ᐅ Drawer insert in KALLAX unit is chipping – any alternatives?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with the drawer inserts in the IKEA KALLAX shelving unit – unfortunately, the plastic edges keep chipping at the corners. This not only looks unpleasant but also affects their stability. Does anyone have experience with more durable alternatives to these standard inserts or perhaps tips on how to extend the lifespan of the original inserts? I am thinking about other materials, custom-made solutions, or special protective measures. Looking forward to your insights and suggestions!

Just take a look on Amazon or eBay for inserts made of wood or metal. Plastic tends to chip easily, while wood is more durable. Alternatively, you can make something yourself from plywood.

The KALLAX shelf is really practical, but those plastic drawers are definitely the weak point 😅 If you want something more durable, I personally find fabric boxes with a solid base to be a good option – they also look nice and don’t make noise when sliding 🙂 But yeah, only real hard materials like plastic or thin wood can 'splinter'. Maybe DIY wooden inserts with a nice coat of paint would suit you? That would look really elegant!

Splintering usually occurs due to stresses in the material, especially when the plastic is thin and under load. A practical alternative is inserts made from glued plywood or MDF, which can be custom-made or self-fabricated. These are more durable and can also be protected with a tough coating or laminate. Another option is metal inserts: these are longer-lasting but often more expensive and less flexible in design. For a quick and cost-effective improvement, I recommend covering the plastic edges with edge protectors made of rubber or silicone.

Wooden or metal boxes work well if you need something more sturdy. Alternatively, fabric boxes can help avoid light wear and tear. The original ones are simply too thin.

Wow, I had exactly the same problem and ended up making wooden inserts myself! It’s really fun and has stayed firmly in place for months 🙂 Just cut plywood, sand it, apply a finish – and you’re done! This instantly gives the shelf a much more high-quality appearance! 🙂 So go for it, DIY is definitely worth it here!