ᐅ How can you disassemble IKEA PLATSA furniture piece by piece?

Hello everyone,

I have a specific question about disassembling IKEA Platsa furniture – specifically about taking apart the individual modules piece by piece. Since PLATSA is a modular system, I’m wondering how to disassemble it in the best way without damaging the connecting fittings or bending the back panels. I want to be able to reassemble the furniture as well as possible after taking it apart.

Are there any special tips or tools that you would recommend? What is the most practical order to follow? Do the back panels always need to be fully removed before separating the individual frames? I would be very grateful for detailed advice related to the typical PLATSA cabinet units.

Thank you in advance!

Basically, when dismantling the IKEA PLATSA system, it is best to take the modules apart in reverse order of assembly. Start by removing the back panels. These are usually made of thin plywood or fiberboard and are typically secured with small nails or clips. It’s best to use a flat spatula or a thin prying tool to carefully loosen the back panels without damaging them.

Next, loosen the connecting screws of the individual cabinet parts. For removing the fittings, a cordless screwdriver with the appropriate bit is useful – however, be careful not to over-tighten or loosen the screws too loosely to avoid any damage.

Work systematically from top to bottom or from outside to inside to prevent the modules from falling apart uncontrollably. It is advisable to store screws and small parts in labeled containers to maintain a clear overview for reassembly later.

Garry schrieb:
It is best to use a flat spatula or a thin prying tool to carefully loosen the back panels without damaging them.

In my opinion, this is crucial: The back panels are not only structural but also delicate. Careful and even loosening prevents them from breaking.

Furthermore, it is advisable to pay attention to the following points during disassembly:

- Ensure that every single transport step is clearly documented (e.g., with photos or sketches) to easily reconstruct the sequence later.
- Fasteners (biscuits, dowels, screws) should be handled carefully and preferably packed individually.
- Before starting to remove a cabinet segment, make sure that no loads remain on that part.

This minimizes the risk of damaging the connections due to pressure or tension.

CARLA schrieb:
The fasteners (lamello biscuits, dowels, screws) should be handled carefully and ideally packaged individually.

Interesting point, but at the same time I wonder whether such effort is necessary every time the furniture is disassembled. PLATSA is actually designed as a slightly flexible system that can tolerate occasional disassembly.

If you need to take the furniture apart and reassemble it frequently, it might be advisable to replace high-quality cam connectors or at least regularly check the condition of the fittings.

On the other hand, isn’t it sometimes more practical to remove only individual modules and disassemble those separately, rather than taking the entire cabinet apart? Especially if you have limited time or experience, a strict protocol can cause more stress than help.

Davebla schrieb:
Isn't it sometimes more practical to remove individual modules separately and disassemble them, instead of taking apart the entire cabinet?

This perfectly describes my situation. I don’t want to disassemble the entire PLATSA cabinet, but rather remove specific modules. Do you think it’s possible to do this without risking damage to the connecting parts, for example if I only take out the middle carcass?

Also, I’m interested in how to best distribute the load during this process so that the remaining modules don’t become unstable. If I pull out the middle cube from a row arrangement, are there mechanical risks involved?

I would really appreciate any advice on this kind of partial disassembly.

laanmar schrieb:
I don’t want to disassemble the entire PLATSA cabinet, but rather remove individual modules selectively.

When partially dismantling, it is especially important to ensure that the connection points between the modules do not experience constant stress from lateral tension or lever forces. Although PLATSA modules are connected, they are not necessarily self-supporting if individual components are removed.

Important:
- Provide additional support to adjacent modules during disassembly, for example with wedges or temporary props.
- Carefully loosen the connection screws of the modules you want to separate, and do so in a consistent sequence.
- Avoid pulling on dowels and connectors such as biscuits, as these may come loose or break.

By following these steps, you can selectively remove individual carcasses without compromising the stability of the remaining structure. Tools: A small screwdriver and a rubber mallet are useful aids here.