ᐅ After adding padding, my KALLAX became less stable – has anyone experienced something similar?
Created on: 15 Mar 2020 09:23
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farkaHello everyone,
I recently modified my KALLAX shelving unit by adding extra padding to the shelves to better support especially heavy items and to prevent scratches on the surfaces. The padding material is a relatively thin foam mat, which I cut to size and glued onto the shelves. Since installing it, however, I have noticed that the entire unit feels noticeably less stable, it wobbles more, and seems less load-bearing than before – even though the padding was actually intended to increase stability.
I’m interested to know if anyone else has had similar experiences after adding padding or a similar modification to a KALLAX shelving unit? Specifically: What could be the reasons, in your experience or knowledge, for a decrease in the static stability caused by padding, and how did you solve the problem if applicable?
I would like to avoid disassembling the unit if there is a practical way to improve stability or otherwise compensate for the negative effect of the padding.
Looking forward to your assessments!
I recently modified my KALLAX shelving unit by adding extra padding to the shelves to better support especially heavy items and to prevent scratches on the surfaces. The padding material is a relatively thin foam mat, which I cut to size and glued onto the shelves. Since installing it, however, I have noticed that the entire unit feels noticeably less stable, it wobbles more, and seems less load-bearing than before – even though the padding was actually intended to increase stability.
I’m interested to know if anyone else has had similar experiences after adding padding or a similar modification to a KALLAX shelving unit? Specifically: What could be the reasons, in your experience or knowledge, for a decrease in the static stability caused by padding, and how did you solve the problem if applicable?
I would like to avoid disassembling the unit if there is a practical way to improve stability or otherwise compensate for the negative effect of the padding.
Looking forward to your assessments!
Hey farka, that’s really interesting! 🙂 I’ve never attached cushions to a KALLAX shelf exactly, but generally with shelves like these, you want to be careful not to change the balance between the surface areas and how the pressure is distributed.
This might be because the foam is deforming between the shelf board and the frame, so the board no longer sits completely flat. This can easily cause small tilting points or even pull the structure apart. Have you tried testing it by placing some weight on top, or maybe adding an extra reinforcement (e.g., wooden strips)? It would be great if you could stabilize it despite the cushioning! Keep us updated :-)
farka schrieb:
Since attaching it, I’ve noticed that the entire shelf feels noticeably less stable in its structure, it wobbles more and seems less load-bearing than before
This might be because the foam is deforming between the shelf board and the frame, so the board no longer sits completely flat. This can easily cause small tilting points or even pull the structure apart. Have you tried testing it by placing some weight on top, or maybe adding an extra reinforcement (e.g., wooden strips)? It would be great if you could stabilize it despite the cushioning! Keep us updated :-)
Hello farka, your description is very understandable. KALLAX shelves, due to their material and simple slot-in construction, actually depend quite a bit on precise support. If you place padding between the floor and the frame, it can easily disrupt the force distribution within the shelf.
My advice: If the padding is not too thick, you could possibly adjust it so that no air gaps or voids remain and additionally reinforce the weakened areas by attaching extra wooden strips or metal brackets. This way, the connections are stiffened, and if necessary, a frame can be built underneath the shelf from the outside to hold the entire structure together. In this way, you can keep the padding while increasing stability at the same time.
I sometimes use KALLAX myself as a base for heavy office equipment, so I can offer you good tips on reinforcement if you like.
farka schrieb:
I want to avoid dismantling the shelf if there is a practical solution to increase stability or compensate for the negative effect of the padding.
My advice: If the padding is not too thick, you could possibly adjust it so that no air gaps or voids remain and additionally reinforce the weakened areas by attaching extra wooden strips or metal brackets. This way, the connections are stiffened, and if necessary, a frame can be built underneath the shelf from the outside to hold the entire structure together. In this way, you can keep the padding while increasing stability at the same time.
I sometimes use KALLAX myself as a base for heavy office equipment, so I can offer you good tips on reinforcement if you like.
Hello farka,
I can well understand the problem. The padding between the shelf board and the frame changes the ideal contact mechanism. Many people underestimate how little flexibility the KALLAX design allows for additional materials. In such cases, I recommend the following approach:
1. Check padding thickness: If the padding is more than 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) thick, it increases the leverage forces on the joints.
2. Material deformability: Foam tends to compress under load, which reduces stability.
3. Even more important: The padding should be as flat as possible but very firm, or alternatively only used in areas with high stress.
A common solution is to use thin, firm felt or cork pads that do not compress, instead of foam.
Additionally, try reinforcing the side panels with small angle brackets made of metal or wood to restore the original stiffness of the construction despite the padding.
I find this combination very sensible. If you like, I can also write you a brief guide on how to implement it properly.
I can well understand the problem. The padding between the shelf board and the frame changes the ideal contact mechanism. Many people underestimate how little flexibility the KALLAX design allows for additional materials. In such cases, I recommend the following approach:
1. Check padding thickness: If the padding is more than 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) thick, it increases the leverage forces on the joints.
2. Material deformability: Foam tends to compress under load, which reduces stability.
3. Even more important: The padding should be as flat as possible but very firm, or alternatively only used in areas with high stress.
A common solution is to use thin, firm felt or cork pads that do not compress, instead of foam.
Additionally, try reinforcing the side panels with small angle brackets made of metal or wood to restore the original stiffness of the construction despite the padding.
Raymond schrieb:
auf die du bei der Versteifung setzen kannst
I find this combination very sensible. If you like, I can also write you a brief guide on how to implement it properly.
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