ᐅ After mounting the wall unit, the gap between the wall and the KALLAX is too large – any tips?
Created on: 15 Jul 2015 08:43
C
CARELKEHello everyone,
I recently assembled my furniture wall unit with a KALLAX shelf from the Swedish retailer. I noticed that there is a relatively large gap between the back of the KALLAX and the wall, much wider than expected. The distance is about 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches), which not only looks unattractive but also allows small items to slip behind.
I checked if the wall is uneven, and there are slight irregularities, but they shouldn’t cause such a big gap. I followed the assembly instructions and drilling points exactly and even used a level.
Do you have any tips on how to reduce the gap between the wall and the KALLAX or how to get the shelf closer to the wall? Are there special spacers, mounting tips, or tricks that I might have missed? I would appreciate any advice that could help.
Thanks and best regards!
I recently assembled my furniture wall unit with a KALLAX shelf from the Swedish retailer. I noticed that there is a relatively large gap between the back of the KALLAX and the wall, much wider than expected. The distance is about 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches), which not only looks unattractive but also allows small items to slip behind.
I checked if the wall is uneven, and there are slight irregularities, but they shouldn’t cause such a big gap. I followed the assembly instructions and drilling points exactly and even used a level.
Do you have any tips on how to reduce the gap between the wall and the KALLAX or how to get the shelf closer to the wall? Are there special spacers, mounting tips, or tricks that I might have missed? I would appreciate any advice that could help.
Thanks and best regards!
Hello,
first, it is important to accurately identify the cause of the gap. In many cases, the space between the wall and the KALLAX is actually related to wall irregularities or the mounting surface.
Tip 1: Check if the hanging brackets or screws on the back panel of the shelf are properly positioned and that the unit is not pushed forward due to loose fastenings.
Tip 2: For uneven walls, small spacer blocks or self-adhesive felt pads on the wall can help to level the furniture slightly.
Tip 3: Some users have success with an additional screw mounting underneath to pull the shelf closer to the wall – but be careful to avoid damage to the furniture.
Finally: A gap of 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) is relatively large; adjusting the hanging system or more precise positioning of the fixing points can help resolve this.
first, it is important to accurately identify the cause of the gap. In many cases, the space between the wall and the KALLAX is actually related to wall irregularities or the mounting surface.
Tip 1: Check if the hanging brackets or screws on the back panel of the shelf are properly positioned and that the unit is not pushed forward due to loose fastenings.
Tip 2: For uneven walls, small spacer blocks or self-adhesive felt pads on the wall can help to level the furniture slightly.
Tip 3: Some users have success with an additional screw mounting underneath to pull the shelf closer to the wall – but be careful to avoid damage to the furniture.
Finally: A gap of 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) is relatively large; adjusting the hanging system or more precise positioning of the fixing points can help resolve this.
The gap between the wall and the furniture generally has several causes that should be systematically checked:
1. Wall surface: Irregularities or projections can prevent the furniture from fitting flush against the wall.
2. Back panel installation: Is the back panel properly and precisely installed? Especially with KALLAX units, the back panel may not always sit perfectly flush if screws are too deep or too shallow.
3. Mounting hardware: Some screws or brackets have a certain thickness that can create the gap.
Specific recommendations:
- Determine the wall’s flatness using a quality spirit level and measure the contact points carefully.
- If needed, use longer screws or different mounting hardware to secure the shelf closer to the wall.
- If necessary, use custom-made spacers or relieve the KALLAX by placing thin boards or foam pads between the furniture and the wall.
This approach provides a practical and structured way to resolve the issue.
1. Wall surface: Irregularities or projections can prevent the furniture from fitting flush against the wall.
2. Back panel installation: Is the back panel properly and precisely installed? Especially with KALLAX units, the back panel may not always sit perfectly flush if screws are too deep or too shallow.
3. Mounting hardware: Some screws or brackets have a certain thickness that can create the gap.
Specific recommendations:
- Determine the wall’s flatness using a quality spirit level and measure the contact points carefully.
- If needed, use longer screws or different mounting hardware to secure the shelf closer to the wall.
- If necessary, use custom-made spacers or relieve the KALLAX by placing thin boards or foam pads between the furniture and the wall.
This approach provides a practical and structured way to resolve the issue.
tangi schrieb:
Check whether the mounting brackets or screws on the back panel of the shelf are properly installed and that the shelf is not protruding due to loose fittings.Thanks for the tip, tangi. The screws are tight, and the brackets are positioned at the recommended spots. However, I noticed that the metal brackets slightly protrude through the back panel since they can't be tightened completely flush.
sarpa schrieb:
Measure the wall level with a spirit level and, if necessary, use longer screws or alternative fixing materials to pull the shelf closer to the wall.The wall is painted with ruby-colored paint and appears quite even. I will double-check tomorrow using a spirit level. I could get longer screws, but I'm unsure whether the KALLAX material can handle the added stress.
Hughno schrieb:
Stick wooden battens behind the shelf to fill the gap.That sounds more like a clever workaround. I would prefer to address the gap issue at its root instead of wedging something in between.
I hope to update here with more findings soon.
Hello CARELKE,
I would like to give you a brief step-by-step guide on how to minimize the gap, based on common mistakes during the KALLAX assembly process:
1. Remove the shelf briefly from the wall.
2. Check both the wall and the back of the furniture piece with a spirit level. Wooden panels are often slightly warped.
3. Remove the back panel and see if the screws behind the mounting brackets are flush or if they slightly lift the back panel.
4. If necessary, replace the standard screws with ones that have a lower-profile head or use longer screws to pull the shelf closer to the wall.
5. If the wall has irregularities, you can attach self-adhesive felt pads or narrow plywood strips to the wall as spacers; you can also adjust these in critical spots.
Summary: A common mistake is that the back panel does not lie flat, which increases the gap. Additionally, wall irregularities and the type of screws used are crucial factors affecting the overall space.
Good luck!
I would like to give you a brief step-by-step guide on how to minimize the gap, based on common mistakes during the KALLAX assembly process:
1. Remove the shelf briefly from the wall.
2. Check both the wall and the back of the furniture piece with a spirit level. Wooden panels are often slightly warped.
3. Remove the back panel and see if the screws behind the mounting brackets are flush or if they slightly lift the back panel.
4. If necessary, replace the standard screws with ones that have a lower-profile head or use longer screws to pull the shelf closer to the wall.
5. If the wall has irregularities, you can attach self-adhesive felt pads or narrow plywood strips to the wall as spacers; you can also adjust these in critical spots.
Summary: A common mistake is that the back panel does not lie flat, which increases the gap. Additionally, wall irregularities and the type of screws used are crucial factors affecting the overall space.
Good luck!
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