ᐅ How can I safely install Ikea Pax wardrobes on drywall (gypsum board) walls?
Created on: 5 Jan 2022 08:42
T
Takilis
Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to assemble my new Ikea Pax wardrobe, but I have a special situation: the walls in my room are drywall (gypsum board). My main concern is securely mounting the wardrobe to this type of wall.
The Pax is quite heavy, and I want to be absolutely sure that it won’t tip over and, most importantly, that the fixings to the drywall will hold.
I’m wondering: which fasteners are best suited here? Are simple wall plugs enough, or should I use special drywall anchors? Are there any recommendations for distributing the load, for example, installing an additional wooden batten behind the paneling?
Also, I’m interested in whether it’s better to secure the wardrobe only to the wall or if I should also consider fixing it to the floor.
I would be very grateful if you could share your experiences on how you securely mounted your Ikea Pax to drywall, which materials and methods have worked well, and what mistakes to avoid.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
I am currently planning to assemble my new Ikea Pax wardrobe, but I have a special situation: the walls in my room are drywall (gypsum board). My main concern is securely mounting the wardrobe to this type of wall.
The Pax is quite heavy, and I want to be absolutely sure that it won’t tip over and, most importantly, that the fixings to the drywall will hold.
I’m wondering: which fasteners are best suited here? Are simple wall plugs enough, or should I use special drywall anchors? Are there any recommendations for distributing the load, for example, installing an additional wooden batten behind the paneling?
Also, I’m interested in whether it’s better to secure the wardrobe only to the wall or if I should also consider fixing it to the floor.
I would be very grateful if you could share your experiences on how you securely mounted your Ikea Pax to drywall, which materials and methods have worked well, and what mistakes to avoid.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Thanks for all the helpful tips so far!
I still have one question: Suppose I can’t find a stud exactly behind the planned mounting rail for the Pax – how would you proceed in this case?
Should I slightly shift the wardrobe to align with a stud? Or is it sufficient to rely entirely on the toggle anchors if they are properly sized?
I’m asking because space is limited, and I can’t move the furniture freely.
Also: How exactly is the wooden batten installed – is it simply fixed to the wall behind the wardrobe and then connected to the wardrobe? What dimensions should I choose for the batten?
I still have one question: Suppose I can’t find a stud exactly behind the planned mounting rail for the Pax – how would you proceed in this case?
Should I slightly shift the wardrobe to align with a stud? Or is it sufficient to rely entirely on the toggle anchors if they are properly sized?
I’m asking because space is limited, and I can’t move the furniture freely.
Also: How exactly is the wooden batten installed – is it simply fixed to the wall behind the wardrobe and then connected to the wardrobe? What dimensions should I choose for the batten?
Hello Takilis,
If you don’t find a wooden stud directly behind the intended Pax mounting rail, you have two options:
- Try to shift the cabinet slightly so that you can attach it to at least two studs. Stability increases with more fastening points.
- If that’s not possible, use high-quality metal toggle bolts with a strong load capacity. These are designed to carry loads in hollow walls, provided the installation is done correctly.
Regarding the wooden batten: This is usually used as a horizontal strip along the back of the mounting surface. It should be at least 40 mm (1.6 inches) thick and 60–80 mm (2.4–3.1 inches) wide to provide a sufficiently stable support surface.
The batten is ideally fixed to at least two wooden studs in the wall to utilize their load-bearing capacity. Then you attach the cabinet to the batten. This creates a good load distribution along the wall.
If possible, use high-quality, well-dried hardwood so the batten does not warp.
If you don’t find a wooden stud directly behind the intended Pax mounting rail, you have two options:
- Try to shift the cabinet slightly so that you can attach it to at least two studs. Stability increases with more fastening points.
- If that’s not possible, use high-quality metal toggle bolts with a strong load capacity. These are designed to carry loads in hollow walls, provided the installation is done correctly.
Regarding the wooden batten: This is usually used as a horizontal strip along the back of the mounting surface. It should be at least 40 mm (1.6 inches) thick and 60–80 mm (2.4–3.1 inches) wide to provide a sufficiently stable support surface.
The batten is ideally fixed to at least two wooden studs in the wall to utilize their load-bearing capacity. Then you attach the cabinet to the batten. This creates a good load distribution along the wall.
If possible, use high-quality, well-dried hardwood so the batten does not warp.
Takilis schrieb:
Or is it sufficient to rely entirely on the toggle bolt if I size it correctly?I think you shouldn’t rely solely on toggle bolts if it can be avoided. In my case with the Pax wardrobe, I didn’t have a full wooden stud behind the mounting point, but I adjusted the installation a bit until I had two solid fixing points.
That way you simply have a secure feeling that nothing will wobble or give way.
Takilis schrieb:
How exactly do you attach the wooden batten – is it just fixed to the wall inside behind the cabinet and then connected to the cabinet?Exactly like that! The batten is screwed horizontally to the wall, preferably with heavy-duty anchors into the studs. Then you hang the cabinet on this batten or screw it directly to it.
Good luck, you’ll be fine!
Great thread!
I mounted my Pax wardrobe on drywall myself and can only confirm: the wooden batten is a real game changer!
I chose it a bit wider (80mm (3 inches)) and also screwed the wardrobe to the floor at the bottom – feels super stable! It’s important not to settle for minimal support but to put in a bit more effort.
With good tools and the right anchors, it works perfectly. Have confidence, anyone can do it! 🙂
I mounted my Pax wardrobe on drywall myself and can only confirm: the wooden batten is a real game changer!
I chose it a bit wider (80mm (3 inches)) and also screwed the wardrobe to the floor at the bottom – feels super stable! It’s important not to settle for minimal support but to put in a bit more effort.
With good tools and the right anchors, it works perfectly. Have confidence, anyone can do it! 🙂
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