S
Seburkha5722 Jul 2022 18:37Hello everyone, I am planning to get a Pax wardrobe from Ikea but have some uncertainties regarding the proper mounting. Specifically, I am concerned about the stability and safety of the units, especially when they are fully loaded.
My questions are:
- Which fixing materials are best suited to securely attach the cabinets to walls?
- Are there differences depending on the wall material (e.g., concrete, drywall, brick)?
- Should the individual modules be connected to each other in addition to being fixed to the wall, or is wall mounting alone sufficient?
- What about alignment and load distribution, especially for tall and wide versions?
I am looking for precise advice that also addresses common DIY situations, as I am not a professional but an enthusiastic hobbyist. Thanks in advance!
My questions are:
- Which fixing materials are best suited to securely attach the cabinets to walls?
- Are there differences depending on the wall material (e.g., concrete, drywall, brick)?
- Should the individual modules be connected to each other in addition to being fixed to the wall, or is wall mounting alone sufficient?
- What about alignment and load distribution, especially for tall and wide versions?
I am looking for precise advice that also addresses common DIY situations, as I am not a professional but an enthusiastic hobbyist. Thanks in advance!
For wall mounting, you should definitely use the supplied brackets. For concrete or brick walls, it is best to use anchors designed for heavy loads. For drywall (plasterboard), make sure to use hollow wall anchors or special drywall anchors.
Connecting the modules to each other is advisable and will stabilize the entire system.
Connecting the modules to each other is advisable and will stabilize the entire system.
Hello Seburkha57,
Your questions are valid because the load capacity of the Pax wardrobes greatly depends on proper mounting. Generally, I recommend the following approach:
- Wall inspection: First, you should know exactly what type of material your wall is made of, as load-bearing capacity varies significantly. Concrete walls are the most secure, where you can use heavy-duty anchors (e.g., metal expansion anchors or heavy-duty anchors).
- For brick walls, you should also use heavy-duty anchors, preferably with a deep embedment. Drywall (plasterboard) walls are more challenging; simple anchors are not sufficient here, so you need cavity anchors or toggle bolts because otherwise, the wall will give way.
- Wall mounting and connecting the modules: Ikea usually supplies wall mounts designed for multiple modules. It is important to connect the modules with each other (usually with the included connectors) so that the load is distributed evenly and the structure remains stable.
- Alignment: Use a spirit level during assembly. For multiple modules, you can loosely screw them together first and then align them collectively before tightening everything.
- Load distribution: Heavier items should be stored towards the bottom. The taller you build the unit, the more important a secure wall mounting becomes.
- Additional tip: Check the screws regularly, as they can loosen over time with use and load.
I would be interested to know exactly what type of wall you have and how tall and wide the planned Pax wardrobe will be?
Your questions are valid because the load capacity of the Pax wardrobes greatly depends on proper mounting. Generally, I recommend the following approach:
- Wall inspection: First, you should know exactly what type of material your wall is made of, as load-bearing capacity varies significantly. Concrete walls are the most secure, where you can use heavy-duty anchors (e.g., metal expansion anchors or heavy-duty anchors).
- For brick walls, you should also use heavy-duty anchors, preferably with a deep embedment. Drywall (plasterboard) walls are more challenging; simple anchors are not sufficient here, so you need cavity anchors or toggle bolts because otherwise, the wall will give way.
- Wall mounting and connecting the modules: Ikea usually supplies wall mounts designed for multiple modules. It is important to connect the modules with each other (usually with the included connectors) so that the load is distributed evenly and the structure remains stable.
- Alignment: Use a spirit level during assembly. For multiple modules, you can loosely screw them together first and then align them collectively before tightening everything.
- Load distribution: Heavier items should be stored towards the bottom. The taller you build the unit, the more important a secure wall mounting becomes.
- Additional tip: Check the screws regularly, as they can loosen over time with use and load.
I would be interested to know exactly what type of wall you have and how tall and wide the planned Pax wardrobe will be?
S
Seburkha5723 Jul 2022 07:18Nakar33 schrieb:
I would like to know exactly what type of wall you have and how tall and wide the planned Pax wardrobe will be.Thank you for your detailed feedback!
My wall is unfortunately a drywall with wooden studs behind it, which is common in older buildings. The wardrobe is planned to be about 2.36 m (7 ft 9 in) tall and 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) wide, consisting of two Pax units connected together.
Since I want to equip the wardrobe with clothes rails and some heavy shoe boxes, I want to make sure it is stable and won’t tip over or pull out the mounting.
Are there any special anchors you would recommend for drywall with wooden studs? And how would you suggest arranging the construction with regard to load distribution measures?
Hello Seburkha57,
with drywall (plasterboard) on wooden studs behind it, you have an advantage: The wooden studs provide a relatively solid anchoring point, but you should definitely make sure to fasten your anchors and screws directly into the studs. Measure the positions of the studs beforehand using a reliable stud finder.
I recommend the following steps:
- Use wood screws of the appropriate length (at least 70 mm (2.75 inches)) to penetrate the drywall and go deep enough into the wooden studs.
- Avoid using standard drywall anchors in this case, as they do not provide sufficient hold.
- Position the mounting brackets exactly where a wooden stud is located.
- Connect the two modules to each other using the supplied connectors to achieve greater stability.
- Check the alignment during assembly with a spirit level, as drywall walls are often not perfectly straight.
Regarding load distribution: store heavy items preferably in the lower area. Additionally, you can equip the base with anti-slip pads to prevent lateral shifting.
If you have any further questions, just let me know!
with drywall (plasterboard) on wooden studs behind it, you have an advantage: The wooden studs provide a relatively solid anchoring point, but you should definitely make sure to fasten your anchors and screws directly into the studs. Measure the positions of the studs beforehand using a reliable stud finder.
I recommend the following steps:
- Use wood screws of the appropriate length (at least 70 mm (2.75 inches)) to penetrate the drywall and go deep enough into the wooden studs.
- Avoid using standard drywall anchors in this case, as they do not provide sufficient hold.
- Position the mounting brackets exactly where a wooden stud is located.
- Connect the two modules to each other using the supplied connectors to achieve greater stability.
- Check the alignment during assembly with a spirit level, as drywall walls are often not perfectly straight.
Regarding load distribution: store heavy items preferably in the lower area. Additionally, you can equip the base with anti-slip pads to prevent lateral shifting.
If you have any further questions, just let me know!
Hey Seburkha57,
your question is very important, because a Pax shelving unit can become really unstable if the mounting isn’t taken seriously.
I can only agree with that and add a bit more: A little patience measuring never harmed anyone! It’s best to mark several spots on the studs so you have flexibility when attaching the unit.
Also: When connecting the modules to each other, try not to tighten the screws too much to avoid deforming the wood. It’s better to adjust gently and then tighten. And don’t forget to take it all with a bit of humor 😉 – after all, it’s not a flight simulator, but it should still be solid.
Good luck with the assembly, and if you like, let us know how it went!
your question is very important, because a Pax shelving unit can become really unstable if the mounting isn’t taken seriously.
Jeanbar schrieb:
Use wood screws of the appropriate length (at least 70 mm (2.75 inches)) to go through the drywall and deep enough into the wooden studs.
I can only agree with that and add a bit more: A little patience measuring never harmed anyone! It’s best to mark several spots on the studs so you have flexibility when attaching the unit.
Also: When connecting the modules to each other, try not to tighten the screws too much to avoid deforming the wood. It’s better to adjust gently and then tighten. And don’t forget to take it all with a bit of humor 😉 – after all, it’s not a flight simulator, but it should still be solid.
Good luck with the assembly, and if you like, let us know how it went!
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