ᐅ Are there any experiences with silicone seals on KALLAX doors?
Created on: 6 Apr 2015 10:17
M
MATHIAS46M
MATHIAS466 Apr 2015 10:17Hello everyone,
I am considering adding silicone seals to the doors of my KALLAX shelving unit to improve sound insulation and make the doors close more securely.
Has anyone had experience with silicone seals on KALLAX doors? I am especially interested in installation, durability, and whether this affects any functions (e.g., closing mechanism or appearance).
I’m also curious if there are specific profiles that work particularly well—maybe even custom-made solutions—and whether these provide better results than standard foam seals or similar materials.
Looking forward to your opinions and any tips or experiences you can share. Thanks!
I am considering adding silicone seals to the doors of my KALLAX shelving unit to improve sound insulation and make the doors close more securely.
Has anyone had experience with silicone seals on KALLAX doors? I am especially interested in installation, durability, and whether this affects any functions (e.g., closing mechanism or appearance).
I’m also curious if there are specific profiles that work particularly well—maybe even custom-made solutions—and whether these provide better results than standard foam seals or similar materials.
Looking forward to your opinions and any tips or experiences you can share. Thanks!
Hello Mathias,
first of all, an interesting project with silicone seals on KALLAX doors. To provide the best possible recommendation, it would be helpful to know the exact door elements you have (e.g., dimensions, material thickness) and how wide the gap is between the door and the frame.
Because the choice of silicone seal needs to fit well visually, mechanically, and functionally. Generally, silicone U-profiles are suitable, which you slide over the door edge from the inside. Pay attention to the size: 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 inches) thickness is common. Installation is done on the edges, and the silicone should have good memory, to maintain a tight seal over time.
For KALLAX, some cutting and adjustment will be necessary because standard silicone profiles are often designed for window or door frames. I especially recommend buying high-quality, self-adhesive silicone profiles from specialist retailers, as these tend to be very thin and elastic, which suits the narrow gap on the KALLAX.
Regarding durability, silicone is generally excellent due to its weather and aging resistance. However, you should clean the adhesive side well (using alcohol, grease-free) before installation to prevent premature peeling.
The seal can slightly affect closing due to added resistance, but with a good profile, this should be minimal. The appearance depends on the chosen profile: transparent silicone is usually unobtrusive here.
Feel free to provide more details, then I can give you more precise tips.
first of all, an interesting project with silicone seals on KALLAX doors. To provide the best possible recommendation, it would be helpful to know the exact door elements you have (e.g., dimensions, material thickness) and how wide the gap is between the door and the frame.
Because the choice of silicone seal needs to fit well visually, mechanically, and functionally. Generally, silicone U-profiles are suitable, which you slide over the door edge from the inside. Pay attention to the size: 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 inches) thickness is common. Installation is done on the edges, and the silicone should have good memory, to maintain a tight seal over time.
MATHIAS46 schrieb:
I’m also interested to know if there are special profiles that are particularly suitable – maybe even a custom design
For KALLAX, some cutting and adjustment will be necessary because standard silicone profiles are often designed for window or door frames. I especially recommend buying high-quality, self-adhesive silicone profiles from specialist retailers, as these tend to be very thin and elastic, which suits the narrow gap on the KALLAX.
Regarding durability, silicone is generally excellent due to its weather and aging resistance. However, you should clean the adhesive side well (using alcohol, grease-free) before installation to prevent premature peeling.
MATHIAS46 schrieb:
whether any functions change as a result (e.g., closing mechanism or appearance)
The seal can slightly affect closing due to added resistance, but with a good profile, this should be minimal. The appearance depends on the chosen profile: transparent silicone is usually unobtrusive here.
Feel free to provide more details, then I can give you more precise tips.
M
MATHIAS467 Apr 2015 09:02Thanks in advance for the quick replies!
I have the KALLAX doors in the standard size (approximately 33x33 cm (13x13 inches)) and they are made of coated medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The gap between the door and the frame is about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) wide. I want to change the mechanics as little as possible since the hinges are fixed.
That sounds like a U-shaped silicone profile would be ideal. Are there any recommendations available at hardware stores, or is it better to go with specialized online suppliers?
How does that interact with the coated surface? I don’t want any adhesive residue or damage to the surface when removing it later.
One more question: Since silicone is very flexible, does its sealing effect remain limited under pressure? In other words, can a silicone seal really provide an airtight closure when the door is shut, or is it more suitable for light soundproofing?
I have the KALLAX doors in the standard size (approximately 33x33 cm (13x13 inches)) and they are made of coated medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The gap between the door and the frame is about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) wide. I want to change the mechanics as little as possible since the hinges are fixed.
reybo schrieb:
Pay attention to the dimension: 3–5 mm (0.12–0.2 inches) thickness is common. Installation is done on the edges, and the silicone should have good resilience
That sounds like a U-shaped silicone profile would be ideal. Are there any recommendations available at hardware stores, or is it better to go with specialized online suppliers?
KINMIN4 schrieb:
simple silicone profile cut to size yourself, attached with double-sided tape
How does that interact with the coated surface? I don’t want any adhesive residue or damage to the surface when removing it later.
One more question: Since silicone is very flexible, does its sealing effect remain limited under pressure? In other words, can a silicone seal really provide an airtight closure when the door is shut, or is it more suitable for light soundproofing?
Interesting discussion! Personally, I think the idea of silicone seals on KALLAX doors is a bit over the top. To be honest, I see the doors as an affordable, functionally simple solution – adding so much sealing effort changes the original concept.
Sealing to block sound seems too ambitious to me – the thin frame and materials are just too permeable. Sure, a silicone seal makes closing quieter or ‘softer,’ but is that really worth the effort?
Maybe I would rather consider replacing the doors with proper wooden cabinet doors or just choose a different shelving unit if sealing is that important. But hey, if you like it, have fun experimenting with silicone ;-)
MATHIAS46 schrieb:
Has anyone here had experience with silicone seals on KALLAX doors? I mean specifically the installation, durability, and whether it affects any functions (e.g., closing mechanism or appearance).
Sealing to block sound seems too ambitious to me – the thin frame and materials are just too permeable. Sure, a silicone seal makes closing quieter or ‘softer,’ but is that really worth the effort?
Maybe I would rather consider replacing the doors with proper wooden cabinet doors or just choose a different shelving unit if sealing is that important. But hey, if you like it, have fun experimenting with silicone ;-)
R
reoWilhelm8 Apr 2015 08:22Hey Mathias and everyone else,
I implemented similar ideas last winter and added silicone seals to my KALLAX units – not just for sealing, but also for aesthetic reasons.
That's a good approach, because I also made sure not to modify the hinges. The seal is installed in a U-shaped profile that I glued to the edges.
My tip: clean the surface thoroughly with isopropanol before applying the tape. I used a transparent silicone profile that fills the gap well and stays flexible. This slightly changes the closing feel, but it feels more premium and gives the shelf more stability when closing the door.
By the way, this also reduces the noticeable “pop” sound when closing – there is definitely some noise reduction. Although I wouldn’t call it “airtight,” it acts more as impact and sound protection.
Stay relaxed and maybe try it on one door first – you can always fine-tune it later. 🙂
I implemented similar ideas last winter and added silicone seals to my KALLAX units – not just for sealing, but also for aesthetic reasons.
MATHIAS46 schrieb:
I want to change the mechanics as little as possible since the hinges are fixed.
That's a good approach, because I also made sure not to modify the hinges. The seal is installed in a U-shaped profile that I glued to the edges.
My tip: clean the surface thoroughly with isopropanol before applying the tape. I used a transparent silicone profile that fills the gap well and stays flexible. This slightly changes the closing feel, but it feels more premium and gives the shelf more stability when closing the door.
By the way, this also reduces the noticeable “pop” sound when closing – there is definitely some noise reduction. Although I wouldn’t call it “airtight,” it acts more as impact and sound protection.
Stay relaxed and maybe try it on one door first – you can always fine-tune it later. 🙂
Similar topics