ᐅ How can I prevent BILLY shelves from sagging?

Created on: 17 Apr 2021 08:43
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Kenpablo
Hello everyone, I have an issue with my Billy shelves from IKEA, which bend over time. This sagging is especially noticeable on the larger, deeper shelves. What options are there to prevent this? I have considered adding extra support braces or storing lighter items on the top shelves, but maybe someone knows smarter or specially designed solutions for these shelves? I’m grateful for any tips, especially if you have experience with reinforcements or other IKEA parts to improve stability.
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Kenpablo
17 Apr 2021 14:21
Naomige schrieb:
If you like, I can also provide the appropriate dimensions for such reinforcements.

That would be great, especially for the wooden strips under the floors.
kibutar schrieb:
How deep exactly are your shelves and what is the load (weight)?

My shelves are 40 cm (16 inches) deep. I estimate the weight per shelf is around 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs) due to books, binders, and some electronic devices. I could try to measure the weights more precisely, but right now I’m mainly looking for a general recommendation for reinforcements or accessories that work well with BILLY.
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angel
18 Apr 2021 08:07
Hello Kenpablo, thank you for your detailed questions. For shelf depths of 40cm (16 inches) and about 25kg (55 lbs) per shelf, reinforcement is definitely recommended.

A simple solution is to screw solid pine wood strips (e.g., 20x30mm (0.8x1.2 inches)) along the front and back edges underneath the shelf board. This effectively reduces the span.

Additionally, you can use separate metal brackets (for example, from the LILLHULT series at IKEA), which are discreet and easy to install. Plywood backing plates that you glue underneath are also an option.

It is important to distribute the load evenly and avoid placing weight on only one spot permanently.
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GLAEL
18 Apr 2021 09:05
angel schrieb:
A simple method is to screw solid pine wood strips (e.g., 20x30 mm (0.8x1.2 inches)) along the front and back edges under the shelf board.

That’s exactly how I do it. Simple, cost-effective, and efficient. You can also secure the strips with wood glue for extra stability.
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pakokla
18 Apr 2021 09:43
I would also recommend not concentrating the weight on a single board. It's better to distribute books and heavy items across several shelves. If that’s not possible, metal brackets or additional central supports can help.
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Deoma
19 Apr 2021 07:12
If you frequently place similar items on the shelves, narrow aluminum U-channels beneath the shelves are the best option for stability and long-lasting durability. They are slim and hardly noticeable visually.