ᐅ Experiences with foam rubber for quieter placement in Kallax compartments?

liamreo schrieb:
How stable are the boxes when using, for example, Ikea plastic boxes?

The Ikea plastic boxes are very stable for me, but I fixed the foam rubber with double-sided tape. This prevents any slipping and keeps the surface level. With thinner foam rubber, nothing tips over for me either, but it needs to be 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) thick to noticeably feel the cushioning effect.

I used foam rubber in 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) thickness – it does reduce noise, but the best effect comes from 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches). Thicker material, however, could reduce storage space.

For everyone who wants to use foam rubber in Kallax compartments, here is a brief guide:

1. Material selection: Choose foam rubber with a thickness of 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inches) for optimal cushioning with minimal loss of space.

2. Cutting: Measure precisely and cut with a utility knife or sharp blade. A ruler helps to achieve straight edges.

3. Attachment: I recommend double-sided tape because it stays clean. Alternatively, spray adhesive can be used, but it is harder to remove without residue.

4. Slip resistance: For smooth boxes, slip-resistant foam rubber can help; otherwise, place thin rubber mats underneath.

5. Cleaning: Foam rubber is easy to clean with a damp cloth, which helps to remove dust.

Summary: Foam rubber is effective, inexpensive, and easy to work with. Pay attention to thickness and don’t forget to secure it, otherwise it will shift.

LANICOLE schrieb:
Summary: Foam rubber is effective, affordable, and easy to work with.

This matches my assessment. How about durability in your experience? Does foam rubber become brittle or start to break down after months or years? I don’t want to have to replace it frequently.

Also, I’m curious if anyone has long-term experience with different qualities of foam rubber, for example cheap craft foam versus specialized sealing foam rubber from a hardware store.

liamreo schrieb:
How durable is it in your experience? Does foam rubber become brittle or start to break down after months or years?

Usually, foam rubber made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is very durable and barely ages under normal indoor conditions. However, cheap, porous craft foam rubber can become brittle after a few years. For long-term use, I recommend good quality hardware store products with UV resistance, even if they are slightly more expensive.

I have only the following to add on this topic: foam rubber reduces noise and is sturdy enough for shelf compartments. If you want additional padding, combine it with felt or rubber. I am not aware of any prefabricated cuttings for Kallax.