ᐅ How can I securely install Ikea PAX wardrobes on a tiled floor?

I would like to share some practical tips that can be helpful when installing Pax cabinets on tiled floors.

1. Wall preparation: If you have a brick or concrete wall, use wall anchors that provide strong support (e.g., nylon impact anchors or metal expansion anchors). Before drilling, check with a voltage tester to ensure there are no hidden electrical cables.

2. Installing the wall brackets: It’s best to first attach the mounting brackets to the cabinet frame, then push the cabinet against the wall and mark the drill holes.

3. For tiled floors: If you don’t want to secure the cabinet to the floor, place non-slip felt or rubber pads under the polyurethane adjustable feet. These will protect the tiles.

4. If the floor is uneven, leveling with thin wedges or mounting plates can help distribute the weight evenly.

Even small unevenness can cause problems later if the cabinet is fixed to the wall but still wobbles.

Can you tell me how large the deviations in the floor level are and whether you have tools for fine adjustments?

Thanks in advance for the detailed advice.

Regarding the wall: It is a load-bearing brick wall, not a drywall partition. Therefore, I will be able to use sturdy anchors.

The floor is slightly uneven, especially the grout lines are not completely level.

Basically, the PAX wardrobe will be fixed to the wall, but I wanted to add extra stability with a floor attachment in case a child pushes or shakes the wardrobe.

The idea of felt pads as floor protection sounds very interesting; that might be a good solution to prevent damage to the tiles. Is there a recommendation for the best thickness or type of material for such pads?

I’m also considering placing a kind of plastic plate under the adjustable feet to help level the wardrobe.

I have a spirit level and some small tools like a cordless drill, but no professional tile drill bits.

Hello Lopuzar,

You’re on the right track by focusing on wall mounting as the primary point.

Regarding felt pads: I recommend 3-5 mm (about 0.1–0.2 inches) thick, self-adhesive felt pads. Make sure they are abrasion-resistant to prevent dirt buildup on the tiles and protect against scratches.

Because of uneven tile grout lines, using a small rigid plastic plate is a good idea; however, it should be at least as large as the adjustable foot to avoid point loads.

Alternatively, there are rubber mats available that are also slip-resistant and can easily adapt to the floor.

About tile drill bits: if you’re unsure, it’s better to avoid floor fastenings altogether. But if you want to try drilling, use a masonry drill bit with a diamond or carbide tip, work slowly, and keep the drill site wet to prevent overheating and cracking.

And importantly: always secure the cabinet to the wall at several points – this is the best safety measure against tipping or unwanted shifting.

harold schrieb:
Rubber mats or feet, or felt pads are recommended, as they distribute the weight and prevent direct pressure on the tiles.

Exactly! I can also confirm from my own experience that this works really well.

Two years ago, I placed my PAX wardrobe on tiles, using heavy-duty felt pads under the feet plus a thin plastic underlay. Not a single tile has been damaged, and the wardrobe stands as solid as a rock.

It’s also important that the floor is clean and dry before setting it up to prevent slipping. A small tip: if you find yourself sliding around a lot while adjusting it, you can try some double-sided tape on the pads.

So, no need to worry about tiles as long as you handle it carefully!

Short and practical: use wall mounting, do not drill into tiles.

Felt pads or rubber mats under the feet are sufficient. If you still want to drill, use a diamond drill bit and work slowly.

The base can be MDF or plastic, but not too thick, otherwise it will wobble again.