ᐅ Are there any tips for assembling Ikea HEMNES furniture in older buildings?

Hello everyone, I plan to assemble several Ikea Hemnes furniture pieces in my apartment in an older building (built around 1925). The walls are mostly made of old masonry, partly covered with plaster, and some unevenness as well as crumbling plaster are already present in certain areas. Therefore, I’m wondering if anyone has specific tips or proven methods for securely and permanently mounting the Hemnes units under these building conditions? I am especially interested in whether certain types of anchors or fastening techniques are better suited, and how to best handle the uneven walls. I want to avoid issues like wobbling, insufficient load-bearing capacity, or even cracks appearing on the wall after a short time. Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!

First of all, it is important to carefully assess the actual load-bearing capacity of the walls. Older masonry can vary greatly depending on its condition. If the plaster is crumbly, it should be removed before installation to ensure that anchors hold firmly in the wall and not just in the plaster.

- Use heavy-duty anchors or special masonry anchors designed for older walls.
- If possible, compensate for insulation layers or uneven surfaces at the attachment points, for example with spacers or small wooden elements.
- Use a spirit level and long clamps to properly align the furniture before final fastening.

Important: Never screw directly into cracks. If visible damage is present, it is advisable to have the site inspected by a professional to prevent further damage.

Roninkla schrieb:
Old masonry can vary greatly in condition depending on its state.

This is a crucial point. I would even go so far as to say that without a targeted analysis, no reliable guarantee regarding durability can be given.

Have any core samples been taken to assess the condition of the wall behind the plaster? Some recommend special concrete screws or even chemical anchors, where resin is injected into the drilled hole – this provides a more secure hold, as long as the substrate is not too crumbly.

Roninkla schrieb:
If possible, balance the fastening points around a layer of insulation or unevenness

I think the idea of spacers is good, but especially in an old building, a flexible adjustment screw or the use of leveling feet on the furniture could also be considered to compensate for uneven floors, which indirectly reduces stress on the wall.

Another approach would be not only to attach to the wall but also to connect the furniture pieces to each other to better distribute the load.

I completely understand that building in older houses often brings uncertainties, especially with furniture like HEMNES, which can be quite heavy. I personally faced similar challenges in my old home.

What helped me most was patience and thorough preparation. I had to remove the plaster completely where I wanted to place the screws, to ensure a solid grip in the masonry. Then I used anchors suitable for masonry—not just universal standard anchors.

Also, take your time with the installation steps and proceed carefully, checking occasionally whether the wall can still support the load and whether the furniture remains stable without any play. This also gives you the chance to make adjustments in time.

If you feel unsure about the condition of the masonry, don’t hesitate to consult a building professional for a quick assessment. It’s better to ask one more time than to risk damage later. Good luck – you’ll manage!