth. However, I really like the PAX wardrobes because of their flexibility, modular design, and value for money.
Are there any experiences or insights regarding whether PAX with protected surfaces—such as lacquer or laminate—can withstand such an environment over the long term?
What about ventilation, distance from the wall, or special protective measures?
Thanks for your assessments!
Hey tausnu,
cool question! The PAX system isn’t specifically designed as moisture-resistant furniture, but I’ve used it myself in a bathroom – and it works if you keep a few things in mind:
- No water should collect, so avoid placing it directly under the shower.
- Good ventilation is essential; otherwise, it won’t last long.
- The surfaces are melamine-coated, so the wood won’t soak up water, but it’s not completely impervious either.
In short: yes, but with care. It’s a bit like a chameleon that adapts but doesn’t want to swim 😄
cool question! The PAX system isn’t specifically designed as moisture-resistant furniture, but I’ve used it myself in a bathroom – and it works if you keep a few things in mind:
- No water should collect, so avoid placing it directly under the shower.
- Good ventilation is essential; otherwise, it won’t last long.
- The surfaces are melamine-coated, so the wood won’t soak up water, but it’s not completely impervious either.
In short: yes, but with care. It’s a bit like a chameleon that adapts but doesn’t want to swim 😄
Hello tausnu,
I would like to answer your question in more detail: Wood-based panels like those used in PAX typically consist of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard, which are coated with a melamine finish. This coating protects against moisture but is not waterproof or vapor-tight.
In rooms with high humidity, that is, damp areas, furniture not specifically designed for these conditions is always at some risk:
- Swelling of the panels with prolonged moisture exposure
- Discoloration or peeling of the coating
- Mold growth in poorly ventilated spots
If you choose PAX, you should ensure that the cabinet does not come into direct contact with damp walls or water. I also recommend good ventilation in the room.
Some users report positive experiences with additional protective measures, such as transparent edge sealing or sealing joints.
Regarding the question of “suitability”: Ikea does not guarantee suitability for damp rooms or wet areas, but with caution, it can work.
I would like to answer your question in more detail: Wood-based panels like those used in PAX typically consist of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard, which are coated with a melamine finish. This coating protects against moisture but is not waterproof or vapor-tight.
In rooms with high humidity, that is, damp areas, furniture not specifically designed for these conditions is always at some risk:
- Swelling of the panels with prolonged moisture exposure
- Discoloration or peeling of the coating
- Mold growth in poorly ventilated spots
If you choose PAX, you should ensure that the cabinet does not come into direct contact with damp walls or water. I also recommend good ventilation in the room.
Some users report positive experiences with additional protective measures, such as transparent edge sealing or sealing joints.
Regarding the question of “suitability”: Ikea does not guarantee suitability for damp rooms or wet areas, but with caution, it can work.
L
LuMarcel4318 Mar 2015 10:21It’s interesting that many people here approach this topic quite casually.
That sums it up well. Melamine coatings are not waterproof by nature, especially at the edges where the material is exposed. Moisture attacks there first – specifically the inner core of the panel.
I would even say that “suitability” is hardly applicable. There are ways to improvise, but the basic material is not designed for damp rooms.
I consider that the only practical approach, but of course, you lose the advantage of an inexpensive system, which also has its limitations in durability.
Jackson schrieb:
The surfaces are melamine-coated, so the wood doesn’t absorb water completely, but they are not invulnerable either.
That sums it up well. Melamine coatings are not waterproof by nature, especially at the edges where the material is exposed. Moisture attacks there first – specifically the inner core of the panel.
I would even say that “suitability” is hardly applicable. There are ways to improvise, but the basic material is not designed for damp rooms.
Ianlau schrieb:
Some users report having good experiences with additional protective measures, such as transparent edge sealing or sealing treatments.
I consider that the only practical approach, but of course, you lose the advantage of an inexpensive system, which also has its limitations in durability.
Hello everyone,
I would like to go into more technical detail here, as the topic of moisture exposure for PAX deserves more attention.
PAX is mostly made from particleboard or MDF panels with a melamine resin coating. These layers are splash-proof and physically quite resistant to brief contact with moisture.
However, the mechanical connections of the components—usually dowel and screw joints—are vulnerable under constant moisture. Due to the expansion of the engineered wood from moisture absorption, the joints lose strength, which can lead to warped doors or even structural damage.
Additionally, the humidity in bathrooms often exceeds 60-70%. This is enough for surfaces to “sweat” over time, causing moisture to accumulate unnoticed in small pores and micro-cracks, which promotes mold growth.
If you still decide to use PAX in the bathroom, I recommend several precautions:
- Sealing edges with water-repellent varnishes or silicone, especially on the underside of shelves
- Maintaining sufficient distance from walls with condensation buildup (at least 2-3 cm (1 inch))
- Ensuring effective ventilation with air exchange (window or exhaust fan)
- Avoiding installation near showers where direct water splashes can occur
For very humid areas, I recommend at least furniture made of plastic, aluminum, or other moisture-resistant materials.
By the way, what is the exact humidity level in your bathroom, and are there radiators or ventilation units installed?
I would like to go into more technical detail here, as the topic of moisture exposure for PAX deserves more attention.
PAX is mostly made from particleboard or MDF panels with a melamine resin coating. These layers are splash-proof and physically quite resistant to brief contact with moisture.
However, the mechanical connections of the components—usually dowel and screw joints—are vulnerable under constant moisture. Due to the expansion of the engineered wood from moisture absorption, the joints lose strength, which can lead to warped doors or even structural damage.
Additionally, the humidity in bathrooms often exceeds 60-70%. This is enough for surfaces to “sweat” over time, causing moisture to accumulate unnoticed in small pores and micro-cracks, which promotes mold growth.
If you still decide to use PAX in the bathroom, I recommend several precautions:
- Sealing edges with water-repellent varnishes or silicone, especially on the underside of shelves
- Maintaining sufficient distance from walls with condensation buildup (at least 2-3 cm (1 inch))
- Ensuring effective ventilation with air exchange (window or exhaust fan)
- Avoiding installation near showers where direct water splashes can occur
For very humid areas, I recommend at least furniture made of plastic, aluminum, or other moisture-resistant materials.
By the way, what is the exact humidity level in your bathroom, and are there radiators or ventilation units installed?
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