ᐅ Edges of KALLAX units are chipping – should I file a complaint or fix it myself?

Hello everyone,

Lately, I have noticed that the edges of my KALLAX shelves are chipping in some areas. This mainly happens at the corners and affects not only the visible laminate but sometimes also the particleboard underneath. Now I am wondering: Should I file a complaint about the furniture, as I believe this indicates poor workmanship or material quality, or would it be better to fix the damaged spots myself using DIY methods like edge banding or repair kits?

I would really appreciate it if you could share your experiences or recommendations so I can better assess how serious this is and how to handle it.

Filing a complaint is only worthwhile if the shelf is new and the damage covers a large area. Minor chips can be easily repaired by yourself using wood filler or edge banding.

umberto schrieb:
Complaints are only worthwhile if the shelf is new and the damage is extensive.

You can’t generalize like that. What is your basis for this? A quality defect can also appear after weeks and is still valid for a complaint. Whether it’s worth it also depends on the material value and the buyer’s expectations.

I would first check whether the cause of the chipping lies with the manufacturer or if it is due to improper installation or use. That will determine whether a complaint makes sense or not.

Thank you for your thoughts so far.

@dinano: I bought the shelf about 3 months ago, and it has been used under normal conditions, without excessive strain or exceeding the load limits. Some of the spots are also located in lower, less visible areas where there are no impacts. Therefore, I can imagine that the material or workmanship may not be optimal, and the damage should not normally occur this early.

As I mentioned, it is not widespread; on 2 out of 4 shelves, several small chips have appeared. This makes me uncertain about the future durability and also the appearance.

If the chipping is due to material defects, definitely return the shelf.

Otherwise, apply a simple edge banding yourself; it will last a long time and look neat.

KALLAX shelves are usually made from particleboard with a melamine coating. The edges are often only thinly covered and not sanded, making them susceptible to mechanical damage.

Claims are reasonable if defects appear immediately after purchase or if the material should be mechanically sound. Later occurrences of chipping may be due to moisture, installation errors, or simply careless handling.

For minor damage, self-repair using repair kits (plastic filler, touch-up pens) or applying edge banding is common and usually sufficient to restore appearance and stability.