ᐅ What weight can IKEA Brimnes shelves support?

Created on: 3 Jun 2018 07:43
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dikeo
Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to get the IKEA Brimnes shelving unit and have a specific question: What is the maximum load capacity of the shelves in this model?

I have already read that the shelves are made of particleboard with a melamine coating, but I am mainly interested in how much weight I can roughly place on a single shelf without it sagging or becoming permanently damaged.

Since I intend to put both books and various decorative items on it, it would be helpful to get some practical experience, possibly depending on the width or depth of the shelves.

If anyone has been using and loading this shelving unit for some time, I would greatly appreciate an assessment or even some measurements.

Thank you in advance!
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Shawn38
3 Jun 2018 14:45
dikeo schrieb:
Are smaller shelves more stable due to the shorter span, or does the material suffer equally?

Exactly, the stress and load-bearing capacity are higher with smaller widths because deflection increases exponentially with length. A smaller shelf board can hold more weight per surface area, provided the support points are stable. The material itself doesn’t deteriorate faster, but the larger the board, the more noticeable the deflection can be.

So, if you mainly want to store heavy books or equipment, the smaller option or additional supports are recommended.
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Leland
4 Jun 2018 08:06
I have filled my Brimnes shelf with about 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of books per shelf, and it has held up for years without any problems. The important thing is not to concentrate the load at the edges.
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Romin
4 Jun 2018 09:34
Great topic! I love my Brimnes shelf and have filled it with board games, decorations, and a few heavy photography books. I haven’t seen any signs of sagging. Just distribute the load evenly, and the unit really performs well!
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Deandre
4 Jun 2018 12:51
Hello dikeo,

to better assess the load-bearing capacity of a Brimnes shelf board, it is also important that the assembly is carried out completely and correctly. Poor fit or loose connections noticeably reduce the load capacity.

This also means that, to properly support the intended 15 kg (33 lbs), the shelves should be firmly seated in their designated recesses, and the sidewalls must be securely fastened.

Otherwise, the load capacity can be quickly underestimated, leading to damage or deformation.
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nofomu
5 Jun 2018 07:18
Deandre schrieb:
This also means that to properly support the intended 15 kg (33 lbs), the shelves should be firmly seated in their designated recesses and the side panels must be securely attached.

Exactly. Anyone who just places the shelf loosely risks earlier sagging.