ᐅ My KALLAX became unstable after installing a furniture safe – is this a known issue?

Hello everyone,

I recently installed a furniture safe inside my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit to securely store my valuables. Since then, I have noticed that the unit has become quite unstable and wobbly, even though all screws are tightly fastened and the installation was done carefully.

My question is: Is this instability issue after installing a furniture safe in a KALLAX unit a known problem? Are there any design weaknesses of the KALLAX when combined with the weight and type of safe installation? Or does anyone have tips on how to stabilize the shelving unit despite the safe installation without having to rebuild it completely?

I look forward to your experiences and suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Petrosje schrieb:
Is this instability issue known after installing a furniture safe into a KALLAX shelf?

I had a similar problem when I reinforced a shelf panel – I was really frustrated because I thought the shelving unit was simply stable enough. The weight and rigid attachment of the safe significantly change the load distribution.

Unfortunately, there is no official statement from IKEA, but I used simple angle brackets to prevent the shelf from wobbling.

So don’t feel alone with this uncertainty; "building in" security can also cause concerns. 🙂 Maybe a small internal reinforcement will help – sometimes that’s all it takes.

Petrosje schrieb:
Is this stability issue known after installing a furniture safe into a KALLAX shelving unit?

Hey, I think your question is totally valid! A KALLAX is really designed for light items, not multi-ton safes 😅

Have you checked whether the safe rests directly on the unit’s frame or if the back panel is involved? Sometimes securing the shelving unit to the wall or using self-adhesive edge protectors can help stabilize it. I once tried, just for fun, to put that kind of weight into a KALLAX, and it started wobbling after a short time.

A small idea: How about using stronger screws or even metal brackets? 🙂 That can add a lot of stability.

Hello,

I would like to approach the question in a more technical way: The KALLAX shelf is originally designed for light to medium loads, mainly books, decorations, or fabric baskets. A furniture safe significantly changes the load distribution because it is heavy and compact.

The back panel in the KALLAX is often installed mainly for stabilization but does not bear the main weight of the shelf. After installing a safe, the structural stability can be compromised if the load is not evenly supported.

Therefore, wall mounting or additional bracing usually solves the problem reliably. Since you mentioned that everything was carefully assembled, a solution involving reinforcement with extra brackets or metal plates should be considered.

If wall mounting is not possible, I recommend specifically adding load distribution pads to the safe’s contact points to better spread the weight.

How exactly did you secure the safe? To the sides of the carcass or only on the bottom?

PeoDaniel schrieb:
How exactly did you secure the safe?

This is exactly the point that is often underestimated. In my opinion, it does make a difference whether the safe rests on the bottom or is fixed with screws to the back panel – I once had a case where the whole shelving unit tipped over because the back panel was only attached to thin particleboard.

My advice: Try to secure the shelving unit to the wall as well, preferably using heavy-duty brackets or at least by reinforcing it from underneath to prevent bending.

The KALLAX is reliable but simply not designed for such additional loads. Also, ask what kind of surface the shelving unit stands on – is the floor itself stable? That is another important factor.