ᐅ Do the KALLAX boards become brittle or degrade over time?

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if IKEA KALLAX boards can become porous over time. I understand that KALLAX is usually made of particleboard with a melamine coating. However, I am curious whether, especially with long-term use, possibly due to exposure to moisture or regular stress, the structure of the boards might become porous—that is, brittle and prone to breaking. Has anyone had any experience with this? I am specifically interested in whether the material quality significantly deteriorates over the years and if there are ways to prevent this—such as through special maintenance or positioning conditions.

Thanks for your insights!

tarzar schrieb:
I'm wondering if the KALLAX boards from IKEA can become porous over time.

That’s a very good question, which involves not only the material quality but also environmental factors. KALLAX boards are mainly made of particleboard coated with a melamine layer. This coating protects the surface from moisture and mechanical wear, but it is not completely impermeable.

It is important to distinguish: the boards do not typically become porous in the sense of becoming brittle or breaking apart under normal conditions. However, especially the edges and areas exposed to moisture can swell and peel off, indicating damage to the particleboard. The material itself does not necessarily lose structural strength but can become more prone to damage over the years from moisture or heavy use.

Another factor is storage and usage. If KALLAX is kept in a very humid environment for a long time, premature wear can occur. Heavy loads that apply static and continuous pressure on the shelving can also weaken the material over time, particularly if the load is not evenly distributed.

My recommendation: keep the coating and edges as dry as possible and distribute heavy loads widely to avoid localized pressure. Additionally, surface maintenance can help protect against minor damage, but the most important factors are environmental exposure and usage.

Could you specify how the shelf is positioned in your case? Or are there conditions where such wear could be accelerated?

Filippo schrieb:
Under normal conditions, the boards do not actually become porous in the sense of brittle or crumbling.

Exactly. The chipboard itself does not become porous. If it absorbs water, it swells, but it doesn’t become porous. Just keep it dry, and it will be fine.

tarzar schrieb:
whether the material quality significantly deteriorates over the years and if there is any way to prevent that

I would like to add my perspective: KALLAX is made from MDF or chipboard-like material with a melamine resin coating, which is generally sturdy but sensitive to moisture. The material doesn’t become porous in the traditional sense like wood might over time – however, moisture affects its structure by causing swelling and softening of the edges.

Therefore, if your KALLAX is placed permanently in a warm and humid environment, its durability can decrease, since both the adhesives and the boards themselves are vulnerable to long-term damage under such conditions. Regular cleaning with a slightly damp cloth and avoiding water pooling helps to protect the unit well.

If you use the shelving in kitchens or bathrooms, I would also recommend ensuring good ventilation. Heavy loads should not be concentrated on small areas but distributed evenly to prevent deformation.

In short: the material does not become porous, but neglect and moisture can cause damage. Maintenance and the surrounding environment are key. Hope this helps :-)