ᐅ My KALLAX shelf developed small cracks on one side after exposure to sunlight – is this something to be concerned about?

Hello everyone,

about two years ago, I bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA, which I usually place in my living room. Unfortunately, I have noticed that the inside of one side, which is directly exposed to sunlight, now shows quite noticeable hairline cracks. These are small, fine cracks that have probably developed due to regular UV exposure and the resulting heat.

My general question is: Is this a concern for the stability and safety of my shelving unit? Could there be a risk if the cracks continue to grow or if material-related issues occur? I would also like to know if this kind of damage from sunlight is common for furniture like KALLAX or if it might indicate a material defect.

I look forward to your experiences and opinions!

Goshpend schrieb:
I noticed that the interior side of a panel directly exposed to sunlight now shows quite noticeable hairline cracks.

Such fine hairline cracks often occur in furniture made of MDF or particleboard when exposed to prolonged UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.

In practice, this usually does not immediately affect the stability of the KALLAX shelving unit as long as the cracks remain superficial and the furniture piece is not carrying excessive loads.

It is advisable not to continue placing the shelving unit directly in sunlight to prevent further deterioration. If the cracks are deep or widening, the material can become brittle and cause damage over time.

Applying a sealant such as furniture oil or varnish might help protect the surface. However, this is generally a known issue with low-cost chipboard furniture.

Oh wow, I know that feeling! My KALLAX also changed a bit after being in the sun for a while, haha 🙂

But don’t worry, it usually only affects the appearance, and the shelf remains stable! Just place it out of direct sunlight more often, and everything will be fine. You can also simply cover it with a thin cloth as sun protection!

It’s great when you can extend the lifespan with little tricks like that, isn’t it? 🙂

Ramon4 schrieb:
It would be advisable not to place the shelf directly in the sun any longer to avoid deterioration.

Here, I would like to additionally ask whether not only UV-related aging but also other factors such as temperature changes and humidity play a role.

Particleboard and MDF panels are known to be sensitive to moisture, which combined with sunlight can cause stress and consequently hairline cracks.

Furthermore, the processing and coating of the KALLAX material seem relevant in this case: is it a simple decorative foil or a genuine surface sealing? This could make a difference in how durable the shelf is in the long term.

It might also be worth contacting IKEA or checking whether your piece of furniture possibly has a manufacturing defect, especially if it shows cracks unusually early.

Goshpend schrieb:
Could this pose a danger if the cracks continue to grow or material-related problems occur?

From a technical point of view, over time, bending or even breakage could occur if you load the shelf and the cracks continue to spread. The risk is usually low but cannot be entirely ruled out.