ᐅ What to do if IKEA PLATSA doors won't close?

Created on: 30 Jun 2020 08:17
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Cooperja
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Cooperja
30 Jun 2020 08:17
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased the IKEA Platsa wardrobe system, including the matching doors. The problem is that some of the doors don’t close properly. They get stuck, don’t sit flush, or swing open again after closing. My wardrobe is already securely placed against the wall, and I have adjusted the doors according to the instructions, but without lasting success.

I’m interested to know: What can be done if IKEA PLATSA doors don’t close? What might be the causes, and how can I fix this myself? Are there any specific features of the PLATSA system that I might be overlooking?

I look forward to helpful tips and experiences from you all!
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Ernesto
30 Jun 2020 09:46
Hello Cooperja,

First of all: Very precise question! The PLATSA system is indeed somewhat unique, especially regarding the doors. If the doors are not closing properly, there are several possible reasons, which I will explain in detail below:

- Assembly accuracy: Even slight deviations during the main structure assembly can cause the doors not to align flush with the front. This is particularly common at the side connection points, where it can catch.

- Hinge adjustment: PLATSA doors typically have hinges with adjustment screws. First, check whether the height and depth are set optimally. One screw usually adjusts the tilt, another controls the closing.

- Floor and wall levelness: If the cabinet is not standing perfectly level, it can distort the doors. A spirit level is a good measuring tool here.

- Door dampers and magnetic catches: Sometimes the problem lies with the relatively sensitive damping systems or magnets, which may either be blocked or set too weakly.

- Material tolerances: Since IKEA furniture is mass-produced, small deviations occur that can make fitting parts together more difficult.

My advice: First check with a spirit level if the cabinet is square. Then carefully adjust the hinges, screw by screw, and be patient. If possible, relieve the doors by temporarily removing them and then rehanging.

To help you better, one more question: Is this a single unit or an assembled wardrobe wall? Are there strong tensions noticeable at the door fronts?

Best regards!
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Pome60
30 Jun 2020 12:23
Hey Cooperja!

I had the same issue with my PLATSA doors, it was really frustrating! 😅 But with the right adjustments, you can definitely fix it. 😊 So don’t get discouraged—you can do this!!!

What really helped me was taking the doors off completely and then carefully adjusting the hinges step by step. Don’t be afraid of the small screw there, a very gentle turn can often work wonders!

Also, check if your doors are rubbing anywhere against the cabinet frame. Sometimes the problem is simply that the cabinet isn’t perfectly aligned or has slight protrusions.

Keep at it, you’ll get it sorted! 💪
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jelite
30 Jun 2020 15:38
Hello everyone,

here is a brief guide on how to systematically approach the issue of "What to do if IKEA PLATSA doors don’t close properly":

1. Check the alignment: Use a spirit level to ensure the cabinet is perfectly horizontal and vertical. Any unevenness can cause the doors to stick.

2. Adjust the hinges: PLATSA hinges offer at least three adjustment options:
- Depth adjustment (slider on the cabinet)
- Height adjustment (vertical on the door)
- Side adjustment (horizontal on the door)

First, set the height so the door aligns flush with neighboring doors, then adjust the depth so it sits flat against the cabinet, and finally adjust the side to ensure even gaps.

3. Verify the door fit: Doors should fall into place on their own after hanging; if they frequently swing open, it could be due to faulty or missing dampers.

4. Inspect components: With PLATSA, also check the plastic stops on the door frames – these might be shifted or damaged.

5. Fine-tune with door dampers: If your model has them, check their attachment and function.

Common mistake: Many forget that you can also slightly level the cabinet itself – small adjustable feet are useful for this if available.

One last tip: If you have multiple doors, always adjust one door correctly first and then transfer the measurements and settings to the others.

This way you will reliably get the PLATSA doors to close properly. Good luck!
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Cooperja
1 Jul 2020 07:54
Ernesto schrieb:
Is this a single unit or a combined wardrobe system? Are there strong tensions on the door fronts?

Thank you, Ernesto, for the detailed answer.

In my case, it is a relatively large combination of about three units, connected using the IKEA system. All the doors are hinged, but especially the doors of the middle unit close poorly. Specifically, I notice that the right door rubs on the upper inner side and slightly reopens after closing. There seems to be some tension on the front, and the doors don’t appear to be perfectly aligned.

I have already made rough adjustments to the hinges, but perhaps not precisely enough. Another issue could be that the floor here is not completely level.

I would appreciate any advice on how to align such combined wardrobe units to improve the door closing.
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Kyler10
2 Jul 2020 10:12
Cooperja schrieb:
One possible issue could be that the floor here is not completely level.

This is the key point from a technical perspective. The IKEA PLATSA system relies on modular units that need to be joined precisely. Unevenness in the floor or walls can cause the entire construction to be slightly warped, which in turn affects the door function.

I recommend the following precise steps:

- Check the floor level accurately in the wardrobe area using a 2-meter (6.5 feet) spirit level.
- If necessary, use appropriate shims (wooden wedges, furniture gliders) under the cabinet legs to achieve a perfectly horizontal position.
- Once the cabinet is stable and level, use a precision spirit level to check that the connected elements are joined at right angles and there are no rocking points.
- Now adjust the door hinges according to the PLATSA adjustment principle: height, depth, and side adjustment.

A correct base is essential; otherwise, hinge adjustments will only be effective temporarily.

If available, I also recommend retightening the fasteners between the cabinet modules. These are often tricky to handle with spacers, which can cause slipping and tensions.

In summary: Eliminate floor unevenness, align the modules precisely, and then the doors can be properly adjusted.