ᐅ How can I securely mount Ikea PAX wardrobes on walls with low load-bearing capacity?

If you cannot anchor the screws directly into the wooden stud, try using hollow metal anchors. They provide a stronger hold than simple panel anchors.

Although Ikea Pax wardrobes should be fixed to the wall, it is important to remember that additional stability can be achieved by wedging or anchoring them to the floor. In our office, we solved similar issues by securing wooden or metal profiles to the floor with appropriate screws and providing light stabilization against the wall.

kaubi schrieb:
One way to increase load-bearing capacity is to screw an additional panel (e.g., plywood) to the wall

This method is often the safest option for thin walls, as it distributes the load over a larger area.

I would like to add that with drywall, the load-bearing capacity depends significantly on the thickness of the board and the spacing of the wooden studs. Ikea PAX comes with wall mounts, so it is definitely recommended to secure these to the studs.

When in doubt, it is better to use more fastenings and choose high-quality screws.

Giagau schrieb:
It is important to distribute the weight of the PAX as evenly as possible across multiple fastening points.

I agree completely; this greatly reduces the tension forces on individual screws.

Regarding screws and anchors: If you cannot locate the studs, avoid using simple plastic anchors in drywall.

Alternatives include cavity toggle anchors, which provide a large bearing surface behind the panel, or metal expansion anchors that are specifically designed for low load capacity.

For a wardrobe like PAX, anchors can offer a certain level of security, but they do not replace fastening into the studs.

Lucien schrieb:
This method is often the safest with thin walls, as it distributes the load over a larger area.

Exactly, and to elaborate further: If you attach a plywood board as reinforcement, you should choose one with a thickness of at least 6-8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch). Screw the board directly into the studs with long wood screws, ideally fastening each stud position multiple times.

After that, you can mount the PAX unit directly to this board, which distributes the load much better than individual screws in the drywall.

Another option is to use so-called heavy-duty anchors, but only if the walls are more solid. In the case of drywall, reinforcement with an additional board is, in my experience, the most practical solution.

One more question: What is the load-bearing capacity or the weight of the fully assembled PAX units in your case?

kaubi schrieb:
One more question: What is the load capacity or weight of the fully loaded PAX units in your case?

Thanks for all the advice so far. The total weight will probably be around 100 to 120 kg (220 to 265 lbs), including clothing. So I definitely need to make sure that the structure will not give way.

I’m leaning towards installing a reinforcement panel as suggested and screwing directly into the wooden studs. I might also add floor supports to the wardrobe for extra safety, to better transfer vertical loads.

If anyone has experience with this combination in practice, I’d appreciate hearing about it!