ᐅ What dimensions should the back panel of a Pax wardrobe have?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to assemble a Pax wardrobe from IKEA and have some uncertainties regarding the back panel. Therefore, I would like to start a discussion here with the question: What dimensions should the back panel of the Pax ideally have?

I am especially interested in whether the back panel should match the exact size of the wardrobe’s rear side or if slightly smaller dimensions might be beneficial to maintain flexibility during assembly. The material probably also plays a role, but today my main focus is on the exact measurements.

How do the standard IKEA dimensions apply, and do they fit all Pax models? Are there any tips on how to handle custom sizing or adjustments?

Looking forward to your experiences and expertise!

kenbu schrieb:
What dimensions should the back panel of a Pax ideally have?

I completely understand your uncertainty! I felt the same way when assembling mine for the first time. Personally, I found that the back panel should be slightly smaller than the external dimensions of the wardrobe. This makes installation easier since the back panel isn’t too tight and won’t warp.

For my Pax (approximately 100x236 cm (39x93 inches)), I made the back panel about 5 mm (0.2 inches) narrower in width, and that worked well. It also felt safer to avoid any stress or tension.

I think it’s helpful to know these small details—especially if, as you mentioned, you are considering custom-made solutions. Hopefully, this helps.

The standard back panel of Pax usually fits the frame exactly in width, but making it slightly smaller makes sense.

It is common to have it 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 inches) smaller in width and height to prevent the back panel from bowing.

The material is usually 3 mm (0.1 inches) hardboard.

For an accurate answer: The standard back panel for IKEA Pax wardrobes usually measures 3 mm (0.12 inches) in thickness. In terms of width and height, the back panel should be slightly smaller than the inner frame of the wardrobe to allow for installation and potential material expansion.

Specifically, for a 100 cm (39.4 inches) wide wardrobe, a back panel width of about 99.5 cm (39.2 inches) is recommended, with a height similarly around 235.5 cm (92.7 inches) instead of 236 cm (92.9 inches).

Reducing the dimensions by approximately 5 mm (0.2 inches) prevents stress cracks and warping, which is especially important for wooden components that can expand depending on humidity.

Most manufacturers suggest this tolerance; it appears to be an industry standard. It is also important that the back panel frames can be securely fixed within the frame without being forced.

Really interesting topic! 😊 I think the back panel really makes a difference in the final result of the Pax wardrobe. I always make sure to choose it slightly smaller than the outer dimensions. This way, the back panel is easier to fit in, and you have fewer issues with warping or possibly damaged boards.

– Plus: If you install a back panel that’s just a bit smaller, the wardrobe can also “breathe” slightly, which helps especially in humid rooms.
– A possible downside is that small gaps may appear, but these are usually not visible once the wardrobe is placed against the wall.

That’s why I’m totally team “go smaller”! Good luck with the assembly, it’s going to be great!

vinpau schrieb:
I'm totally on team "go smaller" for that reason!

I generally agree, but I’d like to throw in a little provocation: Why not just take a slightly larger back panel and trim it down at the edges?

That assumes you’re familiar with tools, but I’ve often seen that this method allows you to fit the back panel precisely to the room, especially if the cabinet isn’t perfectly square or the wall is slightly angled.

This isn’t the IKEA recommendation, of course, but it can offer flexibility and durability.

What do you think? Is this too much hassle or a helpful tip for those who like to build custom?