ᐅ How can I increase the load-bearing capacity of IKEA Hemnes furniture?
Created on: 2 Jun 2021 08:17
N
nau_jon
Hello everyone, some time ago I purchased several pieces of furniture from the IKEA Hemnes range, mainly cabinets and dressers. Now I am wondering how I can sustainably increase the load-bearing capacity of this furniture.
I am not only concerned with superficial stability but also want them to remain stable over time under higher loads—such as from placing heavier items or frequent opening and closing.
What measures would you recommend to strengthen the material and construction without compromising the look or functionality? For example, I was thinking about adding internal reinforcements or applying special fasteners.
Does anyone have experience, perhaps with alternative fixings, wood types, or joint techniques that improve load capacity? Are there specific weak points in Hemnes furniture that should be reinforced intentionally?
I look forward to your tips and experiences!
I am not only concerned with superficial stability but also want them to remain stable over time under higher loads—such as from placing heavier items or frequent opening and closing.
What measures would you recommend to strengthen the material and construction without compromising the look or functionality? For example, I was thinking about adding internal reinforcements or applying special fasteners.
Does anyone have experience, perhaps with alternative fixings, wood types, or joint techniques that improve load capacity? Are there specific weak points in Hemnes furniture that should be reinforced intentionally?
I look forward to your tips and experiences!
A systematic approach to reinforcement:
- Replace the back panel or install a cross batten as the first step
- Attach metal brackets to the corners
- Align drawers with the wood, support with additional battens if necessary
- Secure and tighten joints with appropriate wood glue
No single step will be sufficient on its own; combined measures are crucial for the desired increased load capacity.
- Replace the back panel or install a cross batten as the first step
- Attach metal brackets to the corners
- Align drawers with the wood, support with additional battens if necessary
- Secure and tighten joints with appropriate wood glue
No single step will be sufficient on its own; combined measures are crucial for the desired increased load capacity.
Golekau schrieb:
I replaced the back panel of my Hemnes dresser with a 5 mm (0.2 inch) thick plywood panel and additionally installed metal brackets in the corners.Thanks for sharing your experience – that sounds like a solid approach.
What type of plywood did you use? More birch or beech? And did you treat the edges in any way?
My thought is that plywood is stable but a bit more expensive. Alternatively, a color-matched MDF or OSB panel might also work?
nau_jon schrieb:
My thought is that plywood is stable but somewhat more expensive. Alternatively, a color-matched MDF or OSB board might also work?MDF is uniform but less resistant to point loads and more sensitive to moisture than plywood. OSB is strong but often rough and less visually appealing.
Birch plywood usually offers the best combination of strength, resistance to warping, and appearance for use as a back panel.
All boards are susceptible to moisture if untreated – a clear varnish or a thin glaze is advisable.
nau_jon schrieb:
What type of plywood did you use? More birch or beech? And did you treat the edges?I used birch plywood, 5 mm (0.2 inches) thick. I treated the edges with clear varnish, so everything stays smooth and protected against moisture.
The investment is definitely worth it; the Hemnes now feels much more solid!
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