ᐅ How can I securely install Ikea Pax wardrobes in an older building?

Hello everyone, I am planning to securely fix an Ikea Pax wardrobe in my older apartment, but I have concerns about the old wall structure. The walls are mostly solid masonry, partially covered with plaster, and in some areas uneven. My question is: What fastening methods are recommended to anchor a Pax wardrobe solidly and safely in an older building without damaging the wall or compromising stability? Are there specific anchors or techniques that have proven effective, especially for older masonry walls? Any advice on preparation, such as avoiding cracks in the plaster or choosing the right mounting height, would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I can fully understand that this can be tricky with an older building—I personally struggled for a long time with how to mount my Pax wardrobe. What helped me was first carefully checking where the masonry is still solid and where there might be hollow spots or crumbling plaster. I then spent some time reinforcing the stability by using appropriate anchors. For me, it’s important not to overload the wall and to support the wardrobe not only at the top but also at the bottom. Especially when children are in the household, it feels safer if the cabinet stands on the floor and is only additionally secured at the top.

For old solid masonry walls, I recommend using special heavy-duty anchors or metal anchors. These provide higher load capacity and ensure a secure hold, even on uneven surfaces. It is also important to use an appropriate hammer drill before drilling to avoid damaging the masonry. Alternatively, cavity anchors can be used if the wall has a lightweight or drywall panel. Additionally, I suggest following the exact fastening points of the Pax wardrobe according to the IKEA instructions, using the appropriate screws, and, if possible, securing the wardrobe to load-bearing elements such as solid pillars.

Old walls require long anchors. Use metal anchors for masonry and drill precisely. Always secure cabinets at the top and bottom.

Basically, attaching a Pax wardrobe to walls in older buildings is a complex task because the wall structure varies greatly. I recommend starting with a thorough assessment of the wall materials and their load-bearing capacity. This can be checked by gently tapping or using a stud finder. If the plaster is crumbly or there are fine cracks in the masonry, the area should be prepared with a reinforcing plaster beforehand.

For the actual attachment, I recommend:
- Metal heavy-duty anchors with a minimum length of 60 mm (2.4 inches)
- Pre-drilling with a drill bit matching the anchor length
- A mounting height that distributes the weight evenly (not just securing at the top, but also stabilizing the lower area)
- Screws with sufficient thickness as specified in the IKEA instructions

Additionally, I suggest assembling the wardrobe without fixing it to the wall first and checking the wall’s stability using a level and distance measurements while the wardrobe is still in the package. If there are specific areas with deeper cavities, avoid fastening there or find additional anchoring points.

Have you determined exactly what material your wall is made of? This greatly affects the choice of anchors.

Palenar schrieb:
Have you found out more precisely what material your wall is made of? That significantly affects the choice of anchors.

Thank you, I looked more closely: the walls are made of calcium silicate blocks with a plaster layer that is flaking in some areas. The plaster thickness varies, and there are slight uneven spots. The wall is load-bearing and quite solid, but that doesn’t mean all parts have the same load capacity. I think metal or heavy-duty anchors would be suitable here, but the flaking areas concern me a bit. Should I repair those beforehand, and if so, with what material to ensure a long-lasting fix?