ᐅ What is the best way to install additional shelves in the Ikea PAX wardrobe?
Created on: 9 Apr 2024 10:37
K
KuronHello everyone,
I am planning to add extra shelves to my Ikea Pax wardrobe to better adapt the storage layout to my needs. I understand that Pax already comes with adjustable shelves by default, but I want even more flexibility and smaller compartments to better organize items like shoes, bags, or smaller objects.
My specific questions are:
- What shelf materials work best for additional inserts (original Pax shelves, alternative wooden boards, DIY solutions)?
- How can the extra shelves be mounted most securely without damaging the original guide holes or brackets?
- Are there any tips for optimal positioning and spacing of the shelves to ensure maximum load capacity and easy access?
- Which tools and aids are most useful if adjustments are necessary?
I would appreciate any experience reports, advice, or links to detailed guides if you have done something similar before. Thanks in advance!
I am planning to add extra shelves to my Ikea Pax wardrobe to better adapt the storage layout to my needs. I understand that Pax already comes with adjustable shelves by default, but I want even more flexibility and smaller compartments to better organize items like shoes, bags, or smaller objects.
My specific questions are:
- What shelf materials work best for additional inserts (original Pax shelves, alternative wooden boards, DIY solutions)?
- How can the extra shelves be mounted most securely without damaging the original guide holes or brackets?
- Are there any tips for optimal positioning and spacing of the shelves to ensure maximum load capacity and easy access?
- Which tools and aids are most useful if adjustments are necessary?
I would appreciate any experience reports, advice, or links to detailed guides if you have done something similar before. Thanks in advance!
W
warrenka579 Apr 2024 14:08Hello Kuron,
I completely understand that you are looking for the best solution – I faced the same issue a few months ago. Your questions are very well formulated and already point in a clear direction.
From my experience: the original PAX shelves are actually best matched to the guide holes and load capacity. I initially tried using self-cut wooden boards, but they quickly became unstable and wobbly due to the lack of support points. The PAX shelves are often coated with melamine, which improves moisture and scratch resistance – you should keep this in mind if you choose other materials.
My advice is to use the supplied metal pins or adjustable brackets. I would generally avoid direct screws into the cabinet to prevent compromising stability.
One practical idea I used was to add shelves with clamp holders – this way, I can easily reposition them when needed. To increase load capacity, it also helps to place heavier items on the lower shelves and arrange smaller compartments higher up.
I hope this gives you a good starting point; feel free to ask if you need more details.
I completely understand that you are looking for the best solution – I faced the same issue a few months ago. Your questions are very well formulated and already point in a clear direction.
From my experience: the original PAX shelves are actually best matched to the guide holes and load capacity. I initially tried using self-cut wooden boards, but they quickly became unstable and wobbly due to the lack of support points. The PAX shelves are often coated with melamine, which improves moisture and scratch resistance – you should keep this in mind if you choose other materials.
Kuron schrieb:
How can you attach additional shelves most securely without damaging the original guide holes or supports?
My advice is to use the supplied metal pins or adjustable brackets. I would generally avoid direct screws into the cabinet to prevent compromising stability.
One practical idea I used was to add shelves with clamp holders – this way, I can easily reposition them when needed. To increase load capacity, it also helps to place heavier items on the lower shelves and arrange smaller compartments higher up.
I hope this gives you a good starting point; feel free to ask if you need more details.
Kuron,
your question is very precise, which makes it easier to provide targeted recommendations. Regarding the individual points:
- Materials: The original PAX shelves are indeed optimally designed for the pegboard layout and load capacity of the frame. Alternative wood panels (e.g., plywood or MDF) can be used if they have the same dimensions and a stable thickness (at least 18 mm (0.7 inch)). It is important that they are properly treated (e.g., edges sealed) to ensure protection against swelling.
- Fastening: You should use the existing peg rows and the corresponding dowels and metal pins designed for them. This minimizes the risk of damaging the frame. If you want to install shelves in additional locations, it may be advisable to use suitable brackets or sliding rails depending on the available interior space.
- Positioning: For optimal load capacity, the basic rule is to distribute loads more on the lower shelves. Additionally, it is important to align the shelves parallel to the floor so that support is optimal. Dividing the space into modular compartments allows flexible usage.
- Tools: A cordless drill with screwdriver bits matching the dowels is helpful. A spirit level for precise alignment of the shelves. If adjustments are necessary, a Japanese saw or jigsaw is suitable for cutting wood.
Careful planning in advance prevents difficulties with adjustments later on.
your question is very precise, which makes it easier to provide targeted recommendations. Regarding the individual points:
- Materials: The original PAX shelves are indeed optimally designed for the pegboard layout and load capacity of the frame. Alternative wood panels (e.g., plywood or MDF) can be used if they have the same dimensions and a stable thickness (at least 18 mm (0.7 inch)). It is important that they are properly treated (e.g., edges sealed) to ensure protection against swelling.
- Fastening: You should use the existing peg rows and the corresponding dowels and metal pins designed for them. This minimizes the risk of damaging the frame. If you want to install shelves in additional locations, it may be advisable to use suitable brackets or sliding rails depending on the available interior space.
- Positioning: For optimal load capacity, the basic rule is to distribute loads more on the lower shelves. Additionally, it is important to align the shelves parallel to the floor so that support is optimal. Dividing the space into modular compartments allows flexible usage.
- Tools: A cordless drill with screwdriver bits matching the dowels is helpful. A spirit level for precise alignment of the shelves. If adjustments are necessary, a Japanese saw or jigsaw is suitable for cutting wood.
Careful planning in advance prevents difficulties with adjustments later on.
Hey Kuron,
I’m glad you’re working on PAX craftsmanship; it’s almost like furniture magic 😎!
Absolutely spot on! Otherwise, you’ll eventually end up with a serious tilt.
My insider tip for assembly: IKEA shelves are often melamine-coated, which is great for scratch resistance – use this as a benchmark for your DIY cut panels; otherwise, it can quickly look worn out.
And for mounting – check out the affordable metal bracket angles at your local hardware store (just a little joke, no link) – you can easily combine those with the PAX hole rows and they’re quick to install.
Oh, and when positioning additional shelves, I always find a good balance between aesthetics and practicality helps. Don’t add too many, or the wardrobe feels like an overcrowded bookcase. Better to have easily accessible compartments and a few extras that you can rearrange quickly if needed.
Happy Shelving! 🍀
I’m glad you’re working on PAX craftsmanship; it’s almost like furniture magic 😎!
Fitigu schrieb:
Distribute the load more on the lower shelves.
Absolutely spot on! Otherwise, you’ll eventually end up with a serious tilt.
My insider tip for assembly: IKEA shelves are often melamine-coated, which is great for scratch resistance – use this as a benchmark for your DIY cut panels; otherwise, it can quickly look worn out.
And for mounting – check out the affordable metal bracket angles at your local hardware store (just a little joke, no link) – you can easily combine those with the PAX hole rows and they’re quick to install.
Oh, and when positioning additional shelves, I always find a good balance between aesthetics and practicality helps. Don’t add too many, or the wardrobe feels like an overcrowded bookcase. Better to have easily accessible compartments and a few extras that you can rearrange quickly if needed.
Happy Shelving! 🍀
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