ᐅ My KALLAX unit tips over after being moved on carpet – what is the cause?

Hello everyone,

I recently got a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA, which I usually place on a carpeted floor. I’ve noticed that the unit tends to tip over whenever I move it – for example, when rearranging or cleaning. It seems like the stability is significantly reduced on the carpet.

My question is: what could be the reason that the KALLAX unit is so unstable on the carpet and tips after being moved? Is it due to the feet, the carpet itself, or is there another common cause? Are there any tested solutions or modifications to prevent this problem permanently?

I look forward to your insights and tips!

Birteta schrieb:
My question: What could be the reason that the KALLAX unit is so unstable on the carpet and tips over when moved?

The KALLAX is usually unstable on carpet because its feet are too small and the carpet compresses. It is best to place sturdy coasters or thin wooden boards underneath.

tanhau schrieb:
It’s best to use sturdy coasters or thin wooden panels underneath.

That might help, but the fundamental question of why the KALLAX cabinet tips over is more complex. Is the floor uneven? Or are the feet even designed to stand on a soft surface?

Besides the mechanical compression of the carpet under the feet, the weight and distribution of the furniture also play a role. Was the KALLAX loaded evenly? In my case, uneven loads increased the tendency to tip.

farli schrieb:
Was the KALLAX loaded evenly?

Thank you for the suggestion, farli. At the moment, I have only loaded the shelf sporadically, mainly with books and a few decorative items. The weight is fairly evenly distributed, although it is somewhat concentrated in the lower section since I store books there.

The carpet is quite plush, and I believe the floor underneath is level.

Could this combination really be enough to cause the unit to tip over when I move it? Or could there also be an issue with the design of the feet or the connection points? Are there any differences in KALLAX units depending on the production year?

Hello,

I'll briefly explain what can happen here: KALLAX units usually have small feet or wooden strips at the bottom that are designed for hard floors. On carpeted floors, these feet sink slightly into the fibers, causing the firm contact with the floor to be lost.

When the unit is moved, a tipping force acts on the structure. Since the contact area is small and the center of gravity is not ideally balanced, the shelf tends to tip over.

Solutions:
1. Widen the feet, for example by adding glides with a larger contact surface.
2. Place a stable, solid board under the carpet or under the shelf.
3. Check if the units are properly screwed together; loose connections reduce stability.

This approach has been tested and has helped many.

miAlessio schrieb:
Widen the feet, for example by attaching glides with a larger contact surface.

Additionally, the mechanical interaction between the carpet and the shelving unit can be amplified by the spring effect of the carpet. A soft carpet results in unstable support, making it easier for any force to cause tipping.

Furthermore, the geometry should be checked. The KALLAX is secured internally with dowels and screws. Over time, the joint strength can decrease due to varying loads. Regular inspection and tightening significantly improve stability.