Elevating your Ikea Kallax on a wooden base is the best way to upgrade it's look. But because of the way the Kallax is constructed, there are only certain areas of the cabinet that can be screwed into. 1600design has taken the guesswork out of the process by designing base kits specifically for the Ikea Kallax. In fact, we have multiple designs to accommodate the Kallax in both the vertical and horizontal orientations. This tutorial focuses on our base kit for standing your Kallax up in the vertical orientation. We also have an indepth video tutorial available on the product page:
4" base for vertical Kallax – 1600design
Step 1: Verify the correct orientation
The Kallax comes in many sizes and configurations. But because the depth of all Kallax shelving units is identical, our kits will work no matter which size you choose. The one thing you need to decide before purchasing a kit is whether you will be standing your Kallax upright (vertical) or laying it down on it's side (horizontal). But let's be more specific since some models are actually square. In the "vertical" orientation, the bottom panel will run all the way from right to left, and the side panels will be sitting on top of the bottom panel. If you are positioning you Kallax horizontally, we have a separate kit and tutorial for that scenario.
Step 2: Lay the Kallax on it's side
With the Kallax on it's side, you can easily position the base. You will notice there are exposed bolt heads on the bottom of your Kallax. The wooden base is purposefully sized to fit between these two bolts.
Step 3: predrill holes for the screws
You will need to use a 3/32" drill bit to drill holes in the Kallax before driving the screws that are provided with your kit. With the base piece in position, simply drill through the middle of each screw hole.
Step 4: Insert Screws
Now you are ready to drive the screws. A T20 driver bit is provided with your kit. Use it to insert the screws, but DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Drive the screws slowly. The screw head should just be snug against the base. If you continue to turn the screw past this point, the screw threads in the Kallax will strip out and the screw will not be tight. With one base piece installed, carefully flip the Kallax over and repeat the process for the other side.
Step 5: Slide in center supports
With the Kallax lifted off the floor, you will need to consider supporting it in the middle. Keep in mind, the panels of the Kallax are mostly hollow and are designed to sit on the floor fully supported. With out center supports, your Kallax will likely sag over time. Our freestanding center supports solve this problem with ease. Simply slide the supports under the kallax, positioning them directly under one of the vertical partitions. The Kallax is available in several sizes. When purchasing your kit, choose the number of center supports appropriate for your particular model. Each center support will also come with stick-on felt pads in various thicknesses. These can be used as shims to ensure the center supports fit tightly between the kallax and the floor. If there is a slight dip in your floor, use a felt pad on the center support to make it taller. If there is a slight hump in your floor, place felt pads under the base legs on one side of the Kallax to lift it slightly. Our full length video tutorial provides more information on this step. It can be found on the product page at 4" base for vertical Kallax – 1600design
And that's it! Installation is complete and your Kallax has been lifted both literally and aesthetically. Enjoy!
