ᐅ KALLAX Cabinet Frame Has Waves – Could This Be a Problem?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a KALLAX carcass from IKEA and noticed that the material has slight waves in some areas. Specifically, it looks like the surfaces are not completely flat and have small irregular unevenness. My question to the community: Has anyone experienced this phenomenon with KALLAX? Could this indicate a manufacturing defect, or is it perhaps a normal behavior of the material (chipboard with laminate) under certain environmental conditions, such as humidity or temperature?

Could this affect the stability or further assembly, or is it mostly just an aesthetic issue?

I’m looking forward to your experiences and assessments!

peter44 schrieb:
the material shows slight waviness in some areas

Interesting, I would say the waviness is not a defect but rather an intentional result of the material choice. KALLAX is made of pressed chipboard with a melamine coating. When humidity levels fluctuate, the panel can slightly expand or contract, causing a wavy appearance.

I consider this normal wear based on its price-performance ratio. Those wanting more flatness should opt for a solid wood shelving unit.

However, I would still check whether the waviness causes more serious issues. If the furniture item wobbles or the joints don’t fit properly, that would be more problematic.

A few words on the issue of warping in KALLAX:

1. Cause: As mentioned before, the carcass is made of particleboard with a melamine foil coating for protection. This foil and the core material react differently to moisture, which can lead to slight deformation.

2. Climate influence: Particularly in rooms with high or fluctuating humidity levels, the panels can warp slightly.

3. Installation: Small waves are usually not critical for stability, but more pronounced deformation can affect the assembly, especially if shelves no longer fit properly.

4. Solution: Regular ventilation, avoiding moisture, and careful handling can help minimize damage.

In summary: The warping is usually a typical material behavior, not a production defect in the traditional sense!

Waves are normal in particle boards, especially when exposed to moisture.

Not a problem as long as the shelf remains stable.

GALEO4 schrieb:
expand or contract the panel slightly

Thanks, that clarifies a lot. I had the impression that the waves were somewhat irregularly distributed, sometimes more pronounced, sometimes almost smooth.

Sepele schrieb:
floorboards no longer fit properly

That hasn’t happened to me yet; everything is firmly in place. The waves are especially noticeable on the large side surfaces.

Do you think it could be problematic in the long run if the material continues to deform? I don’t plan to store heavy loads, but some stability is important.

If the waves are only on the surface, it usually does not affect stability.

However, if the wood starts to warp or bend, it can become critical.