ᐅ KALLAX as a Bookshelf – Insufficient Load-Bearing Capacity?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to get a KALLAX shelf from IKEA to use as a bookshelf, but I am wondering if the load capacity of the individual compartments is really sufficient to safely hold many heavy books. According to the product information, each compartment usually supports up to 13 kg (29 lbs), which doesn’t seem like much at first, considering that some books can be quite heavy.

I have read that especially when fully loaded and over a longer period, the material may deform or even break. Therefore, I am interested in:

What are your experiences using the KALLAX purely as a bookshelf? Do you find the load capacity adequate, or would you recommend reinforcing the shelves?

Are there any tips on how to use the shelf as stably as possible without risking it giving way under the weight?

Thank you in advance for your opinions and experiences!

I have been using a KALLAX as a bookshelf for years. I find the load capacity sufficient as long as you distribute heavy books evenly and avoid stacking them all in one compartment. In my opinion, reinforcements are not necessary.

To better understand the load capacity of the KALLAX: according to Ikea, the maximum load per compartment is 13 kg (29 lbs), which is roughly the weight of 10 to 15 average paperback books or a few hardcover volumes. However, if you have heavier books or a large collection, it’s important to distribute the weight evenly.

The KALLAX is made of particleboard, which can deform under continuous heavy load. If you plan to store a lot of heavy books, reinforcing the shelves with additional wooden panels inside the compartments might help prevent sagging. Another tip: adding a sturdy panel to the back of the unit increases overall stability.

I can only agree with this. For a large, heavy book collection, I would see KALLAX more as a modular solution where less weight is placed on each individual shelf. If you have very heavy volumes – such as bound reference works or large art books – targeted reinforcements or even alternative shelves made of solid wood are advisable.

The particleboard panels of KALLAX are designed for average use; overloading can indeed cause sagging. Additionally, the shelf should always be securely fixed to the wall to prevent tipping hazards.

Thank you for the answers so far; they have been very helpful.

One question: How exactly did you distribute the weight? For example, did you place heavier books on the bottom shelves and lighter ones on top?

Also, does anyone have experience with reinforcements? What exactly is used to make the shelves more stable? Wood panels, metal brackets, or something else?

I am still considering whether it might be possible to support the KALLAX with small elm or beech strips underneath to prevent the shelves from sagging.

Great that you are thinking carefully about how to reinforce your KALLAX! 🙂

I always placed my heavy books in the lower and middle sections, which provides a lot of stability and reduces the stress on the shelves.

Sure, adding some wooden strips under the shelves can work wonders! I personally combined boards with small strips that I simply glued to the bottom of the compartment – it holds securely and looks neat. Go ahead and do that; it noticeably increases the load-bearing capacity!