ᐅ Has anyone ever connected KALLAX units in a row?

Hello everyone, I am currently considering connecting several IKEA KALLAX units not only side by side but also stacking them in a longer row. Has anyone had experience with this? I am particularly interested in how this affects stability—whether it is sufficient to simply screw the back panels together or if additional reinforcements are necessary.

I am also curious if the KALLAX units need to be modified in any way for this purpose, such as removing side panels or using specific fastening materials—screws, brackets, adhesives—and if so, which ones have proven effective.

My goal is to create a continuous furniture row that does not wobble and is as secure as possible, possibly attached to the wall or freestanding. Who has relevant experience or tips? 🙂

I connected KALLAX units in a row by simply screwing the back panels together with small screws. The stability is sufficient for normal use as long as they are fixed to the wall. I would not recommend removing the back panels, as that would make the structure unstable.

mabla schrieb:
Simply screwed the back panels together with small screws.

That is indeed a feasible approach, but it should be done very carefully: The back panels of the KALLAX consist of thin particleboard material, which can easily chip. Therefore, I recommend pre-drilling small holes before screwing to avoid damaging the material. Additionally, screws with a fine thread should be used to prevent cracks.

Regarding stability, the way the units are joined also matters. Connecting multiple modules through the back panels creates a longer, but not necessarily more stable structure. The modules themselves are designed to stand on a solid surface. That’s why I recommend reinforcing the connection at the back with angle brackets—especially if the shelf is built higher or will be under load.

dogedo schrieb:
whether you can just screw the back panels together or if additional reinforcements are necessary

Additional stabilizing with metal brackets or wooden strips behind the modules can help significantly. It’s also worth considering whether the modules stand on a level, solid surface or if adjustable feet are added—particularly with longer rows, small unevenness can quickly become a tipping hazard.

Finally, on the question of modifying the KALLAX modules: In general, I would advise against removing the side panels. The sides and back panels serve as important structural elements. If more flexibility is desired, they can be carefully routed to fit or joined with appropriate fasteners, but this requires some craftsmanship.

I hope this helps. I’m also curious about how many modules you want to connect and what the overall dimensions will be?

Palenar schrieb:
I recommend reinforcing the connection at the back panel with corner braces

I can fully agree! Some time ago, I stacked two KALLAX units vertically and initially just screwed them together. After a few weeks, the top unit started to wobble slightly. Then I installed corner brackets, and since then the whole thing has been rock solid :-)

For a longer row of units, I find it very practical not to glue them together, in case you want to rearrange or use them separately later. Screws and brackets hold well but can also be removed easily.

dogedo schrieb:
whether you can simply screw the back panels together or if additional reinforcements are necessary

From my own experience, yes, you can screw the back panels together, which is sufficient for light use, but for more stability and safety, definitely use corner braces or something similar. And if you place the shelf higher on the wall, secure it with a wall-mounting kit—there are options available for this. This ensures everything is safe, especially if there are children in the house 😉

Good luck! 🙂