ᐅ Kallax as a Base for a Washing Machine – Recommendation or Risk?
Created on: 11 Aug 2020 15:03
P
puken
Hello everyone,
I am planning to place my washing machine on an IKEA Kallax shelf unit to gain some storage space and raise the machine slightly higher. My question is: Is it generally advisable or rather risky to use a Kallax unit as a base for a washing machine?
I understand that a washing machine vibrates during the spin cycle and needs to stand on a stable surface. The Kallax is solid but made of wood-based material and not necessarily designed for such weight or movement.
Does anyone have experience with this? Are there specific reinforcements available, or is it generally problematic, for example due to structural stability or moisture?
I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
I am planning to place my washing machine on an IKEA Kallax shelf unit to gain some storage space and raise the machine slightly higher. My question is: Is it generally advisable or rather risky to use a Kallax unit as a base for a washing machine?
I understand that a washing machine vibrates during the spin cycle and needs to stand on a stable surface. The Kallax is solid but made of wood-based material and not necessarily designed for such weight or movement.
Does anyone have experience with this? Are there specific reinforcements available, or is it generally problematic, for example due to structural stability or moisture?
I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
Hi puken,
your question is very relevant because the issue of stability and safety for washing machine stands is often underestimated.
Here is a summary of the technical aspects to consider:
- Kallax is made of wood-based panels (chipboard) and is stabilized only by corners and cross braces. This is acceptable under static loads, but washing machines generate dynamic forces.
- The vibrations and shaking during spinning can loosen the joints, cause the shelving to wobble, or in the worst case, lead to breakage.
- Moisture quickly causes swelling and damage to the cabinet.
Alternatives:
- A sturdy base cabinet made of solid wood or metal would be more advisable.
- A specialized washing machine stand designed for these types of loads.
If you still decide to use Kallax, be sure to:
a) place a thick, water-resistant plywood sheet on top,
b) screw the construction together and secure it with brackets,
c) put rubber anti-vibration mats under the machine when setting it up,
d) and regularly check and reinforce the setup.
All in all, Kallax is not an ideal choice as a stand, but with proper preparation and precautions, it can work. However, a risk remains.
your question is very relevant because the issue of stability and safety for washing machine stands is often underestimated.
Here is a summary of the technical aspects to consider:
- Kallax is made of wood-based panels (chipboard) and is stabilized only by corners and cross braces. This is acceptable under static loads, but washing machines generate dynamic forces.
- The vibrations and shaking during spinning can loosen the joints, cause the shelving to wobble, or in the worst case, lead to breakage.
- Moisture quickly causes swelling and damage to the cabinet.
Alternatives:
- A sturdy base cabinet made of solid wood or metal would be more advisable.
- A specialized washing machine stand designed for these types of loads.
If you still decide to use Kallax, be sure to:
a) place a thick, water-resistant plywood sheet on top,
b) screw the construction together and secure it with brackets,
c) put rubber anti-vibration mats under the machine when setting it up,
d) and regularly check and reinforce the setup.
All in all, Kallax is not an ideal choice as a stand, but with proper preparation and precautions, it can work. However, a risk remains.
LENNAU schrieb:
Kallax is made of engineered wood panels (particleboard) and is only stabilized with corner pieces and crossbarsExactly. Furniture like that is not properly designed for this purpose. Better to play it safe.
Parking a washing machine on a Kallax shelf? That almost sounds like a wobble challenge! 😉
Jokes aside:
I would say that while Kallax is sturdy for shelving, using it as a base for a washing machine is risky. The vibrations and weight can quickly cause damage to the furniture piece.
My suggestion: If you really need the storage space, consider purchasing a stable, moisture-resistant board as a base and add some anti-slip mats under the machine. That way, it might stay a wobble-free evening for everyone involved. :-)
Jokes aside:
I would say that while Kallax is sturdy for shelving, using it as a base for a washing machine is risky. The vibrations and weight can quickly cause damage to the furniture piece.
My suggestion: If you really need the storage space, consider purchasing a stable, moisture-resistant board as a base and add some anti-slip mats under the machine. That way, it might stay a wobble-free evening for everyone involved. :-)
Thank you for the detailed responses!
I’m still curious if anyone knows specific values for the dynamic load caused by the spin cycle of a washing machine and whether Kallax is generally “overestimated” in this context.
Also: Are there ways to reinforce the shelf itself, for example by adding extra braces or other materials to significantly improve its stability? Or is it more cost-effective to just buy a sturdy platform right away?
barda6 schrieb:– I also find that very plausible now.
Kallax is not designed for such loads
I’m still curious if anyone knows specific values for the dynamic load caused by the spin cycle of a washing machine and whether Kallax is generally “overestimated” in this context.
Also: Are there ways to reinforce the shelf itself, for example by adding extra braces or other materials to significantly improve its stability? Or is it more cost-effective to just buy a sturdy platform right away?
Regarding your question about pulsations: The dynamic forces during spinning can reach up to three times the appliance's own weight, depending on the machine. For a 70 kg (154 lbs) washing machine, this means peak loads of up to 210 kg (462 lbs), primarily as vibration and moment loads.
However, the Kallax unit is designed for static loads of mostly under 15 kg (33 lbs) per compartment, not for dynamic peak forces.
For reinforcement:
- Additional cross braces made of solid wood or metal can stabilize the edges.
- Secure the shelf to the wall with brackets or fix it to the floor (if possible).
- Cover the top surface with a waterproof plywood sheet at least 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick.
Costs: Depending on the materials used, this can be somewhat cheaper than a dedicated washing machine pedestal. However, the effort and risk mitigation involved are significantly higher.
However, the Kallax unit is designed for static loads of mostly under 15 kg (33 lbs) per compartment, not for dynamic peak forces.
For reinforcement:
- Additional cross braces made of solid wood or metal can stabilize the edges.
- Secure the shelf to the wall with brackets or fix it to the floor (if possible).
- Cover the top surface with a waterproof plywood sheet at least 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick.
Costs: Depending on the materials used, this can be somewhat cheaper than a dedicated washing machine pedestal. However, the effort and risk mitigation involved are significantly higher.
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