ᐅ As a side table, my KALLAX doesn’t support a laptop – is that normal?
Created on: 14 Oct 2022 08:23
R
ronmi63
Hello everyone,
I have the following issue: I am using an IKEA KALLAX shelf as a side table next to my sofa, mainly to place my laptop on it. However, I notice that the board or shelf surface on my model slightly bends, causing the laptop to wobble or feel unstable. My laptop weighs about 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), which is not much. Is it normal that the KALLAX as a side table does not safely support a laptop? I imagine that the furniture panel is not designed for this, and I wonder if the KALLAX is generally intended more for decorative purposes or lighter loads, or if there might be something wrong with my unit. Has anyone had similar experiences? Are there any tips on how to reinforce it? Thanks in advance for your feedback!
I have the following issue: I am using an IKEA KALLAX shelf as a side table next to my sofa, mainly to place my laptop on it. However, I notice that the board or shelf surface on my model slightly bends, causing the laptop to wobble or feel unstable. My laptop weighs about 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), which is not much. Is it normal that the KALLAX as a side table does not safely support a laptop? I imagine that the furniture panel is not designed for this, and I wonder if the KALLAX is generally intended more for decorative purposes or lighter loads, or if there might be something wrong with my unit. Has anyone had similar experiences? Are there any tips on how to reinforce it? Thanks in advance for your feedback!
The bending tendency of KALLAX shelves is generally due to their design and the thickness of the materials. The main issue is that the top section is often not intended to be used as a flat tabletop surface. This furniture was originally designed for decorative items or storage, rather than as a workbench.
Reinforcing with an additional support board made of wood or metal is therefore advisable if you plan to use electronic devices on it for extended periods. Placing a glass top can also help stabilize the surface and prevent bending. It is also worth considering the shelf depth – at 39 cm (15 inches), the load capacity is lower compared to larger tabletops.
In conclusion: it is normal for the surface to flex slightly under load.
Reinforcing with an additional support board made of wood or metal is therefore advisable if you plan to use electronic devices on it for extended periods. Placing a glass top can also help stabilize the surface and prevent bending. It is also worth considering the shelf depth – at 39 cm (15 inches), the load capacity is lower compared to larger tabletops.
In conclusion: it is normal for the surface to flex slightly under load.
I understand well that a wobbly piece of furniture can be annoying, especially when you place something important like a laptop on it. You want a secure and stable workspace.
Maybe you could also consider not using the KALLAX purely as a table, especially if it feels unsafe to you. Sometimes furniture improvisations work, but a piece designed for a different purpose can quickly reach its limits. I hope you find a solution that works for you – and spares your nerves. :-)
Maybe you could also consider not using the KALLAX purely as a table, especially if it feels unsafe to you. Sometimes furniture improvisations work, but a piece designed for a different purpose can quickly reach its limits. I hope you find a solution that works for you – and spares your nerves. :-)
In summary:
- KALLAX is a shelving unit, not a dedicated tabletop
- The material is thin and prone to bending under point loads
- A 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) laptop usually does not pose a problem
- The quality of assembly and load distribution are crucial
- Reinforcements (wooden board, metal brackets) or alternative support options can help
If there is significant bending, it is likely due to incorrect assembly or material fatigue. This should be checked before taking a long-term risk.
- KALLAX is a shelving unit, not a dedicated tabletop
- The material is thin and prone to bending under point loads
- A 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) laptop usually does not pose a problem
- The quality of assembly and load distribution are crucial
- Reinforcements (wooden board, metal brackets) or alternative support options can help
If there is significant bending, it is likely due to incorrect assembly or material fatigue. This should be checked before taking a long-term risk.
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