ᐅ How can I securely fix Ikea Pax wardrobes to tiled floors?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to secure an Ikea Pax wardrobe in my apartment on tiled floors, but I am unsure about the safest way to do this without damaging the tiles or the wall structure. The wall is a plastered concrete wall, and the floor consists of smooth ceramic tiles that can be sensitive to heavy loads and drilling.

My specific question is:

How can I securely and permanently fix Ikea Pax wardrobes on tiled floors? What fastening methods do you recommend to ensure stability without damaging the tiles? Should I also consider anything special regarding wall mounting given the tiled floor?

I would appreciate tips, preferably with recommendations for suitable tools or alternatives to the classic anchor method, if available.

Thank you in advance!

Hello tragusztav,

tragusztav schrieb:
How can I securely and permanently fix Ikea PAX wardrobes to tiled floors?

That’s a very good question, which many underestimate, especially since tiled floors are often considered fragile. In general, I recommend the following approach:

- The Ikea PAX wardrobe is usually secured to the wall at the top, not to the floor. This minimizes damage to the flooring. The PAX assembly instructions include special brackets and screws for wall mounting, which are used with wall anchors.
- To avoid damaging tiles when drilling into the wall—if the mounting height is low—you should use a special tile drill bit that does not crack the glaze.
- To protect the floor: under the wardrobe feet or plinth elements, use felt pads or non-slip pads to prevent slipping and protect the tiles.
- If you really need to fix it to the floor (which I only recommend if wall mounting is not possible), you can use chemical anchor adhesives that are gentler on the substrate, or special floor anchors designed for tiled surfaces.

Be cautious with complete floor fixation, as tiles are brittle and can crack under stress. If possible, stick to wall mounting.

If you need more detailed advice on tools or specific anchors, I’m happy to provide tips.

Good luck!

I would like to discuss this topic in more detail because, especially with tiled floors, important long-term details are often overlooked.

First, regarding wall mounting: Since the PAX wardrobe requires high stability, it is important to screw it into solid substrates, preferably into solid concrete walls or load-bearing masonry parts. Drilling through tiles requires

- a tile drill bit with carbide or diamond tips
- slow and careful drilling without hammer function
- using painter’s tape on the drilling spot to prevent the drill from slipping

Drilling directly into the grout joints is often easier and safer than through the tiles, as this reduces the risk of cracks.

Regarding floor fixing: In most cases, it is not absolutely necessary to screw the wardrobe to the floor. However, if your home has, for example, slippery tiles or situations with high stress (such as with children or pets), this may become a relevant issue.

If you do want to fix it to the floor, I recommend:

- using floor anchors with foam or rubber inserts to minimize stresses and cracks
- placing protective mats under the feet to reduce tile load, if needed
- planning drill points only in grout joints or large tiles (at least 20x20cm (8x8 inches))

Also: Test the strength beforehand using a set of wall anchors and screws. The standard PAX wall brackets are usually sufficient if the wall is load-bearing.

How is your PAX wardrobe assembled? Does it reach all the way to the ceiling? Have you connected several modules? The load conditions can vary depending on this.

I would like to get more information so we can provide more targeted advice.

Domau0 schrieb:
How is your PAX wardrobe constructed? Does it go all the way up to the ceiling? Have you connected several modules? Depending on that, the load distribution might vary.

Thank you for the detailed advice!

My PAX is about 2.35 meters (7 ft 9 in) tall, practically from floor to ceiling. It consists of two modules that I place side by side and connect. On the wall side, I have a concrete wall; the opposite wall is drywall. The floor is fully covered with 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inch) ceramic tiles.

I want the fastening to be as discreet and stable as possible. I prefer screws into the wall—but without damaging the floor. That’s why I’m concerned about possible additional floor fixing if wall mounting alone isn’t secure enough.

Do you or anyone else have tips regarding stability for these multi-module PAX systems and whether floor fixing might actually be necessary?

This would also help to better assess the question of suitable floor fastening methods.

tragusztav schrieb:
Do you or anyone have tips on stability for such multi-part PAX systems and the question of whether floor anchoring might actually be necessary?

I understand your concerns very well. Based on my experience with PAX wardrobes, here is what I found:

- Connecting multiple modules increases the overall system stability and actually improves tipping resistance.
- Wall mounting remains the most important safety measure, especially with tall wardrobes.
- Floor anchoring is usually not necessary, except on very uneven floors or in homes with children who might climb on them.

If you still decide to anchor to the floor, try to use materials that minimize rebound forces, such as non-slip rubber mats under the feet. I would only recommend directly screwing into tiles as a last resort, since the risk of cracks remains high.

Getting a professional on-site assessment or asking Ikea directly can often bring clarity, as they sometimes provide special assembly tips for certain floor types.

Don’t worry too much—most PAX owners secure their wardrobes only to the wall, which is usually entirely sufficient.