ᐅ My Kallax sounds hollow when tapped – could it be a material defect?
Created on: 4 Jan 2020 08:47
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raevita31
Hello everyone,
I recently encountered an issue with my new Kallax shelving unit that I would like to discuss, to understand whether this is a material defect or if it is normal for this type of furniture.
When gently tapping the surface, the unit sounds quite hollow, almost as if the interior is empty or the back panel is not properly secured. I have just assembled the shelf and have double-checked several times to ensure all dowels and screws are in place and tightened. Still, it sounds unusually hollow and somewhat “cheap.”
My question to the community: Is this acoustic behavior typical for the material used in the Kallax system (particle board with veneer), or could there actually be a manufacturing defect or poor workmanship causing the hollow sound?
Additional info: The unit was purchased new, and I have not subjected it to heavy loads. The fastenings are secure, and the back panel is complete and straight.
I look forward to your assessments and experiences!
I recently encountered an issue with my new Kallax shelving unit that I would like to discuss, to understand whether this is a material defect or if it is normal for this type of furniture.
When gently tapping the surface, the unit sounds quite hollow, almost as if the interior is empty or the back panel is not properly secured. I have just assembled the shelf and have double-checked several times to ensure all dowels and screws are in place and tightened. Still, it sounds unusually hollow and somewhat “cheap.”
My question to the community: Is this acoustic behavior typical for the material used in the Kallax system (particle board with veneer), or could there actually be a manufacturing defect or poor workmanship causing the hollow sound?
Additional info: The unit was purchased new, and I have not subjected it to heavy loads. The fastenings are secure, and the back panel is complete and straight.
I look forward to your assessments and experiences!
I understand your concern well – the noise can sometimes be unsettling if you’re unsure whether something is faulty.
My advice: Just observe how the shelf behaves over time. If no cracks develop, no visible deformations occur, and everything remains stable, I would consider this a normal condition rather than a defect.
Sometimes it also helps to place a bit of weight on the shelf, for example by putting some books on it – this can change the sound as well. If it makes you feel better, you could also attach small non-slip or damping strips to the back panel; this can reduce the hollow noise somewhat.
My advice: Just observe how the shelf behaves over time. If no cracks develop, no visible deformations occur, and everything remains stable, I would consider this a normal condition rather than a defect.
Sometimes it also helps to place a bit of weight on the shelf, for example by putting some books on it – this can change the sound as well. If it makes you feel better, you could also attach small non-slip or damping strips to the back panel; this can reduce the hollow noise somewhat.
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diManuela5 Jan 2020 15:46Hello,
I would like to add that the back panel of Kallax is often just a very thin hardboard sheet, which causes it to sound hollow when tapped. This back panel usually does not have a structural function but primarily serves as dust protection or for visual completeness.
This results in the typical hollow sound when knocking. It is normal and not a sign of material defects or lack of stability.
However, if the shelf is still wobbly, I would recommend tightening the screws or seeking an exchange through the retailer.
I would like to add that the back panel of Kallax is often just a very thin hardboard sheet, which causes it to sound hollow when tapped. This back panel usually does not have a structural function but primarily serves as dust protection or for visual completeness.
This results in the typical hollow sound when knocking. It is normal and not a sign of material defects or lack of stability.
However, if the shelf is still wobbly, I would recommend tightening the screws or seeking an exchange through the retailer.
I can only agree with the others – a hollow sound is practically a characteristic feature of Kallax. Imagine if it were solid wood, then you wouldn’t get that knocking concert happening 😉
If it bothers you, some tape or felt on the back panel can help. This dampens the resonance and gives the sound a more pleasant tone.
All in all: I wouldn’t worry about it. 🙂
If it bothers you, some tape or felt on the back panel can help. This dampens the resonance and gives the sound a more pleasant tone.
All in all: I wouldn’t worry about it. 🙂
raevita31 schrieb:
I’m curious if anyone else has noticed similar differences between other series or production batches.There are indeed variations between production batches. Especially with affordable furniture like Kallax, material thicknesses and surface quality can vary slightly, which affects acoustic properties. These quality fluctuations are usually kept within safe tolerance limits.
If you are considering a return due to cosmetic or sound-related issues, it helps to compare the product number with a different batch. Alternatively, a complaint can be investigated if you perceive an actual structural defect.
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raevita317 Jan 2020 08:15draleo schrieb:
Alternatively, a complaint can be reviewed if you actually notice a structural defect.Thank you to everyone who helped me better understand the situation!
I will continue to use the shelf for now because it seems stable and does not show any other issues. The sound is unusual, but I now understand that this can be normal with this material and construction method. If anything does come loose or get damaged, I now know what to watch for.
Thanks again to everyone! 🙂
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