ᐅ Kallax surfaces with small dents after moving in – is this normal?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Kallax shelving unit from Ikea and assembled and used it right after moving in. However, I noticed that the surfaces have some small dents here and there – not large, but clearly noticeable both to the touch and visually. My question is: Is this normal for Kallax units after moving in and with typical use involving light tapping or placing items on it? Or could this indicate transport damage or poor material quality?

I have not treated the shelf roughly; everything was handled carefully. Still, these small dents on the surface bother me a bit because I was expecting a smooth, durable finish.

Has anyone had similar experiences? What does it look like for you, or is this more of an isolated case? Are there any tricks to smooth the surface or reduce the dents, or would it be better to request a replacement?

I’m looking forward to your feedback and experiences!

Small dents on Kallax units can occasionally occur, especially if there were pressure marks during transport. If there are only a few and they are not deep, this is normal and does not affect functionality. If it bothers you significantly, you can file a complaint or request an exchange.

Sikla schrieb:
Small dents on Kallax units can occasionally happen,

Exactly! I’ve had that happen too – these minor marks are really no big deal! 🙂

The Kallax is so versatile and sturdy that these small dents hardly matter. Just take it easy and enjoy the piece! And hey, sometimes a dent even adds more character than a flawless item.

I really want to encourage you not to see it as a major problem. But of course, if it bothers you, exchanging it is an option. 🙂 Good luck with your shelf – it’s sure to be great!

loromu schrieb:
My question is: Is it normal for Kallax shelves to develop small dents after moving in and the typical use, like from light tapping or loading?

In general, small dents in Kallax shelves are rather unusual because the surface is made of melamine-coated particleboard, which is fairly durable. However, minor pressure marks can still occur during packaging, transport, or assembly.

If you have handled the shelf carefully and there have been no significant external impacts, I would recommend checking thoroughly whether the dents were already present upon delivery. If so, it would definitely make sense to file a complaint.

If the dents appeared through normal use, it could indicate slightly lower material quality or a vulnerable spot, which I would not expect in a new piece of furniture.

Otherwise, sometimes a damp cloth and gently warming the area with an iron (at a distance!) can help the wood swell and reduce the dents somewhat. But be careful: always test cautiously to avoid causing further damage.

I hope this helps you decide on your next steps.