ᐅ Changing the Door Hinge Side on a KALLAX Unit – Is It Possible?

Created on: 7 Aug 2020 18:26

Hello everyone,

I have a question about the KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA: Is it possible to change the door hinge side on the individual doors of the KALLAX unit?

I have a version with the door hinged on the right, but I would like to open it from the left side. The door itself seems simple to assemble, but I’m wondering if the hinges and cover strips are flexible enough to allow switching the hinge side, or if that is not intended.

Does anyone know if the KALLAX model is generally designed to allow changing the door hinge side, or if special parts or tricks are required for this?

I would appreciate any tips, experiences, or advice!

jarrenla8 Aug 2020 10:11

NUPIN schrieb:
This can turn out really well if you’re patient.

Thanks, that’s encouraging!

How exactly did you mark the new holes? Did you use a template or just trace the position on the hinge? And did you experience any issues with the door’s stability or the hinges warping?

I’m worried the new holes might be too close to the edge and that the door could crack or become loose.

LANICOLE8 Aug 2020 11:45

jarrenla schrieb:
How exactly did you mark the new holes?

A reliable method is to secure the door and cabinet body on a workbench exactly as they will be joined later.

Then you can loosely hold a hinge on the desired side, mark the position, and precisely measure the drilling points.

Tip: Use a drill depth stop to prevent drilling too deep. This helps avoid chipping the MDF board.

jarrenla schrieb:
Did you experience any issues with the door’s stability or the hinges becoming misaligned?

If the holes are accurate and the correct metal plates for the hinges are used, the door is just as stable as the original.

PIERCE9 Aug 2020 13:19

One more tip: If you don’t have a drill, you can also attach small metal brackets on the inside to lift the door with screws and open it differently. It’s not a traditional door stop change, but it’s practical and doesn’t require drilling.

GUMARTINA10 Aug 2020 08:29

#10

I tried this on a two-door KALLAX unit. The doors could be easily swapped by re-drilling the hinge holes. It is important not to position the screw holes too close to the edge, otherwise the material won’t hold.

In general, you need a drill with low speed and ideally a drill bit suitable for wood or MDF.

So, you can say: yes, it is possible to change the door hinge side on a KALLAX if you proceed carefully.

ᐅ Changing the Door Hinge Side on a KALLAX Unit – Is It Possible?

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