ᐅ KALLAX Shelving Unit Only Partially Suitable for Vinyl Records – Should It Be Reinforced for Installation?

Created on: 13 Jul 2023 08:17
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Linoma
Hello everyone,

I’m currently dealing with the issue that my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit is only partially suitable for storing my vinyl records. Specifically, the original construction without any additional reinforcement barely supports the weight of the records, and I’ve noticed that the shelves sag slightly and will probably warp over time. I’m considering whether it makes sense to reinforce the shelves and, if so, how best to do this without completely losing the original appearance or undertaking overly complicated modifications. Does anyone have experience with this or tips on how to make the KALLAX unit more stable for vinyl storage in a simple and effective way? Thanks in advance!
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Linoma
13 Jul 2023 11:17
Charles schrieb:
Cross braces made of wood or metal for reinforcement

That sounds very interesting, especially since the load is distributed more evenly. Do you have any recommendations regarding the dimensions or materials? I was also wondering if steel profiles might be too heavy and too visible.
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Elodie
13 Jul 2023 12:03
Linoma schrieb:
I also wondered if steel profiles would be too heavy and too visible

That’s true, steel often looks quite bulky. For example, I used thinner aluminum or wooden strips, which fit well under the shelf board. Wood harmonizes nicely with the KALLAX material, and working with wood is easier than with metal. 🙂
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noge58
13 Jul 2023 13:45
I can only emphasize once again: Don’t just choose reinforcement, but also avoid pressing the boards too tightly. This prevents constant pressure that can cause the shelves to warp even faster. Allow a little air space for the boards – this also protects the shelf! 🙂
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Layla
13 Jul 2023 16:21
noge58 schrieb:
Not only choose reinforcement, but also avoid pressing the panels too tightly

Absolutely, that is an important point. For me, it’s a combination of a sturdy furniture framework and careful handling of the panels. Finding the right balance is a challenge.
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Linoma
14 Jul 2023 07:55
Good morning,

I would like to clarify once again that my concern is not only about stability but also about the long-term sagging of the shelves due to the weight of the vinyl records. The shelves start to visibly bow after just a few weeks. Therefore, I am considering whether it is sufficient to attach materials only underneath or if the installations should also be reinforced from the front or top. How do others handle this when using KALLAX for vinyl records?
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Charles
14 Jul 2023 08:25
Linoma schrieb:
The floors start to visibly sag after just a few weeks

In this case, I would recommend a combination: reinforcement from below using sturdy wooden battens plus some kind of diagonal brace or a crosswise inserted panel to prevent warping. Otherwise, support from below alone is often not enough when the particleboard quality, similar to that used in IKEA shelves, suffers under the weight.