ᐅ After remodeling, the old Kallax no longer fits in the corner – how can it be shortened?
Created on: 15 Oct 2016 08:17
J
Jordi65
Hello everyone,
I recently redesigned my apartment and noticed that my old Ikea Kallax shelving unit no longer fits in the intended corner. The corner is now significantly narrower because I moved the wall, and the shelf is about 10cm (4 inches) too wide. Since I don’t want to replace the shelving unit, I’m considering how to shorten the Kallax to fit without losing stability or having to completely take it apart.
Does anyone have experience with safely cutting down a Kallax shelving system? Should individual boards be trimmed, or are there other tricks to adjust the width? It’s also important to me not to damage the usual slots and connection points.
I look forward to your ideas and tips!
I recently redesigned my apartment and noticed that my old Ikea Kallax shelving unit no longer fits in the intended corner. The corner is now significantly narrower because I moved the wall, and the shelf is about 10cm (4 inches) too wide. Since I don’t want to replace the shelving unit, I’m considering how to shorten the Kallax to fit without losing stability or having to completely take it apart.
Does anyone have experience with safely cutting down a Kallax shelving system? Should individual boards be trimmed, or are there other tricks to adjust the width? It’s also important to me not to damage the usual slots and connection points.
I look forward to your ideas and tips!
bijo54 schrieb:
I would only shorten the side panelsExactly, that’s important. The shelves often have routed grooves for the joints, which must not be damaged.
troyjon schrieb:
Carpentry companies often cut more affordablyGood advice if doing the work yourself is too complicated. You can also clarify there whether paint or veneer can be damaged.
Hello Jordi65,
I’m taking up your question and will try to explain the basics that are important when shortening a Kallax unit.
The Kallax is designed so that the side panels bear the load, and the shelves are securely slotted or screwed in place. This means the side panels essentially act as the "load-bearing elements."
Important:
- Only shorten the side panels to avoid affecting the interior quality and to keep the shelves fitting properly.
- All joints must be disassembled first; otherwise, the material might break or fibers could tear.
- Using a guide while cutting is extremely helpful to prevent splintering.
- After shortening, smooth the cut edge well and seal it with edge banding or wood glue if needed.
Additionally: Consider whether it makes sense to adjust the intermediate shelves slightly if you want a seamless front appearance.
Personally, I used a multitool because it creates less dust, and then glued and screwed the shelf parts back together.
If you don’t have experience with woodworking, I strongly recommend hiring a carpenter or a skilled hobbyist. It’s a shame to damage the unit with rough cuts.
I’m happy to answer more questions about tools or the procedure.
I’m taking up your question and will try to explain the basics that are important when shortening a Kallax unit.
The Kallax is designed so that the side panels bear the load, and the shelves are securely slotted or screwed in place. This means the side panels essentially act as the "load-bearing elements."
Important:
- Only shorten the side panels to avoid affecting the interior quality and to keep the shelves fitting properly.
- All joints must be disassembled first; otherwise, the material might break or fibers could tear.
- Using a guide while cutting is extremely helpful to prevent splintering.
- After shortening, smooth the cut edge well and seal it with edge banding or wood glue if needed.
Additionally: Consider whether it makes sense to adjust the intermediate shelves slightly if you want a seamless front appearance.
Personally, I used a multitool because it creates less dust, and then glued and screwed the shelf parts back together.
If you don’t have experience with woodworking, I strongly recommend hiring a carpenter or a skilled hobbyist. It’s a shame to damage the unit with rough cuts.
I’m happy to answer more questions about tools or the procedure.
fojaix schrieb:
10cm (4 inches) is quite a lot – you shouldn’t just cut it offThat’s a good point. It’s always important to consider the structural aspect. A Kallax is not designed for such modifications, so reinforcements are advisable after cutting if the structure is compromised.
One option is metal brackets in the inner corner to support additional load.
Thanks for the tips so far.
To clarify: I want to shorten the shelf by 10 cm (4 inches) in width, not in height or depth. So, one of the side panels, each of which is 77 cm (30 inches) wide.
Therefore, I am considering how to proceed without damaging the typical visible front of the Kallax. The side panel is not painted but covered with a laminate. Would it be advisable to seal the cut edge after shortening with wood paint or laminate, or are there better materials for these edges?
The shelf itself is already several years old, so I want to keep it as stable and visually appealing as possible.
To clarify: I want to shorten the shelf by 10 cm (4 inches) in width, not in height or depth. So, one of the side panels, each of which is 77 cm (30 inches) wide.
Therefore, I am considering how to proceed without damaging the typical visible front of the Kallax. The side panel is not painted but covered with a laminate. Would it be advisable to seal the cut edge after shortening with wood paint or laminate, or are there better materials for these edges?
The shelf itself is already several years old, so I want to keep it as stable and visually appealing as possible.
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