ᐅ How easy is it to change the doors on IKEA PAX wardrobes?

Created on: 2 Apr 2021 09:17
C
catalin
C
catalin
2 Apr 2021 09:17
Hello everyone, I have a question about the Ikea PAX wardrobe system: How easy is it actually to change the doors on a PAX wardrobe? Specifically, I’m interested in whether this can be done independently by someone with average DIY skills, which tools are required, and how much effort is involved overall. Are there any particular considerations for the different door types (e.g., sliding doors vs. hinged doors)? I would also like to know if it’s possible to simply purchase replacement doors for an existing PAX frame and install them without having to disassemble the entire wardrobe. Thanks in advance for your experiences!
G
Giagau
2 Apr 2021 09:45
Replacing the doors on Ikea PAX wardrobes is generally feasible if you have some basic DIY skills and follow the instructions carefully. It is important to have the right screwdrivers ready, preferably Phillips heads. Tools like a cordless drill can make the process much easier but are not essential.

You can usually buy the doors separately and install them on existing frames without having to disassemble the entire furniture piece. However, the effort involved depends on whether you have hinged doors or sliding doors, as sliding doors often require a bit more adjustment.

I recommend measuring the doors carefully before replacing them and closely inspecting the hinges, as there can be different attachment methods between older and newer models.
F
fepau
2 Apr 2021 11:03
Hey catalin, great question! Some time ago, I replaced my PAX wardrobe doors myself and was really impressed with how well it worked! 😄 I only needed a screwdriver, and it took less than an hour!

One tip: take your time and carefully check how the hinges are attached. Sometimes there are small clips that need to be undone, which can seem tricky at first, but with a bit of patience, it works out really well. Sliding doors aren’t complicated either—just be careful when removing them, and it’s no problem!

Give it a try, it’s actually fun to see something old become new again!
D
Danial
2 Apr 2021 12:38
fepau schrieb:
One tip: Take some time and carefully check how the hinges are mounted.

I actually see it differently – I believe this is exactly where PAX has a weak point. The hinges are cleverly designed, but with older cabinets they are not always compatible with the newer doors. It is often assumed that you either replace the frame or the hinges, which significantly increases the effort.

Also, the term "simple" is subjective. For someone without experience, replacing the doors can definitely be frustrating because the doors sometimes need adjustment to fit properly.

Has anyone here documented experience where a door replacement alone was possible without issues on somewhat older PAX systems?
L
Lilygla
3 Apr 2021 10:12
I would like to explain the door replacement from a technical perspective in more detail:

- Hinged doors typically use four hinges per door, which are standardized; however, there have been and still are different types—for example, the older PAX hinges, which are not directly compatible with the newer versions. If the hinges don’t fit, they need to be replaced, which means extra work.

- Sliding doors operate with rollers at the top and bottom. Replacing them requires a thorough understanding of the running mechanisms, as otherwise there may be issues with jamming or uneven movement. Additionally, sliding doors are often framed and more delicate to handle.

- A complete door replacement is possible without disassembling the entire unit, but it is advisable to empty the adjacent compartments to have enough space to work.

- Important: Before purchasing new doors, compare the exact dimensions and mounting types carefully, as IKEA has made model changes over the years.

I would be interested to know which PAX generation your question refers to, catalin, so I can offer more targeted help.
C
catalin
3 Apr 2021 13:55
Lilygla schrieb:
I’m curious which generation of PAX you are referring to with your question, catalin, so I can possibly assist more specifically?

Thanks for the detailed explanations! My cabinets are about 4 years old, so probably a mid-generation. The doors are regular hinged doors, and the hinges look like the standard clip-on hinges currently used.

My goal is to update the doors because I want to change the appearance without significantly altering the interior or the frame. The clip-on hinges, as opposed to screws, are especially important to me for ease of installation.

How easy would you estimate it is to just replace the doors while keeping the existing hinges? Is there anything else to watch out for that’s easy to overlook?