ᐅ Replacing the KALLAX back panel with a different type of wood – how to attach it?

Hello everyone,

I removed the original back panel made of thin pressed wood from my IKEA KALLAX shelf and want to replace it with a more durable back panel made of different wood. Now I am wondering what the best way is to attach this new back panel so that it is secure while not damaging the shelf. I was thinking of using a 6 mm (1/4 inch) thick plywood panel, but I am not sure whether I should screw it, glue it, or maybe attach it with brackets. Does anyone have experience with this and can give me advice on which fastening method would be most suitable? It is also important to me that the back panel stabilizes the shelf and does not make it wobbly. Thanks in advance!

Kanon33 schrieb:
I was thinking of using a 6 mm (1/4 inch) thick plywood back panel, but I’m not sure whether to attach it with screws, glue, or maybe with brackets.

Hello Kanon33,

Your idea of using a 6 mm (1/4 inch) plywood panel is a good one, as it is more stable than the standard back panel of the KALLAX. There are several options for fixing it:

1. Screws: If you screw from the inside of the shelf, make sure the screws aren’t too long to avoid damaging the front side. Pre-drilling is essential here to prevent the wood from splitting.

2. Angle brackets: These work well if you attach the brackets on the inside corners. This way, you can secure the panel to the sides while avoiding large through-holes.

3. Wood glue: I wouldn’t recommend using glue only, since it’s hard to fix mistakes after assembly. However, combining screws with glue works very well.

Overall, I suggest using a combination of pre-drilled screws and wood glue to achieve maximum stability. This ensures the back panel stays firm and supports the shelf properly. If you use screws, countersunk screws are best so they sit flush with the wood.

I hope this helps!

Attach the plywood panel using pre-drilled screws; use angle brackets only at the corners if additional stability is required.

For attaching an alternative back panel to a KALLAX shelf made of plywood, I recommend:

- Cutting the back panel to the exact size (accuracy is crucial here)
- Gluing the panel evenly to the inside of the shelf using wood glue
- Additionally, securing it on the sides with short chipboard screws; pre-drilling is essential to prevent splitting
- Alternatively, thin metal brackets can help, but they are usually not necessary

This combination provides good stability without damaging or breaking the original screwed edges of the KALLAX. Avoid using screws that are too long for plywood, as they can easily split the sides of the shelf.

Matthewt48 schrieb:
I recommend a combination of pre-drilled screws and wood glue to achieve maximum stability.

I fully agree. Especially with a 6mm (1/4 inch) thick back panel, pre-drilling is important to avoid cracks. I would also make sure to use short countersunk screws so you can sink them in and then fill or sand the surface to make them invisible.

Siflo schrieb:
Glue the panel evenly to the inside of the shelf using wood glue

That really adds a lot of stability, especially if the back panel is meant to reinforce the entire shelf. Make sure to wipe off any excess glue immediately, otherwise it may leave unsightly stains later.

For brackets, I would rather use spacers or small braces so the back panel is not stressed, especially if it is a bit thicker than the original back panel.

Pre-drill screws; do not use long screws. Multiplex plywood is stable enough—use glue only as a supplement.
Brackets do not reduce bulk; they are rather optional.