ᐅ Who has placed their KALLAX on felt pads?

Who here has placed their KALLAX shelf unit on felt pads?

I’m planning to equip my KALLAX with felt pads to protect the floor while making it easier to move the furniture. However, I’m wondering how well the felt pads actually hold up on the relatively heavy KALLAX construction and if there are any disadvantages or specific points I should consider.

Maybe some of you have already gained experience with this—especially regarding the durability of the pads, the stability of the shelf on smooth floors, and whether it might be better to consider alternative solutions.

Looking forward to your opinions and feedback!

Gakuku schrieb:
When it comes to placing the KALLAX on felt pads to protect the floor, the question arises whether that might be a bit naive.

Honestly – these felt pads are usually just a quick fix for people who don’t want to bother with proper drilling or installing more effective floor protection systems. The KALLAX is quite heavy, so felt pads might only help temporarily. Over time, they tend to slip or come off.

I consider this more of a half measure that quickly becomes frustrating. It’s better to use proper furniture casters or sturdy glides with metal backing. But hey, to each their own 🙂

I have my KALLAX standing on felt gliders. It is important that they stick very well, so use branded products.

In my case, they adhere to laminate flooring and protect the floor without any issues. There is no slipping hazard; the shelf stands firmly.

Basically, felt pads are suitable for heavier furniture items like the KALLAX shelf to protect the floor from scratches.

However, there are a few points to consider:

1. Quality of felt pads: Low-cost options tend to wear out quickly and can slip.
2. Attachment: Self-adhesive pads only stick reliably to clean, grease-free surfaces.
3. Stability: Felt pads slightly reduce the contact area, which can cause some wobbling on uneven floors.

Alternative solutions such as rubber or plastic glides or furniture casters often provide more stability but also come at a higher cost.

My advice: Test them first in an inconspicuous spot and clean the surface thoroughly beforehand.

RICCARDO schrieb:
I have my KALLAX on felt pads. It’s important that they stick really well, so use quality brands.

That’s correct; adhesion is key. I also once used cheap felt pads that started peeling off at the corners after a short time. It’s important to make sure the adhesive surface is completely clean, dry, and free of dust before applying. For this, I use isopropanol.

I also recommend using larger felt pads for heavy constructions—ideally round with a diameter of at least 35 mm (1.4 inches). This distributes the weight better and prevents faster indentation.

If the KALLAX is placed on a carpet, felt pads are generally not suitable, as they won’t be effective in that case.

I equipped my KALLAX with felt pads and I’m very satisfied – it slides more smoothly, protects the floor, and the shelf doesn’t look too stiff on the hardwood floor. 🙂

A little anecdote: I first bought felt pads from a no-name brand and thought they would hold up. After two weeks, they ended up scattered like isolated islands underneath the shelf. Then I upgraded to branded felt pads, and everything was fine.

Important: Besides adhesion, you should also consider the thickness of the pads. If they’re too thin, you barely notice them; if they’re too thick, the shelf is unnecessarily raised. In my opinion, a good middle ground works best.

So, if you decide to go for it, it’s worth investing a bit — it pays off!