ᐅ Do you notice any difference between the old and new KALLAX?
Created on: 20 Sep 2024 08:13
A
Annia65
Hello everyone, I am currently looking into the IKEA KALLAX and wondering if you have noticed any differences between the older, so-called "old" KALLAX models and the newer versions, or if you have any experience with them? I am referring to aspects like material quality, workmanship, dimensions, and possibly small design changes or features such as stability, connectors, or ease of assembly. This is interesting to me because I am trying to decide whether the price difference for a new purchase is justified or if I should rather go for a used older model. It would be great if you could share your experiences, ideally with a comparison based on direct use. Thanks in advance!
I would like to add some points because I am working on a technical comparison that also considers the long-term durability of KALLAX models.
The differences in material composition are due to new recycling regulations – IKEA increasingly uses recycled wood and adhesives with lower chemical emissions. This improves the environmental impact but makes the panels slightly less rigid mechanically.
Regarding the connectors: The newer screws are less invasive but more prone to wear with frequent disassembly. The screw connections of older versions are more robust when assembled and disassembled multiple times.
It is also interesting that the 4x4 grid format of the KALLAX has hardly changed, which maintains compatibility with the shelves, although the spacing of the screw holes can vary slightly. This is important for customers who want to buy spare parts or accessories.
What I am also curious about: Do you use the shelving mostly as a static unit, or is it frequently moved? This can influence the recommendation.
The differences in material composition are due to new recycling regulations – IKEA increasingly uses recycled wood and adhesives with lower chemical emissions. This improves the environmental impact but makes the panels slightly less rigid mechanically.
Annia65 schrieb:
Material quality, workmanship, dimensions, and perhaps small design changes or functionalities such as stability, connectors, or ease of assembly
Regarding the connectors: The newer screws are less invasive but more prone to wear with frequent disassembly. The screw connections of older versions are more robust when assembled and disassembled multiple times.
It is also interesting that the 4x4 grid format of the KALLAX has hardly changed, which maintains compatibility with the shelves, although the spacing of the screw holes can vary slightly. This is important for customers who want to buy spare parts or accessories.
What I am also curious about: Do you use the shelving mostly as a static unit, or is it frequently moved? This can influence the recommendation.
Filippo schrieb:
The differences in material composition are due to the new recycling regulations\Good point! This doesn’t necessarily make the newer models worse, but the focus is more on sustainability rather than absolute durability.
Additionally, regarding ease of assembly: the new KALLAX models feature optimized drill holes, which simplify the assembly through better fit. A downside is that mistakes during assembly are harder to fix because the thinner panels are more prone to tearing out.
In terms of functionality, there are hardly any changes—the proven 4x4 grid remains the same, but some new colors and surface textures have been introduced, expanding the aesthetic options.
If you plan to modify the shelf more extensively (e.g., with doors, drawers, or inserts), also check the compatibility of the new models, as some accessories may no longer fit perfectly.
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