Hello everyone,
I am planning to modify my KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA to store weight plates inside. My main concern is whether the KALLAX will remain stable enough for everyday use when subjected to this additional load and after altering the shelves to hold the heavy weight plates.
So far, I intend to use sturdy wooden boards as shelves, possibly reinforcing the original shelves with steel brackets or other supports. I’m wondering if any of you have experience with this or could provide a realistic assessment of how much load the KALLAX can handle, and where its potential weak points might be.
I appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share!
I am planning to modify my KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA to store weight plates inside. My main concern is whether the KALLAX will remain stable enough for everyday use when subjected to this additional load and after altering the shelves to hold the heavy weight plates.
So far, I intend to use sturdy wooden boards as shelves, possibly reinforcing the original shelves with steel brackets or other supports. I’m wondering if any of you have experience with this or could provide a realistic assessment of how much load the KALLAX can handle, and where its potential weak points might be.
I appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share!
You could almost say: KALLAX for weight plates is like suspension with rubber bands – not really designed for it, but with the right tricks, you can make it work! 😉
Jokes aside, here’s how I see it: If you properly reinforce the shelves and securely anchor the unit, there’s no need to worry about the load. That’s just common sense.
One small tip: Make a list beforehand of how much weight per shelf is reasonable and don’t overestimate it – otherwise, the shelf might give way right when your workout is toughest. 🙂
Jokes aside, here’s how I see it: If you properly reinforce the shelves and securely anchor the unit, there’s no need to worry about the load. That’s just common sense.
One small tip: Make a list beforehand of how much weight per shelf is reasonable and don’t overestimate it – otherwise, the shelf might give way right when your workout is toughest. 🙂
M
Marcellela6 Nov 2023 11:46KUDAISY schrieb:
Metal brackets at the bottom of the panels greatly increase stability.Exactly. These brackets should not only serve as reinforcement but ideally also be screwed to the inside of the KALLAX side panels to prevent sagging.
The usual thickness of the shelf boards is very thin; the only solution is to reinforce or replace them with a load-bearing material.
JuMira46 schrieb:
If you securely reinforce the shelves and firmly anchor the unit, there’s no need to worry about the load.I see it a bit differently. Yes, reinforcement helps, but the KALLAX frame is not really designed to carry heavy loads permanently. Even the thickest boards are of little use if the overall structure is not built for stability.
You can reinforce the shelves as much as you want, but the side panels and their connections limit the load capacity. That’s why I recommend redesigning not only the shelves but the entire structure depending on the weight.
theo63 schrieb:
the side walls and their joints limit the load-bearing capacityThat is correct. As an alternative, one could consider building a separate sturdy box or a solid shelf with the appropriate load capacity specifically for weight plates, and then use the KALLAX only as an organizational addition.
Not everyone prioritizes visual uniformity, but from my point of view, this would be the better approach for safety and durability.
Similar topics