ᐅ Which custom-built units fit best inside an Ikea Pax wardrobe system?
Created on: 3 Jan 2020 18:27
T
Toda2Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to customize my Ikea PAX wardrobe by adding some custom-built components that better suit my specific storage and organization needs. I am particularly interested in which custom designs or self-made inserts have worked best for the interior of a PAX system based on your experience, without losing its modular character or compromising stability.
For example, I have considered finely adjustable supports, drawers with special dividers, or small hanging systems, but I am unsure which materials and construction methods are truly compatible and which dimensions or installation guidelines must be strictly followed—especially if you want to integrate additional partitions, shelves, or pull-out elements.
What tips and ideas can you share that should definitely be considered when planning and implementing such custom additions in the PAX system? Are there preferred dimensions, connection techniques, or specific material thicknesses to ensure everything fits securely while remaining flexible? It would also be important for me to know potential pitfalls to avoid wasting time on trial and error.
I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!
I am currently planning to customize my Ikea PAX wardrobe by adding some custom-built components that better suit my specific storage and organization needs. I am particularly interested in which custom designs or self-made inserts have worked best for the interior of a PAX system based on your experience, without losing its modular character or compromising stability.
For example, I have considered finely adjustable supports, drawers with special dividers, or small hanging systems, but I am unsure which materials and construction methods are truly compatible and which dimensions or installation guidelines must be strictly followed—especially if you want to integrate additional partitions, shelves, or pull-out elements.
What tips and ideas can you share that should definitely be considered when planning and implementing such custom additions in the PAX system? Are there preferred dimensions, connection techniques, or specific material thicknesses to ensure everything fits securely while remaining flexible? It would also be important for me to know potential pitfalls to avoid wasting time on trial and error.
I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!
Hello Toda2,
I’m happy to provide a structured assessment and recommendations for custom builds inside the PAX interior:
1. Material selection:
- Plywood or MDF panels with a thickness of 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) are ideal, as they are stable, easy to work with, and not too heavy.
- Avoid using particleboard that is too thin, as it tends to warp.
2. Dimensions:
- The internal width of a typical PAX frame usually measures approximately 50 cm (20 inches), 75 cm (30 inches), or 100 cm (39 inches) wide, with a depth of about 58 cm (23 inches).
- For self-made shelves and partitions, it’s best to reduce the internal dimensions by around 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) to ensure easy installation without force.
3. Joining techniques:
- Domino joiners or lamello joints are strong if done properly.
- Alternatively, reinforced corner screw connections can be used and easily concealed.
4. Modularity:
- To maintain the modular nature, I recommend using screw connections that can be easily undone and adjusted.
- When using rails or side holes (e.g., in the PAX system), make sure to utilize the existing row of holes effectively for placing parts.
5. Common mistakes:
- Avoid making parts too long so they don’t interfere with doors.
- Use breathable materials where possible; otherwise, moisture can accumulate.
Summary:
- Use stable wood panels of 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) thickness.
- Measure internal dimensions precisely and reduce by 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) for a proper fit.
- Use screw connections or reliable woodworking joints.
- Plan according to the PAX system’s hole rows to maximize adaptability.
I hope this helps. If you like, I can also provide more specific suggestions, for example, about drawer inserts.
I’m happy to provide a structured assessment and recommendations for custom builds inside the PAX interior:
1. Material selection:
- Plywood or MDF panels with a thickness of 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) are ideal, as they are stable, easy to work with, and not too heavy.
- Avoid using particleboard that is too thin, as it tends to warp.
2. Dimensions:
- The internal width of a typical PAX frame usually measures approximately 50 cm (20 inches), 75 cm (30 inches), or 100 cm (39 inches) wide, with a depth of about 58 cm (23 inches).
- For self-made shelves and partitions, it’s best to reduce the internal dimensions by around 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) to ensure easy installation without force.
3. Joining techniques:
- Domino joiners or lamello joints are strong if done properly.
- Alternatively, reinforced corner screw connections can be used and easily concealed.
4. Modularity:
- To maintain the modular nature, I recommend using screw connections that can be easily undone and adjusted.
- When using rails or side holes (e.g., in the PAX system), make sure to utilize the existing row of holes effectively for placing parts.
5. Common mistakes:
- Avoid making parts too long so they don’t interfere with doors.
- Use breathable materials where possible; otherwise, moisture can accumulate.
Summary:
- Use stable wood panels of 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) thickness.
- Measure internal dimensions precisely and reduce by 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) for a proper fit.
- Use screw connections or reliable woodworking joints.
- Plan according to the PAX system’s hole rows to maximize adaptability.
I hope this helps. If you like, I can also provide more specific suggestions, for example, about drawer inserts.
In the PAX system, simple shelf inserts made of 12 mm (1/2 inch) plywood are especially suitable, which can be placed onto the existing pre-drilled holes. For drawers, 16 mm (5/8 inch) MDF boards are sturdy enough.
Avoid complicated clamp fittings; instead, use snap-fit joints or screws.
The internal dimensions of the PAX must be measured precisely to ensure that custom-built components are not too thick or wide, otherwise they will jam.
Avoid complicated clamp fittings; instead, use snap-fit joints or screws.
The internal dimensions of the PAX must be measured precisely to ensure that custom-built components are not too thick or wide, otherwise they will jam.
SUDAN schrieb:
- When using rails or side drilling (e.g., in the PAX system), make sure to make practical use of the existing rows of holes for positioning the components. That’s a great tip I can fully agree with! Customizing the PAX system is much easier when you cleverly use the factory-drilled holes. I simply installed small shelf supports that attach to the holes without any drilling.
SUDAN schrieb:
- Use 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inch) sturdy wooden panels. I definitely recommend multiplex plywood for this—it’s very durable and looks nice as well.
For those who dare, you can also make drawers with self-made dividers from thin plexiglass. It looks fantastic and helps keep things organized!
Put in the effort—you won’t regret it! Have fun building!
Toda2 schrieb:
What tips and ideas can you share that should definitely be considered when planning and building custom units within the PAX system? Are there preferred dimensions, connection techniques, or specific material thicknesses to ensure everything fits securely while remaining flexible?To add: The internal dimensions of PAX vary slightly depending on the model – typically, for 50 cm (20 inches) high modules, an internal width of about 50 cm (20 inches) minus 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inches) tolerance is recommended. The depth is around 58 cm (23 inches), so when fitting shelves, allow about 55–56 cm (22–22 inches) to avoid doors binding.
The mentioned materials, plywood or MDF from 12 mm (0.5 inches) thickness, are ideal due to their load-bearing capacity and ease of work.
For connections, I recommend a combination of screw joints with washers to distribute loads. Use the PAX system’s built-in perforated strips for dowel or screw connection points.
Custom builds should be evaluated in terms of weight, as PAX elements are designed to support a certain load at the base. For heavy components, it’s better to reinforce with additional profile elements.
Finally: you should create an accurate internal dimension plan and, before implementation, produce prototypes or test measurements using cardboard mockups.
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