ᐅ Who knows of affordable alternatives for shelves in the Kallax unit?
Created on: 3 Apr 2022 08:17
K
Kigovin
Hello everyone,
I am planning to equip my IKEA Kallax shelves with additional shelves, but I do not want to buy the expensive original shelf boards. The standard boards are too costly for me, as I need to outfit several shelves accordingly. Therefore, my question is: Does anyone know of affordable yet sturdy alternatives for shelf boards suitable for Kallax units? It is especially important to me that the alternatives fit well into the existing support rails or are easy to install without requiring major modifications.
I would also appreciate tips on materials or sources. Thanks in advance!
I am planning to equip my IKEA Kallax shelves with additional shelves, but I do not want to buy the expensive original shelf boards. The standard boards are too costly for me, as I need to outfit several shelves accordingly. Therefore, my question is: Does anyone know of affordable yet sturdy alternatives for shelf boards suitable for Kallax units? It is especially important to me that the alternatives fit well into the existing support rails or are easy to install without requiring major modifications.
I would also appreciate tips on materials or sources. Thanks in advance!
Thank you for the helpful tips so far!
What do you think about 15mm (0.6 inch) OSB boards? I’ve read that OSB is quite sturdy, but it might look a bit ‘rustic’ for a Kallax shelf. I’m especially interested in the appropriate drill holes. Do these need to be pre-drilled separately, or is it better to screw the shelves directly with T-nuts and bolts if you skip the original fittings?
Also: Has anyone had experience with self-adhesive drilling templates for the guide holes? That could definitely help avoid mistakes.
What do you think about 15mm (0.6 inch) OSB boards? I’ve read that OSB is quite sturdy, but it might look a bit ‘rustic’ for a Kallax shelf. I’m especially interested in the appropriate drill holes. Do these need to be pre-drilled separately, or is it better to screw the shelves directly with T-nuts and bolts if you skip the original fittings?
Also: Has anyone had experience with self-adhesive drilling templates for the guide holes? That could definitely help avoid mistakes.
Kigovin schrieb:
What do you think about 15 mm (5/8 inch) OSB boards?OSB at 15 mm (5/8 inch) thickness is stable and cost-effective, but be sure to seal the edges thoroughly; otherwise, they will absorb moisture and swell.
Regarding drill holes:
If you want to reuse the original metal brackets, you need to transfer the hole positions as precisely as possible to match the original measurements. Marking them yourself or using a template works quite well.
Another option is to attach the shelves directly to the side panels of the unit with appropriate screws. However, you need to consider the load-bearing capacity of the side panels, as they will support the weight.
Self-adhesive drill templates do exist, but their quality varies greatly. If you are confident in your measurements, a self-made template from thin wood or cardboard is often better and reusable.
Kigovin schrieb:
Are there any experiences with self-adhesive drilling templates for the guide holes?I have had very good results with homemade templates. Simply place an original floor panel on plywood, mark the drill holes, and pre-drill them with a sharp pencil. Then you can place this template onto the new panels and drill the holes without any measurement errors.
Although it requires more effort, this method ensures a high level of accuracy, which is especially important when working with multiple floor panels.
On the Durability of Flooring:
Regardless of the type of material used, the edges of the insert flooring should be treated at least with an edge band or a sealant to prevent moisture absorption. Especially in living rooms or other interior spaces with occasional humidity, this significantly extends the service life.
Regarding drilling templates: Laurence’s statement hits the mark. A template made from original parts is more accurate than many self-adhesive solutions, which can potentially come loose.
The topic of alternatives can be summarized as follows:
- MDF/cut panels with drilling template
- OSB boards with sealed edges
- Plywood panels as a sturdy option
- Acrylic/Plexiglass as a durable but more expensive solution
Regardless of the type of material used, the edges of the insert flooring should be treated at least with an edge band or a sealant to prevent moisture absorption. Especially in living rooms or other interior spaces with occasional humidity, this significantly extends the service life.
Regarding drilling templates: Laurence’s statement hits the mark. A template made from original parts is more accurate than many self-adhesive solutions, which can potentially come loose.
The topic of alternatives can be summarized as follows:
- MDF/cut panels with drilling template
- OSB boards with sealed edges
- Plywood panels as a sturdy option
- Acrylic/Plexiglass as a durable but more expensive solution
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