ᐅ My KALLAX gets new scratches and dents every time I replace the floor – how can I prevent this?

Hello everyone,
I have had an IKEA KALLAX shelving unit for some time now, which I regularly rearrange by swapping or repositioning the shelves. Unfortunately, I keep noticing that each time I change a shelf, small dents, scratches, or minor damage appear on the frame that weren’t there before. I suspect that the way the shelves are removed and reinstalled might not be ideal, or that the material on the support surfaces could be too sensitive.

Has anyone had similar experiences and can offer advice on how to minimize this unsightly wear? Are there maybe special protective measures that can be applied to the edges, or techniques to make swapping the shelves as gentle as possible?

I would really appreciate an exchange of experiences, especially if anyone knows of specific tools or tricks to keep the KALLAX looking good in the long term.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Fadime schrieb:
Problem with new scratches after each shelf replacement

Hello Fadime! That sounds really frustrating – you definitely don’t want to put the poor KALLAX through a rally course 😉. I suspect that the main cause is the mechanical stress when inserting and removing the shelves from the frame. The shelves are often only supported by small shelf pins, so too much pressure or incorrect handling can easily cause the edges to fray or get small scratches.

My recommendation: Try to avoid putting direct pressure on the edges and consider protecting the shelf contact points with soft felt or foam padding. Thin felt strips at key points are particularly helpful.

Also, be careful to prevent any sand or dust particles from rubbing between the shelf and the support surface – these are the real enemies of a clean finish.

It may sound simple, but it really helps. Good luck! 🙂

PERON schrieb:
If you apply as little direct pressure as possible on the edges

Technically, that is definitely the core of the problem. The KALLAX system uses particle boards in the standard version, which are relatively sturdy but unfortunately mechanically vulnerable at the edges. These boards also tend to flex slightly if they are not installed flush or under tension.

To be more specific about replacing the bottom panel: You are probably lifting the bottom at an angle, which causes micro-cracks or chipping along the edges—the “dings” you see.

My advice: Always remove the panel by slightly lifting the front edge first, then pull it out straight so the edges don’t get stressed. When putting it back in, work with the same precision—align the panel parallel and avoid forcing it in.

Additionally, you might consider attaching a thin, flexible protective layer to the support surfaces. Thin felt works well here because it also cushions impacts slightly and reduces friction.

Could you describe in more detail how exactly you are replacing the bottom panel? For example, whether you fully remove the panels or just tilt them? What materials have you already tried?

pauPierce schrieb:
Could you describe in more detail how exactly you carry out the shelf replacement? For example, do you remove the shelves completely or just reposition them?

Good question, thanks! I remove the shelves completely, usually by lifting them at the front, then tilting the shelf slightly and carefully pulling it out. I often have a uneasy feeling that something might rub on the sides. Sometimes I have to apply more force, especially if dust or small debris is caught in the grooves or on the supports.

So far, I have only worked manually without any tools, protective pads, or anything similar.

The type of material remains the same: standard KALLAX particleboard panels with a melamine resin coating. I only notice a sensitive spot when I put them back in and have to press lightly.

Could it be because I replace some shelves more often than others? Perhaps the stress accumulates over time and the protective coating eventually wears out.

Stick felt pads or self-adhesive felt strips onto the edges where the floor rests.
Keep the area sufficiently clean, ensuring no dirt is between the floor and the holder.
Slide floors in and out straight. Done.