ᐅ Kallax doors close less effectively in damp weather – is this the new normal?

Hello everyone, I have recently noticed that my Kallax shelving unit, especially the doors, close more tightly in humid weather and sometimes even start to wobble.

Does anyone else feel that Kallax modules close less smoothly in damp conditions than they used to? I’m wondering if this might be becoming a new normal, as some other furniture manufacturers also seem to be experiencing issues with moisture affecting their wood-based or particleboard products.

My suspicion is that the materials expand or swell due to the humidity, which alters the fit.

I also find it interesting to consider whether this could be related to current climate policies or a general increase in indoor humidity, which might be changing the properties of furniture products.

I would appreciate any experiences, tips for improvement, or insights into the material technology behind Kallax and particleboard-based furniture. Thank you!

Hello Nideo,

your observation makes sense. The particleboard used to make Kallax modules is indeed sensitive to moisture. Here are a few points to explain:

1. Material expansion: Particleboard swells when exposed to moisture because it is made from wood fibers and binders. Especially in high humidity, this can cause slight warping.

2. Fit: As the material swells, the gap between the door and the frame changes, which can cause doors to close less smoothly or even rub.

3. Prevention: Regular ventilation helps regulate the room’s humidity. Additionally, using silicone spray or furniture wax can maintain the door hinges and closing mechanisms.

4. Long-term solution: If moisture is a constant issue (e.g., in basements), it is better to choose furniture made from moisture-resistant materials or seal the furniture with water-repellent varnishes.

I also recommend regularly checking the door hinges and edges and adjusting or sanding them if needed.

In summary: Yes, it is normal for particleboard furniture to close less easily when exposed to moisture. However, this is not a technical defect but a physical property of the material.

I hope this helps you!

I think your question is really important, Nideo! I notice the same with my Kallax, especially on days when it’s raining outside and the air feels a bit heavy. The Kallax doors then react somewhat sluggishly. It can be quite frustrating when you want to quickly grab something and the door sticks.

klo40 schrieb:
Chipboard swells when exposed to moisture because it is made from wood fibers and binders.

That sounds plausible to me, especially since it always looks perfect from the outside. But I wonder if IKEA or other manufacturers are working on new coatings to at least reduce these effects?

I wish there were simple household tips to help in the meantime! Maybe a bit more about the interior: Has anyone had experience with dehumidifiers—do they really help, or are they just a waste of money?

In short: Yes, this is known and normal with Kallax.

A tip: Slightly sand the edge of the door that sticks. Then clean off the dust thoroughly. This often helps with better closing.

Dehumidifiers improve the situation, but they do not solve the fundamental swelling of the chipboard.

Nothing more.

Hello everyone,

I can relate very well to this issue and would like to share my experience.

Chipboard panels are generally hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the air and release it again. This affects dimensional stability when humidity levels fluctuate. That’s why even Kallax modules react to changes in air humidity.

A useful method is to treat the doors and visible surfaces with special furniture wax or a water-repellent finish, which reduces moisture absorption. It is important to clean the surfaces thoroughly before treatment and ensure the room has sufficiently dry air.

Additionally, adjusting the hinges can help a lot: often a small adjustment can realign the door perfectly.

Regarding JEREMIAH’s question about dehumidifiers: if the humidity is consistently high, especially in basements or older buildings, a dehumidifier can improve the indoor climate and indirectly help the furniture remain more stable.

Please also keep in mind that furniture can swell slightly after assembly, depending on how much moisture it contained during manufacturing.

I hope this helps you all a little further.

More specifically: If the doors no longer close properly, check the hinges to see if the screws are tight. Often, tightening them slightly helps.

Otherwise, you can gently sand down the edges of the door.

Moisture causes chipboard panels to expand; unfortunately, this cannot be completely avoided.