ᐅ Is it possible to retrofit Ikea Pax wardrobes with wooden paneling yourself?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering the possibility of upgrading my Ikea Pax wardrobe with a wooden cladding myself. I am particularly interested in whether anyone in this forum has experience with attaching such wooden cladding independently, without compromising the stability or functionality of the system.

Specifically, I want to know if the smooth surfaces of the Pax units can be well covered with wooden panels or planks, which materials are best suited, and how to proceed in a simple and durable way to avoid problems like warping or poor fit later on.

Are there any established methods, important points to consider, or perhaps even a step-by-step guide?

I look forward to your tips, experiences, and opinions!

deous schrieb:
Specifically, I want to know if the smooth surfaces of the Pax elements can be easily covered with wood panels or cladding

Hey, that’s a really cool idea to give the classic Pax wardrobe a bit of an upgrade! 😄

Yes, basically it works very well – the smooth surfaces are perfect as a “canvas” for your preferred wood look. The most important thing is to choose the right material thickness (not too heavy, or it may sag). MDF or glued wood panels around 6–10mm (1/4–3/8 inch) work well for this.

A small tip: It’s better to use double-sided mounting tape along with a few screws, so the panels hold securely but don’t cause damage that’s hard to fix later.

And yes, pre-drilling a few holes is really helpful to avoid the wood splitting quickly.

Make yourself comfortable with the project — wood cladding is definitely a worthwhile upgrade visually!

deous schrieb:
whether the smooth surfaces of the Pax elements can be well covered with wooden boards or panels, which materials are best suited, and how to proceed as simply and durably as possible

From a technical perspective, I recommend the following:

- Use thin plywood or MDF panels (6-8 mm (0.24-0.31 inches)) as they are relatively lightweight and dimensionally stable
- Fasten with appropriate screws in the existing mounting holes or attach with double-sided mounting tape plus additional screwing into the carcasses
- Pre-drill the cladding panels to avoid splitting
- Seal or paint the wooden cladding surface to protect against moisture and warping

Additionally, it is important to consider the load on the cabinet doors. Attaching only to the visible surfaces is advisable, as excessive weight can cause problems with the hinges.

A durable and precise installation is only possible with careful measuring; otherwise, unattractive gaps may occur.

Hello deous,

I can fully understand your question, and I have personally covered Pax units with wood-look panels several times. It is important to decide clearly on a type of wood and finish beforehand, as untreated wood can react over time.

My advice:

- Use lightweight boards such as MDF or coated plywood for easier handling.
- Use construction adhesive in combination with screws or brackets. This provides security and makes installation easier.
- Make sure to seal the edges to prevent moisture damage.
- Allow enough time for fitting and sanding to achieve a clean and professional appearance.

If you like, I can provide more detailed information about the tools and process.

fikeo schrieb:
Make sure to seal the edges to prevent moisture damage.

This is important. Untreated edges tend to swell. Always prime or paint them.

Here is a summary of the best approach to retrofit an Ikea Pax wardrobe with a wooden veneer yourself:

1. Choosing the right wood panels:
- Lightweight MDF or multiplex panels (6-8mm (0.24-0.31 inches)) are ideal.
- Ensure dimensional accuracy, especially when ordering ready-made panels.

2. Preparing the panels:
- Sand and seal the edges (paint or use hard wax).
- Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting and fraying.

3. Attachment:
- Mounting tape works well for fixing on smooth surfaces.
- Additional screws at the carcass edges provide extra stability.
- For doors: avoid using panels that are too heavy, as they may sag.

4. Installation tips:
- Precise measuring and marking save a lot of frustration.
- Adjust or replace hinges if the veneer adds significant thickness.

Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using panels that are too heavy
- Not sealing cut edges
- Insufficient fixings

This should prepare you well.