ᐅ How do I install the back panel for Pax when the walls are uneven?

Hello everyone,

I am currently facing the problem that the wall where I want to place my Pax wardrobe is not completely straight. The wall has some irregularities, which makes attaching the back panel more difficult.

My question is: What is the best way to install the back panel on uneven walls so that the Pax wardrobe stands stable afterward and there is no stress on the back panel or the overall structure? Are there specific techniques, materials, or fasteners that have proven effective for compensating for unevenness or for securely fixing the back panel despite the wall irregularities?

I would greatly appreciate practical tips, and possibly experiences with different methods, so that I don’t just start mounting it and run into problems later. Thanks in advance!

For uneven walls, it is advisable to first use a spirit level to mark the spots where the wall deviates most from vertical. Then you can screw small wedges or washers onto the back panel to adjust it. It is important that the back panel does not hold any material under tension.

Additionally, you can use flexible mounting screws to allow some play. This way, the back panel will still fit securely.

Hello Doruk32,

Your issue with installing the back panel on uneven walls is quite common, especially in older buildings or walls with plaster that isn’t perfectly smooth. I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to proceed safely and securely for a long-lasting installation.

1. Measure the current condition: Use a long spirit level or straightedge to check the wall alignment over the full height and width of the back panel area. Mark the highest and lowest points.

2. Plan for backing: For significant unevenness, you will likely need backing material. Use battens or thin wooden wedges to create a flat surface. Apply these not just at single points but across the whole area to support the back panel evenly.

3. Carefully position and check the back panel: Place the panel in position without fixing it and use a spirit level to verify if it sits evenly. If needed, fix wooden wedges at the resting points using double-sided tape or screws.

4. Fastening: Use screws with longer wall anchors suitable for your wall type, and appropriate mounting plates or brackets for the back panel itself. Avoid tightening the screws too much — some flexibility is beneficial so the structure can move slightly without cracking.

5. Material choice: In some cases, it’s worth using flexible back panels made from MDF or thin plywood with the right surface sealing, which adapt better to irregularities.

6. Spacers: You can also insert narrow spacers made of foam rubber or plastic between the wall and back panel. These compensate for small unevenness and prevent rattling.

Do you have a clear idea of how uneven the surface is? The wall type (e.g., plaster, brick, concrete) particularly affects the best mounting method. Feel free to send me more details if you like.

Good luck with your installation!

TYRELL schrieb:
Do you have a clear idea of how severe the unevenness is? The type of wall (e.g., plaster, brick, concrete) especially influences the best way to mount.

This is a very important point! Additionally, I would recommend the following steps before starting the actual installation:

- Check the unevenness at various points using a long spirit level or a straight batten, note the deviations and their locations.
- For significant unevenness (more than about 5 mm (0.2 inches)), you should definitely install a wooden batten substructure on the wall. This can be fixed with anchors and serves as a flat base for the back panel.
- Make sure the battens themselves are level. Minor irregularities can be compensated with self-adhesive felt pads or spacers.
- The back panel is then attached to this substructure, which helps avoid unsightly stress and warping.

Avoid screwing the back panel directly onto a strongly uneven wall, as this can cause deformation and damage to the material.

One last tip: If you want to modify the back panel on site, measure carefully beforehand and check the fit. Small adjustments to the panel are usually easy to make.

I hope this helps!