ᐅ Which Ikea Pax drawers are suitable for heavy loads?

Created on: 2 May 2023 08:42
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Risokeo
Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to upgrade my Ikea Pax wardrobe, focusing especially on organizing the drawers effectively. Since I want to store some heavy items like books, tools, and electronics, I’m wondering: which Ikea Pax drawers are actually suitable for heavy loads?

I am interested in the maximum load capacity, sturdy runners, and overall durability when used regularly under weight. There are various drawer depths and widths, sometimes with metal inserts or other materials that can be combined.

I would really appreciate detailed experiences, tips on the models, and especially information about the maximum weight capacity. Who has stored heavy items in Pax drawers and can recommend specific models or advise against some?

Thank you in advance!
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kautra
2 May 2023 14:05
From my experience, Ikea generally provides approximate values, for example 15 to 25 kilograms (33 to 55 pounds) depending on the model. Exact figures can often be found in assembly instructions or product descriptions, but detailed documentation is frequently lacking.

For maintenance: It is best to keep the rails clean and avoid oil or lubricants. Dry lubricants or simply keeping them dry work better. This helps the drawer slides remain smooth for the longest time.
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BARSAN
2 May 2023 15:30
For heavy loads, I recommend the Pax metal drawers with full-extension soft-close slides. These provide the best stability and accessibility.

The load capacity is usually between 20 and 25 kg (44 and 55 lbs). Wider drawers should ideally not be loaded with more than 20 kg (44 lbs), as the slides may suffer and the drawer can warp.

Those storing heavy items should also be careful not to pull the drawer out completely to avoid damaging the slides.
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reni45
3 May 2023 08:51
I installed simple wooden boxes with metal slides. They can hold a fair amount of weight, but not very heavy loads. I didn’t use any additional reinforcements.

If you need to store really heavy items, it’s better to choose the metal version with steel sides.
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warrenka57
3 May 2023 10:43
In practice, you also need to consider how often the drawers are used. Even if they can theoretically carry a high load, the drawer slides and runners will become stressed over time and may become stiff or worn out.

I use metal drawers myself and make sure not to concentrate the load in just one spot. For very heavy items, I prefer to use boxes outside of the Pax system.

Hopefully, this helps you when weighing your options.
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Risokeo
4 May 2023 09:17
Dirkmin schrieb:
Wide drawers tend to lose stability more easily, which means their maximum load capacity can be lower.

This confirms my intuition that when choosing the width, I also need to consider the load-bearing capacity. I think I will look for metal sides as well as a moderate width.

Thanks to everyone who shares their tips and experiences here! If anyone has an overview of how the load capacities differ exactly between the models, I would be very grateful.