ᐅ Are there any experiences with installing Ikea PLATSA units in older buildings?

Hello everyone, I am considering installing the Ikea Platsa system in my apartment, which is located in a historic building from around 1920. Since the walls are generally not as straight or load-bearing as in new constructions, my question is: Does anyone have experience with installing PLATSA in older buildings? I am particularly interested in advice regarding fastenings, potential issues with uneven walls or masonry, and whether additional reinforcements are recommended. Any practical experience or recommendations would be very helpful, as I want to plan as safely as possible and avoid costly mistakes.

I keep wondering if the strict focus on perfectly straight walls in older buildings is sometimes overrated. Sure, Ikea designs its furniture for as standardized conditions as possible, but isn’t it more a matter of a bit of improvisation during the assembly of PLATSA to easily work around the unevenness? Of course, one could argue that stability might suffer, but who says every cabinet in an older building has to be fixed firmly to the wall? Not everything Ikea writes should be taken as gospel. Maybe just approach the railing situation pragmatically.

For older buildings, I recommend fastening with appropriate anchors in solid walls, not hollow wall anchors. Before installation, be sure to check the wall; if it is uneven, level with wooden shims or suitable underlays.

When installing Ikea PLATSA units in older buildings, there are a few important points to consider, which I will explain in three steps: - 1. Check wall condition: Walls in older buildings are often uneven and may be made of brick or even clay. This can be challenging. - 2. Adjust fastening materials: Use brick anchors or specialized heavy-duty wall plugs for good load-bearing capacity. Avoid hollow areas; for drywall, choose appropriate plugs accordingly. - 3. Create compensation: Level out unevenness between the wall and furniture using thin wooden strips or special washers. The rule of thumb is to invest a bit more time upfront to avoid tipping or stability issues later on. My tip: Arrange everything dry-fit beforehand and check that all parts fit before drilling.

Hey, a year ago I installed several PLATSA shelves in my old apartment and I’m very satisfied! The walls were really uneven, but using small wooden strips as spacers and appropriate heavy-duty anchors worked very well. So, don’t get discouraged! It takes a bit of patience, but it’s doable and looks great. Good luck, you can do it!

Thanks for the tips so far! One more important question: Does anyone have experience with fastening into old sandstone walls? These seem quite crumbly, and I wonder whether standard wall plugs will hold or if it’s better to use special anchors. Also, how well can fully loaded PLATSA cabinets be supported by this type of wall? Are there any specific precautions to consider?