ᐅ Which wall fixings are best for Pax?

I have a fairly specific question about wall fastenings, especially regarding IKEA PAX wardrobes, as I am currently planning to securely mount my existing wardrobe to the wall.

I consider the load-bearing capacity of the wall fastening to be very important because the PAX can become quite heavy when fully loaded. Are there any recommendations on which types of anchors or screws are best suited for different wall types (e.g., concrete, drywall, brick)? I am also interested in whether there are differences in fastening to load-bearing walls versus non-load-bearing partition walls, and if additional measures such as reinforcement behind the wall are advisable.

In short: What wall fastenings are best suited for PAX to achieve a safe and long-lasting result, without risking the wardrobe becoming unstable later and endangering oneself or others? Are there specific techniques or materials that are particularly recommended here? I look forward to your experiences and well-founded advice!

mubabe schrieb:
Which wall fixings are best suited for PAX when aiming for a secure and long-lasting result, without risking the wardrobe or others later due to unstable installation?

Great question! 🙂 I recently installed two PAX wardrobes in my apartment and can definitely recommend using strong metal anchors if you have a concrete or brick wall. I used metal anchors with appropriate screws, and I really trust the stability.

For drywall, I strongly recommend using special hollow wall anchors (also called toggle bolts), since regular anchors won’t hold there! Just using normal screws won’t work – I wouldn’t take that risk. One more tip: take your time measuring carefully and aligning everything straight! The installation isn’t difficult, but having it perfectly aligned makes a big difference and looks professional. So: don’t worry, but use proper mounting materials and proceed carefully.

Good luck!

Regarding the question of which wall fasteners are best suited for PAX wardrobes, it should be considered that IKEA PAX wardrobes, due to their design and weight class, require secure anchoring.

- For solid walls (concrete, brick), metal expansion anchors or heavy-duty anchors are suitable, which can support loads of at least 50 kg (110 lbs) per fastening point.
- For drywall (plasterboard) walls, hollow cavity metal anchors (toggle bolts or butterfly anchors) are recommended, which reliably hold loads of around 25 kg (55 lbs). It is advisable, if possible, to secure the fasteners to wall studs behind the drywall in addition.
- Load-bearing walls allow for higher loads and the use of heavy fasteners, while for lightweight construction walls, reinforcement (e.g., an additional wooden board or mounting plate) behind the drywall can always help.

It is important to estimate the weight of the fully loaded wardrobe and include at least a safety margin. Mounting at multiple points distributes the load, which increases stability.

Finally, I recommend carefully following the IKEA assembly instructions, using the appropriate anchors for the wall type, and consulting a structural expert if there are any doubts.

mubabe schrieb:
Are there any recommendations on which types of anchors or screws are best suited for different wall types (e.g., concrete, drywall, brick)?

I’m happy to help and add to the previous explanations!

For concrete walls, heavy-duty anchors are the best choice, as they provide not only high load capacity but also safety for long-term use. For brick masonry, metal expansion anchors or similar branded products are recommended because they create a strong connection with the wall.

For drywall, as already mentioned, be sure to use cavity anchors. Make sure these are rated for the PAX weight class of at least 40–50 kg (88–110 lbs). If you cannot screw directly into a wall stud or reinforcement, you might consider installing a wooden backer board to distribute the load.

Also important: before installation, check that you do not damage any electrical wiring or pipes. This can be quickly verified using simple cable and pipe detectors.

If you plan to install your PAX system with sliding doors, the fastening should be made even more robust, as the doors are subject to additional movement.

In summary, I would say: 1. Identify the wall type, 2. choose the appropriate anchor, 3. consider load distribution, 4. prioritize safety!

Grace schrieb:
If you don’t have the option to screw directly into a wall stud, you could attach a wooden board to distribute the load.

I think that’s a very good tip because I experienced exactly this uncertainty myself! My living room wall is drywall, but the brackets where I wanted to hang the PAX were precisely between the studs.

At first, I was worried whether the anchors would hold there, so I placed a sturdy plywood panel behind the PAX, which I secured to the studs with several screws. This allowed me to mount the PAX onto the panel, which gives me much more confidence.

What also helped me personally was securing not only the lower part but also the upper part with fasteners. Especially when you have children or pets at home, you don’t want to risk climbing accidents.

Sometimes you feel unsure with this kind of installation, but with a combination of strong anchors and reinforcement, the result is really solid.

I hope this encourages others and adds to the shared experience on this topic.