ᐅ My KALLAX shelf is warping due to flower pot saucers underneath – any solutions?

Created on: 2 Apr 2022 08:17

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit: I often place flower pots on it and use coasters to catch the water. However, some areas of the wood are still swelling, probably due to constant moisture or dampness that manages to penetrate the surface. I know that KALLAX is not waterproof, but I expected the coasters to prevent this problem.

Does anyone have experience with effectively preventing swelling caused by flower pots with coasters? Is it enough to change the coasters more frequently? Or are there specific sealants or protective treatments I can apply? I want to preserve the shelving unit as long as possible and avoid quick damage.

Thanks a lot for your advice!

Rensan32 Apr 2022 13:39

My tip: Treat KALLAX shelves with furniture oil before use. This makes the surface more resistant to moisture.

Also: Coasters should be larger than the pot bases to prevent water from running down the sides onto the shelf surface.

olivernu3 Apr 2022 08:06

I would like to add that the material properties of MDF are indeed very sensitive to moisture. Once the material swells, the damage is difficult to repair.

A sealing coat of paint offers the best protection. Particular attention should be given to the edges, as these are often left untreated and are considered weak points.

Additionally, it is worth considering sealing the areas exposed to water with silicone or rubber to mechanically prevent water penetration.

jotisi3 Apr 2022 10:58

olivernu schrieb:
A sealing varnish provides the best protection.

Interesting point, but honestly: does a cheap shelving unit like the KALLAX really need such extensive protection? To me, this box is more of an inexpensive piece of furniture, where you have to accept that it will show signs of wear.

Of course, you can address the issue, but maybe it’s also fine to just see this as part of normal use and replace it if necessary.

Personally, the swelling doesn’t bother me much because it doesn’t significantly affect functionality. What do you think? Is the effort to repair it justified?

koneo3 Apr 2022 11:59

#10

jotisi schrieb:
For me, the box is more of an inexpensive piece of furniture that you have to accept will show signs of wear.

I see it differently. Especially for those who love many plants, a durable and attractive solution is often desired. It is worth protecting and maintaining the shelf to prevent it from becoming damp and swelling after a short time.

Of course, it is not a high-end solid wood shelf, but with a little effort, you can still achieve a lot and keep it in good condition.

Whether that effort is too much is, of course, up to each individual. For me, the protective measures have proven worthwhile.

Coltman4 Apr 2022 07:33

#11

koneo schrieb:
It is worth protecting and maintaining the shelf to prevent it from becoming damp and swelling after a short time.

Thanks for all your responses! I am actually leaning towards applying a sealant and using larger, tightly fitting coasters.

I want to avoid having to buy a new KALLAX shelf every year just because of a few plant pots, which wouldn’t be very sustainable in the long run. I will also try the tip about sealing with silicone, that sounds interesting.

So far, the damage is still relatively minor, so I have some time to react. I’ll be happy to report back on how it goes 🙂

ᐅ My KALLAX shelf is warping due to flower pot saucers underneath – any solutions?

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