ᐅ KALLAX feet attached with PU adhesive – does that provide a better hold?

Hello everyone, I recently attached the feet of my KALLAX shelf using polyurethane adhesive because they sometimes feel a bit loose. My question is: does using polyurethane adhesive really hold better compared to the usual installation with screws or just the snap-in mechanism? Has anyone had long-term experience with this, whether it improves stability or if there are any drawbacks, for example when disassembling or making changes? I’m especially interested in whether the adhesive can withstand the load over time or if it’s better to rely on the original fastening method. Thanks for your opinions and experiences!

Raattila schrieb:
Does it really hold better if you attach the feet with polyurethane adhesive?

PU adhesive generally holds better than clip-in systems when applied properly. However, screws are usually more reliable and allow for disassembly.

I understand your desire for greater stability and can relate to that.

Raattila schrieb:
whether the adhesive will hold up under constant load over time or if it's better to rely on the original fastenings

I personally attached my Kallax feet using polyurethane (PU) adhesive and initially found them to be more secure. However, after about a year and a few moves, I became concerned because parts fixed with adhesive are not as easy to replace. I felt uneasy about the possibility of needing to make changes later on. Still, the adhesive actually held up well over time, and the feet did not become loose.

Regarding durability and stability: polyurethane adhesive (PU adhesive) is characterized by high elasticity and load-bearing capacity. It is well suited for permanently bonding wood or wood-like materials. In the case of KALLAX feet, which are mostly made of wood-based materials, PU adhesive can create a significantly stronger bond than a slot or plug-in connection.

However, the surface must be well prepared: dry, clean, and free of grease. It should also be noted that disassembly after gluing becomes very difficult or impossible. Screws have the advantage of mechanical fixation while remaining removable.

Conclusion: PU adhesive holds better, noticeably increases stability, but makes later removal more difficult.

Lotizar schrieb:
PU adhesive holds better, noticeably increases stability, but makes later removal more difficult

I can definitely confirm that. A stronger adhesive bond has the advantage of better load distribution, which also benefits the furniture component. As an addition: I recommend applying the PU adhesive very sparingly and only on the contact surfaces to avoid any excess squeezing out and to maintain the appearance.

However, anyone who might want to modify or sell the shelf later should be cautious about using adhesive.