ᐅ Which types of shelves are especially durable for Ikea Pax wardrobes?
Created on: 12 Feb 2016 08:37
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ISAKNUHello everyone,
I am considering adding extra shelves to my Ikea Pax wardrobe to make the storage space more flexible. I have a question: which types of shelves are particularly durable and load-bearing for the Ikea Pax system?
I want to avoid shelves sagging or getting damaged after a short time. I am especially interested in whether there are recommended materials or even brands that have proven reliable as replacements or additions, and if there are differences between the various Ikea options or third-party products. It would also be very helpful to know about the load capacity of the different shelves.
Maybe someone here has practical experience or can offer tips on what to really pay attention to when choosing shelves, especially regarding long-term durability and stability.
Thank you in advance for your answers!
I am considering adding extra shelves to my Ikea Pax wardrobe to make the storage space more flexible. I have a question: which types of shelves are particularly durable and load-bearing for the Ikea Pax system?
I want to avoid shelves sagging or getting damaged after a short time. I am especially interested in whether there are recommended materials or even brands that have proven reliable as replacements or additions, and if there are differences between the various Ikea options or third-party products. It would also be very helpful to know about the load capacity of the different shelves.
Maybe someone here has practical experience or can offer tips on what to really pay attention to when choosing shelves, especially regarding long-term durability and stability.
Thank you in advance for your answers!
Hello ISAKNU,
Regarding your question about especially durable shelves for the Ikea Pax system, I would like to first explain the basic materials commonly used for Pax shelves. Original Ikea shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine coating. They are affordable, but especially under higher loads over a longer period, these boards tend to sag or get damaged at the edges.
If durability is important to you, it is worth considering the following alternatives:
- Solid wood shelves: Some third-party suppliers offer custom-made solid wood boards (e.g., beech or oak). These are more stable, provide a higher load capacity, and have a better visual quality, but might require self-assembly and are more expensive.
- MDF boards with high-quality coating: They are denser and more load-resistant than particleboard and are also often available from third-party suppliers.
- Metal-reinforced shelves: There are also combinations with metal frames that keep the shelves stable and prevent sagging.
Regarding load capacity: Ikea officially states about 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs) per shelf for their standard boards. Solid wood shelves or those with metal reinforcement can carry up to 40-50 kg (88-110 lbs), depending on thickness and width.
For installation: Make sure the shelves are compatible with the Pax grid system (about 2 cm (0.8 inches) spacing) to align the holes for the shelf supports exactly. When installing shelves that will bear more weight, it is recommended to use additional shelf supports or even center supports to avoid bending.
I’m curious to know how you mainly plan to use the wardrobe? For example, for clothing, heavy binders, or maybe as a tech cabinet? Depending on the use, I would recommend different shelves.
I hope this gives you a helpful first overview!
Regarding your question about especially durable shelves for the Ikea Pax system, I would like to first explain the basic materials commonly used for Pax shelves. Original Ikea shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine coating. They are affordable, but especially under higher loads over a longer period, these boards tend to sag or get damaged at the edges.
If durability is important to you, it is worth considering the following alternatives:
- Solid wood shelves: Some third-party suppliers offer custom-made solid wood boards (e.g., beech or oak). These are more stable, provide a higher load capacity, and have a better visual quality, but might require self-assembly and are more expensive.
- MDF boards with high-quality coating: They are denser and more load-resistant than particleboard and are also often available from third-party suppliers.
- Metal-reinforced shelves: There are also combinations with metal frames that keep the shelves stable and prevent sagging.
Regarding load capacity: Ikea officially states about 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs) per shelf for their standard boards. Solid wood shelves or those with metal reinforcement can carry up to 40-50 kg (88-110 lbs), depending on thickness and width.
For installation: Make sure the shelves are compatible with the Pax grid system (about 2 cm (0.8 inches) spacing) to align the holes for the shelf supports exactly. When installing shelves that will bear more weight, it is recommended to use additional shelf supports or even center supports to avoid bending.
I’m curious to know how you mainly plan to use the wardrobe? For example, for clothing, heavy binders, or maybe as a tech cabinet? Depending on the use, I would recommend different shelves.
I hope this gives you a helpful first overview!
Hi ISAKNU!
Great to see you focusing on durability! Especially with Pax, it’s really important that the flooring is strong, otherwise the enjoyment doesn’t last long.
I’ve installed solid wood floors myself, which I had custom made by a local carpenter. They are incredibly sturdy and also look really stylish! 👍
With solid wood, you can also easily improve things by sanding and oiling yourself if scratches or stains appear.
If you choose third-party flooring, be sure to check the thickness (I recommend at least 18 mm (0.7 inches)) and whether the edges are sealed – otherwise they often warp due to moisture.
Good luck with your search, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect material!
Great to see you focusing on durability! Especially with Pax, it’s really important that the flooring is strong, otherwise the enjoyment doesn’t last long.
I’ve installed solid wood floors myself, which I had custom made by a local carpenter. They are incredibly sturdy and also look really stylish! 👍
With solid wood, you can also easily improve things by sanding and oiling yourself if scratches or stains appear.
If you choose third-party flooring, be sure to check the thickness (I recommend at least 18 mm (0.7 inches)) and whether the edges are sealed – otherwise they often warp due to moisture.
Good luck with your search, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect material!
ISAKNU schrieb:
Which types of shelves are especially durable and sturdy for the Ikea Pax system?Solid wood or laminated MDF panels are significantly more durable than Ikea’s standard particleboard shelves.
Metal-reinforced shelves further increase stability.
The most important factors are the correct thickness (18-22 mm (0.7-0.9 inches)) and proper installation with enough shelf supports.
NUGRANT schrieb:
I installed solid wood floors myself, which I had made by a local carpenter. They are simply amazingly sturdy and also look really stylish!Solid wood is, of course, beautiful, but honestly: for a standard wardrobe, these expensive options are often completely over the top. Ikea Pax is a mass-produced system with original shelves designed to fit perfectly.
TUELBA schrieb:
Regarding installation: Be sure that the shelves are compatible with the Pax grid system (about 2cm (0.8 inches) increments) to align the shelf pin holes exactly.This is the main issue: third-party shelves often don’t fit 100%, which causes not only stability problems but also difficulties with positioning the supports.
In my opinion, it makes sense to stick with Ikea, possibly adding extra reinforcement like metal brackets or additional shelf supports. Durable, affordable, and precisely fitting.
Just my provocative view.
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