Hello everyone,
Recently, I have read several reports and personal experiences describing a noticeable decline in quality in the new KALLAX series from IKEA. I am particularly interested in whether other users also feel that the workmanship and material quality have significantly decreased compared to previous models. Specifically, I am referring to the following aspects: warping of the panels, less stable joints, and the increasingly frequent transport damages, which I have also observed myself.
Are there any experiences in this forum that confirm or contradict this perception? How do you assess the overall situation, especially regarding value for money? Could it be that certain production years or manufacturing locations are affected differently? I look forward to your well-informed feedback.
Recently, I have read several reports and personal experiences describing a noticeable decline in quality in the new KALLAX series from IKEA. I am particularly interested in whether other users also feel that the workmanship and material quality have significantly decreased compared to previous models. Specifically, I am referring to the following aspects: warping of the panels, less stable joints, and the increasingly frequent transport damages, which I have also observed myself.
Are there any experiences in this forum that confirm or contradict this perception? How do you assess the overall situation, especially regarding value for money? Could it be that certain production years or manufacturing locations are affected differently? I look forward to your well-informed feedback.
M
Matthewt481 Mar 2020 11:16Hello Pukatan,
I would like to add that part of the problem could possibly be related to changes in logistics processes.
It seems that IKEA has adjusted the packaging to save costs, which has, however, increased its vulnerability during shipping. This explains the rise in transport damages, according to reports I have heard from customer service representatives.
Additionally, shorter delivery times and high demand may lead to quality checks being conducted with slightly less care. It might help to thoroughly inspect the condition of larger orders on-site or to immediately report any missing parts when several are absent.
I would like to add that part of the problem could possibly be related to changes in logistics processes.
Pukatan schrieb:
more frequent transport damages
It seems that IKEA has adjusted the packaging to save costs, which has, however, increased its vulnerability during shipping. This explains the rise in transport damages, according to reports I have heard from customer service representatives.
Additionally, shorter delivery times and high demand may lead to quality checks being conducted with slightly less care. It might help to thoroughly inspect the condition of larger orders on-site or to immediately report any missing parts when several are absent.
To add some points: The material thickness of the new KALLAX has been reduced to approximately 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 inches), compared to the previous 16 mm (0.63 inches) boards. This change affects the expansion and deformation behavior under load, which can lead to warping and instability.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the screws used have a different thread depth, which sometimes reduces the joint strength. This is relevant for users who load the shelf more heavily or use it as a room divider.
It is recommended to pay attention to additional reinforcements during assembly or to add supplementary bracket constructions. This is not an official IKEA recommendation but a practical measure from many customers to reduce wobbling.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the screws used have a different thread depth, which sometimes reduces the joint strength. This is relevant for users who load the shelf more heavily or use it as a room divider.
It is recommended to pay attention to additional reinforcements during assembly or to add supplementary bracket constructions. This is not an official IKEA recommendation but a practical measure from many customers to reduce wobbling.
Lilygla schrieb:
I’m curious about how the wobbling manifests for you specifically: Is it a general problem or are there only isolated reports?In my case, it’s not the entire shelf that wobbles, but the top shelf in particular gives way slightly when pressed. The dowels don’t seem to hold as firmly anymore.
You can clearly tell that the materials and manufacturing quality have been somewhat compromised. I hope IKEA addresses this, as many people rely on stability when it comes to furniture.
Good morning everyone! ☀️
I just wanted to add a bit of fun: Maybe the quality difference is exactly why the new KALLAX shelves are so light – perfect for redecorating or sudden moves without back pain! 😄😉
But seriously, I hope IKEA improves on this. For me, the shelf is an everyday hero that should last as long as possible.
I just wanted to add a bit of fun: Maybe the quality difference is exactly why the new KALLAX shelves are so light – perfect for redecorating or sudden moves without back pain! 😄😉
But seriously, I hope IKEA improves on this. For me, the shelf is an everyday hero that should last as long as possible.
T
Taylorsi452 Mar 2020 09:12I ordered my KALLAX two weeks ago and can confirm that the assembly seems less stable. Simple tip: if it wobbles, tighten all screws again and, if necessary, attach small brackets yourself. Saves a lot of trouble.
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