Assemble This: the KALLAX Shelf Unit
The KALLAX is the most chameleon of IKEA products ever - it’s a modular series of 13” cubbies that you can do anything with. Popular with action figure collectors, vinyl record enthusiasts, retail owners, book nerds, and more! It’s also one of IKEAs easiest things to assemble, as long as you know a few tricks. The only tool you’ll need for this is a mallet (YIYITOOLS Rubber Hammer, 16oz rubber mallet With fiberglass Handle,white, Amazon) to make it easier to bring in the corners, although a hammer for the dowels may help as well.
And check out our tips below for how to fix a very common assembly issue - broken dowels, for free!
The KALLAX is truly the most flexible furniture piece in any house.
Summary:
Material: Particle Board
Weight Limit: 13kg or 30lb per shelf
Good for DIY: Yes!
Difficult: Easy - Simple and tools needed are provided
Possible to Do Alone: Yes, up to 4x4 configuration
Assembly Time: Under an hour
Parts: About 40
A fantastic set up for collectors, and a must have for vinyl record enthusiasts.
Tips:
If your dowels break during assembly, or you want to add some more to reinforce the structure, you can order some FREE replacements on IKEA’s website click here (US) or click here (Canada)
To maximize your shelf strength, make sure to orient the Kallax so that the longer segments are horizontal, with small segments offering vertical support.
Use a hammer to insert the dowels first. On the longer boards insert the pegs on both sides, on the short ones, only insert them on one end. Refer to the instructions for how many pegs go on each section, but typically 2.
Build this item laying down, and attach one corner securely before starting. Methodicaly insert the small boards in first, layered with the long ones.
The short boards are vertical support and the long boards brace them!
You can add wood glue (Elmer's Products, Inc E7000 Carpenters Wood Glue, Amazon) to improve the strength of the dowels and by doing so increase the strength of the shelving.
There are inserts to change this in to a filing cabinet/work storage. I really like the pull out drawers!
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any issues in the comments.