ᐅ How can I retrofit IKEA Platsa doors to improve the closing mechanism?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Platsa cabinet module and am generally happy with the doors, but the door closing mechanism is relatively weak and sometimes causes the doors not to close properly or to remain slightly ajar. Therefore, I wanted to ask if anyone here has experience or tips on how to upgrade Platsa doors with a better or more durable closing mechanism.

Are there, for example, alternative magnetic catches, stronger door dampers, or a specific additional fitting system that can be installed? I would also like to know if there are any special considerations during installation to efficiently and durably integrate the new mechanism.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions!

For a better closing mechanism, you can install strong magnetic catches. These are easy to mount and ensure a secure closure.

Alternatively, I recommend gas struts if there is enough space. They provide a smooth yet firm closing of the doors.

RuPablo7 schrieb:
For a better closing mechanism, you can install strong magnetic catches.

Exactly, that’s a practical first step, but I’d like to explain a bit more in detail because there are some pitfalls with IKEA Platsa doors that should be avoided.

Basically, the factory-installed door hinges on Platsa do not have an integrated closing mechanism, which means the door only stays in place mechanically at the hinge, but does not apply enough pressure to close fully.

One option is installing strong magnetic catches, which are mounted inside the cabinet body and on the inner side of the door. However, you need to measure the position precisely beforehand so that the magnetic force works optimally and the doors do not warp. There are special cabinet magnets with strong holding power that install only a few millimeters (inches) deep and still hold reliably.

An alternative or complementary measure is retrofitting door dampers, which can often be installed on the inside of the doors using clamping mechanisms. They not only ensure soft closing but also provide a slight return force that gently pulls the doors closed.

Question for you: Have you checked if the hinges on your model can be adjusted? Some Platsa doors can be fine-tuned by adjusting the screws to increase the closing pressure. This often improves the closing function without needing to buy new parts.

deoke schrieb:
One option is definitely the installation of strong magnetic catches, mounted inside the cabinet body and on the inner side of the door.

In addition to this good recommendation, I would like to discuss the exact procedure for installing such magnetic catches:

- First, you need to carefully determine the exact position of the door, because even a shift of a few millimeters can cause misalignment that weakens the closing mechanism or damages the door.

- For installation, it is advisable to pre-drill with a small drill bit to place the screws cleanly and avoid damaging the material.

- There are special self-adhesive magnetic catches, but I would advise against them for long-term durability. Screwed metal versions are better.

- When choosing the magnet strength, be sure to consider the size and weight of the door, as magnets that are too strong can cause the door to close abruptly during daily use, which may stress the materials or hinges over time.

- Another alternative, if space and the interior setup allow, are small spring cylinders installed in the door frame or directly on the hinge. In addition to closing the door, these also offer a locking function to prevent it from staying unintentionally open.

- If modifying the hinges is being considered: there are also higher-quality hinges with integrated soft-close systems as replacements, but you need to carefully check compatibility with your cabinet system.

How exactly is the space behind your doors measured, and what fittings do you currently have installed? This information is important to give targeted recommendations.