ᐅ Noises from the back panel of a KALLAX unit after moving – is this normal?

Hello everyone, I recently moved my KALLAX shelf and since then I occasionally hear noises that seem to come from the back panel. Before, the shelf was completely quiet. The sounds are light cracking and creaking noises, especially noticeable with temperature changes and when I move nearby. The back panel is made of thin hardboard, attached with small nails. My question is: Is it normal for the back panel of a KALLAX shelf to behave like this after a move, or could this indicate faulty assembly or damage? Thanks for any tips and experiences!

Such noises are normal with KALLAX after moving. The back panel can slightly expand or adjust. It is important that everything remains firmly in place. If the nails are secure and the back panel is not loose, there is no cause for concern.

bijo54 schrieb:
Noises like this are normal with KALLAX after moving.

I agree. The back panel is quite thin and is usually fixed only with small nails, which can cause slight movements under changed conditions. These movements cause the cracking noises. Temperature changes and humidity can increase this effect. Incorrect assembly would more likely show as visible warping or loose panels. Check the fastenings if you are unsure.

Here is a brief explanation of why the back panel may make noises after moving:

1. Material stress: The hardboard material reacts to humidity and temperature changes, causing it to expand or contract slightly.
2. Fastening: The back panel is often fixed only with small nails, which leave little room for expansion and contraction. This creates mechanical tension that is noticed as creaking sounds.
3. Installation: During transport, the nails may have loosened slightly, which can increase the noise.

My advice: Check all nails to ensure they are firmly seated and press the back panel gently. If the noise decreases within a few days to weeks, everything is normal. If not, you might consider adding small screws later on to improve stability.

Oh great that you mention this! I had the same issue after moving with the KALLAX shelf 🙂 The noises were really annoying at first, but after a few days, they basically stopped on their own. What helped me was gently tapping and pressing the back panel so that all the nails hold better. It’s completely normal, no worries! :-)

Hubertbu schrieb:
These are light cracking and popping sounds that mainly occur during temperature fluctuations and when I move nearby.

This sounds like typical material stresses in the back panel, which usually happen with KALLAX and similar furniture after it has been moved.

kuben schrieb:
Temperature fluctuations cause mechanical stresses that are perceived as cracking sounds.

That is exactly the case here. If there are no visible damages or loose panels, this is not a defect but normal physical behavior of the material. It is advisable to check the condition regularly to ensure that no nail fractures or material cracks develop.