ᐅ How can I make the base of the Pax especially sturdy?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to assemble a Pax wardrobe from IKEA and noticed during the installation that the base does not seem very sturdy. My question is: how can I make the base of the Pax wardrobe particularly strong so that it remains stable over time, even under heavy use and frequent loading? Are there any special reinforcements, materials, or assembly tips that should be considered? Advice on securing it to the floor or wall would also be very helpful.

I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!

I would recommend reinforcing the base with additional metal brackets. This significantly increases stability without much effort. Additionally, anchoring it to the floor is helpful if the cabinet is frequently loaded or moved.

For a sturdy construction of the PAX base, I recommend the following approach:

- Use MDF boards or plywood as a support for the base, as these materials are stable and dimensionally stable.
- Screw the boards to the original base frame at several points to distribute the load evenly.
- Additionally, install metal brackets inside the corners to prevent lateral wobbling.
- Anchoring the base to the floor provides the most reliable long-term stability. You can use heavy-duty anchors for a solid fastening.
- If you place the cabinet on an uneven surface, install adjustable feet to ensure the load is always fully supported.

Please make sure not to damage any original drill holes during assembly to maintain stability.

An additional base height created by a stable foundation slab can also increase durability. This also prevents deformation under load. As an alternative to metal brackets, wooden blocks can be installed inside.

Regarding the robustness of the PAX base, it is important to consider load distribution. The base supports the entire weight of the cabinet and should be designed to optimally transfer shear forces and compressive loads.

Here are some specific tips:

- Using multiplex plywood or OSB boards as a sub-base significantly enhances horizontal stability.
- A full-surface screwing together with additional wooden battens inside prevents wobbling.
- Stability can be further improved by incorporating metal profiles under or within the base frame. The positioning of screws is crucial in this process to avoid splitting.
- Anchoring to the wall or floor covering reduces shear stress and ensures a secure footing, especially for deeper cabinets or when used as a wardrobe with high dynamic loads.

The focus should therefore be on a combination of material reinforcement, correct screwing, and anchoring to achieve a durable and safe connection.

I reinforced my PAX wardrobe with a custom-built wooden base and I’m really pleased! I simply cut a thicker plywood panel and screwed it to the original base from underneath. It adds so much more stability, really great!

Additionally, I installed corner brackets on the inside, which effectively prevent any wobbling. It’s really satisfying to see how stable the wardrobe stands now. I can definitely recommend it—grab your screws and get started!