ᐅ KALLAX has settled after my modification – has anyone else experienced this?
Created on: 1 May 2024 08:23
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mintoHello everyone, I have a problem with my KALLAX shelf after modifying it myself and hope there is someone here who is familiar with this or can help.
I added some extra shelves and reinforced parts of the sides to increase stability. Still, I have noticed that after some time the shelf has noticeably sagged; the upper shelves are no longer more or less level but are bending downward. It seems like the structure no longer has sufficient load-bearing capacity or that the modifications unintentionally affected its strength.
Does anyone have experience with similar modifications to the KALLAX and know common issues? How can the shelf be modified or reinforced to keep it stable and prevent sagging? I look forward to your feedback and thank you in advance!
I added some extra shelves and reinforced parts of the sides to increase stability. Still, I have noticed that after some time the shelf has noticeably sagged; the upper shelves are no longer more or less level but are bending downward. It seems like the structure no longer has sufficient load-bearing capacity or that the modifications unintentionally affected its strength.
Does anyone have experience with similar modifications to the KALLAX and know common issues? How can the shelf be modified or reinforced to keep it stable and prevent sagging? I look forward to your feedback and thank you in advance!
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Nathanaelk1 May 2024 09:12I would like to go into more detail about the possible causes, as modifying a KALLAX can definitely become critical. Your comment about adding extra shelves and reinforcements on the sides is a good start, but the stiffening that is essential for stability might be missing.
With a KALLAX, the frame—meaning the side panels and the fixed cross shelves—is crucial for load-bearing capacity. When additional shelves are installed that are not originally designed for it, they often only serve as a surface to place items on, rather than as a structural element. If the modification changes the grid or if the connection points on the side panels are not secure, sagging can occur quickly.
It’s also important whether the shelves are just resting on top or properly fastened—screws here are like nails in a wall: they must be precise and hold firmly.
I agree; the missing reinforcement causes sagging.
Can you describe exactly how the new shelves are attached? Have you also considered adding a backing panel? The original KALLAX models have a thin back panel that primarily provides lateral stability.
With a KALLAX, the frame—meaning the side panels and the fixed cross shelves—is crucial for load-bearing capacity. When additional shelves are installed that are not originally designed for it, they often only serve as a surface to place items on, rather than as a structural element. If the modification changes the grid or if the connection points on the side panels are not secure, sagging can occur quickly.
It’s also important whether the shelves are just resting on top or properly fastened—screws here are like nails in a wall: they must be precise and hold firmly.
pa-wolf schrieb:
That sounds to me like the floor reinforcements are missing.
I agree; the missing reinforcement causes sagging.
Can you describe exactly how the new shelves are attached? Have you also considered adding a backing panel? The original KALLAX models have a thin back panel that primarily provides lateral stability.
Oh, that’s frustrating with the sagging :/ I once added extra shelves to my KALLAX as well, but only inserted them loosely. It was quick to do, but after a few weeks, they also started to bend.
I would recommend fastening the installed shelves securely with screws or even using small metal brackets for reinforcement. That way, you can add more rigidity to the whole unit and prevent sagging.
That would be interesting! If the shelves are just resting on supports, unfortunately, the sagging probably won’t go away. But with a bit of DIY skill, it will surely become more stable again.
I would recommend fastening the installed shelves securely with screws or even using small metal brackets for reinforcement. That way, you can add more rigidity to the whole unit and prevent sagging.
Nathanaelk schrieb:
Can you describe in more detail how the new shelves are attached?
That would be interesting! If the shelves are just resting on supports, unfortunately, the sagging probably won’t go away. But with a bit of DIY skill, it will surely become more stable again.
I agree with the others that the stability of a modified KALLAX mainly depends on the type of connection used. In my experience, sagging effects occur especially when the load distribution no longer follows a geometric pattern that matches the material.
Please check the following points:
1. Thickness of the new shelves: Are the shelves as thick and sturdy as the original KALLAX shelves or thinner?
2. Attachment points: Were new drill holes made? Is the connection secure and tight, or is there any play?
3. Load: Are the upper shelves under significantly heavier loads than before?
Keep in mind that the side panels can taper under load – for example, if you screw into the shelf unit, the screws can weaken the chipboard structure.
The concept of additional internal bracing might help here, for instance with strong brackets or crash bars that prevent bending.
Very good advice. I would add that it is worth considering adding an extra back panel made of solid wood to the unit, if possible.
Please check the following points:
1. Thickness of the new shelves: Are the shelves as thick and sturdy as the original KALLAX shelves or thinner?
2. Attachment points: Were new drill holes made? Is the connection secure and tight, or is there any play?
3. Load: Are the upper shelves under significantly heavier loads than before?
Keep in mind that the side panels can taper under load – for example, if you screw into the shelf unit, the screws can weaken the chipboard structure.
The concept of additional internal bracing might help here, for instance with strong brackets or crash bars that prevent bending.
meGreg schrieb:
I would recommend screwing the installed shelves more securely or even using small metal brackets for reinforcement.
Very good advice. I would add that it is worth considering adding an extra back panel made of solid wood to the unit, if possible.
The sagging issue is really frustrating, but don’t stress about it too much. I once tried to modify my KALLAX and had a similar experience. The problem was that I didn’t really consider how the individual parts interact with each other.
That was also my critical point – I used cheaper boards that were unfortunately much too thin. As soon as there was any weight on them, everything warped.
Maybe you could also consider consulting with a professional DIYer about the whole thing. You often only learn from such experiences what can go wrong. Keep your chin up and keep at it!
bapar schrieb:
Material thickness of the new shelves: Are the shelves as thick and sturdy as the original KALLAX shelves, or thinner?
That was also my critical point – I used cheaper boards that were unfortunately much too thin. As soon as there was any weight on them, everything warped.
Maybe you could also consider consulting with a professional DIYer about the whole thing. You often only learn from such experiences what can go wrong. Keep your chin up and keep at it!
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