ᐅ Using a Kallax unit in a home office as a printer shelf – is the weight capacity sufficient?

Created on: 24 Mar 2021 09:13
R
ramau
Hello everyone, I am planning to use my Kallax shelf in the home office as a printer stand and wonder if the weight of printers and possibly some accessories (like paper, small scanners, or a cable box) might negatively affect the shelf. Specifically: Does anyone have experience with how much weight a 4-compartment Kallax unit can hold when supporting a printer and accessories? I am familiar with the specifications from IKEA, but practical experience would be very valuable to me. Especially in a home office, stable and durable solutions are often needed, and I want to avoid any warping or damage. Thanks in advance for your opinions!
K
KUDAISY
25 Mar 2021 08:17
Here is a brief overview of how to optimally distribute weight:

1. Determine the printer’s weight – check the nameplate or user manual.
2. Estimate the weight of accessories such as paper, scanner, and cables (for example, a ream of printer paper weighs about 2–3 kg (4.4–6.6 lbs)).
3. Compare the total weight to the maximum load capacity (13 kg (29 lbs) per shelf according to IKEA).

Tip: Always place heavier items on the lower shelves to reduce the risk of deformation. Additionally, reinforced shelves with wooden boards or thin metal strips can be retrofitted if the shelving unit is already old or if you want extra safety.
T
Tommy38
25 Mar 2021 10:52
I recently repurposed a Kallax as a printer shelf and can confirm that the load was not an issue. My printer weighs about 7 kg (15 lbs), and with a ream of paper, it adds up to around 10 kg (22 lbs). So far, I haven’t noticed any warping.

However, I would recommend not placing the shelf directly against the wall without any gap – this allows better air circulation and helps prevent moisture, which preserves the material’s stability over time.
L
lofar
25 Mar 2021 13:06
It is important that the shelf stands firmly on the floor and does not wobble. The weight limit for Kallax shelves is generally up to 13 kg (29 lbs) per compartment. If needed, you can reinforce it with a wooden board.