Hello everyone,
I am planning to expand my Ikea PAX wardrobe system with additional shelves. I am particularly interested in whether it is technically feasible and stable to use shelves from sources other than Ikea, such as custom-made or more affordable DIY options. What has been your experience? Do these fit well into the rail systems, and how do they perform in terms of durability, the hanging mechanism, and appearance? Is it really practical to expand the wardrobe this way, or is it better to stick with the original shelves?
I would appreciate detailed experiences or good advice on combining Ikea PAX with custom shelves.
I am planning to expand my Ikea PAX wardrobe system with additional shelves. I am particularly interested in whether it is technically feasible and stable to use shelves from sources other than Ikea, such as custom-made or more affordable DIY options. What has been your experience? Do these fit well into the rail systems, and how do they perform in terms of durability, the hanging mechanism, and appearance? Is it really practical to expand the wardrobe this way, or is it better to stick with the original shelves?
I would appreciate detailed experiences or good advice on combining Ikea PAX with custom shelves.
The Ikea PAX frame is based on a standardized hole pattern and special hanging rails designed for the original shelves. Custom shelves can generally be used, but there are some requirements:
- The thickness and depth of the shelves must fit exactly; otherwise, they may be unstable or not hold properly.
- The shelf fittings must be compatible with the PAX hanging rails, which usually requires specific drill holes or mounting brackets.
- For custom-made shelves, keep in mind that Ikea’s fittings may not adhere properly to all types of wood or materials.
Conclusion: Those who are skilled and precise in craftsmanship can expand PAX with their own shelves. For typical users, however, the original shelves are the safer option, also considering warranty and appearance.
- The thickness and depth of the shelves must fit exactly; otherwise, they may be unstable or not hold properly.
- The shelf fittings must be compatible with the PAX hanging rails, which usually requires specific drill holes or mounting brackets.
- For custom-made shelves, keep in mind that Ikea’s fittings may not adhere properly to all types of wood or materials.
Conclusion: Those who are skilled and precise in craftsmanship can expand PAX with their own shelves. For typical users, however, the original shelves are the safer option, also considering warranty and appearance.
Some time ago, I also planned to cut shelves myself for my PAX wardrobe, as I found the Ikea prices a bit too high. It is important to keep the exact depth measurement, otherwise the shelves won’t fit into the rails. You also need to drill the fixing points precisely.
A tip from me: There are special metal brackets and clips for PAX shelves that can be purchased separately. These allow you to hang a custom-made shelf into the rail. Make sure the brackets fit exactly and that the load capacity of the shelves is sufficient.
If you care about a neat appearance, you should also consider how to finish the edges of the custom shelves so that they match the rest of the wardrobe. This is important to achieve a consistent look.
A tip from me: There are special metal brackets and clips for PAX shelves that can be purchased separately. These allow you to hang a custom-made shelf into the rail. Make sure the brackets fit exactly and that the load capacity of the shelves is sufficient.
If you care about a neat appearance, you should also consider how to finish the edges of the custom shelves so that they match the rest of the wardrobe. This is important to achieve a consistent look.
I gave it a try! 🤓 Insert your own boards, but be careful: the boards need to be really sturdy and cut precisely, or it will be wobbly. Using glue or paint on the edges makes a big difference, it almost looks original then. So yes, it works, but you need to pay attention to the details 😉
This is how I would approach it:
1. Take precise measurements (height, depth, width, as well as the position of the drill holes for the hangers)
2. Have suitable wooden boards cut to size, preferably with edge sealing
3. Obtain special PAX hanging rails or appropriate brackets
4. Test-fit the boards before installation to check stability
5. Test load capacity on a case-by-case basis (especially for heavy items)
A common mistake is not checking the depth accurately, which can cause the boards to accidentally fall out. Also important: the hangers must fit exactly to the hole spacing in the carcass.
Following these steps ensures a good and secure result.
1. Take precise measurements (height, depth, width, as well as the position of the drill holes for the hangers)
2. Have suitable wooden boards cut to size, preferably with edge sealing
3. Obtain special PAX hanging rails or appropriate brackets
4. Test-fit the boards before installation to check stability
5. Test load capacity on a case-by-case basis (especially for heavy items)
A common mistake is not checking the depth accurately, which can cause the boards to accidentally fall out. Also important: the hangers must fit exactly to the hole spacing in the carcass.
Following these steps ensures a good and secure result.
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