Effortlessly Remove Kallax from Wall: Step-by-Step Guide
Tired of your Kallax shelving unit leaning against the wall, taking up precious floor space? Want to mount it securely on the wall to create a stylish, space-saving storage solution? You're in the right place. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to remove your Kallax from the wall, whether you're moving it to a new location or replacing it with a different piece of furniture.
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let's address a common concern: can you really mount a Kallax unit on the wall? The answer is yes, with the right tools and techniques. IKEA offers wall attachment kits specifically designed for the Kallax series, making it easy to secure your unit to the wall.
Preparation: Gather Tools and Materials
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. This will save you time and prevent any inconvenient mid-project trips to the hardware store.
Here's a list of tools and materials you'll need:
- IKEA Kallax wall attachment kit
- Drill with a suitable drill bit (usually 5mm or 1/4")
- Screwdriver (usually a Phillips head)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Stud finder (optional, but recommended)
Understanding the Kallax Wall Attachment Kit
The IKEA Kallax wall attachment kit comes with two main components: the wall brackets and the mounting hardware. The brackets are designed to fit onto the back of your Kallax unit, while the hardware secures the brackets to the wall.
Each kit is designed to accommodate a specific size of Kallax unit, so make sure you have the correct kit for your furniture. The kit should include detailed instructions, which you can use as a reference throughout the process.
Measuring and Marking the Wall
Before you start drilling, it's crucial to measure and mark the wall accurately. This will ensure that your Kallax unit is level and properly secured to the wall.
Using a tape measure, determine the center point of your Kallax unit. Mark this point on the wall where you want the center of the unit to hang. Then, measure and mark the corresponding points on either side of the center mark, using the width of your Kallax unit as a guide.
Installing the Wall Brackets on the Kallax Unit
With the wall marked, it's time to install the wall brackets onto the back of your Kallax unit. This step requires two people, as you'll need to hold the unit in place while the other person secures the brackets.
Following the kit's instructions, attach the brackets to the back of the Kallax unit using the provided screws. Ensure that the brackets are securely fastened and that the unit remains level throughout the process.
Locating Wall Studs
Before drilling into the wall, it's essential to locate the wall studs. Wall studs provide a solid anchoring point for your screws, ensuring that your Kallax unit is securely mounted to the wall.
Using a stud finder, locate the studs along the line where you've marked the wall. Mark the center of each stud with a pencil. If you don't have a stud finder, you can use the tapping method: gently tap along the line with a knuckle or the handle of a hammer. You should hear a duller sound when you hit a stud.
Drilling and Securing the Brackets to the Wall
With the studs located, it's time to drill the pilot holes for your screws. Using a drill bit that matches the size of your screws, drill pilot holes into the wall at the marks you've made. Drill slowly and steadily, ensuring that you don't drill too deeply into the wall.
Once you've drilled the pilot holes, it's time to secure the brackets to the wall. Using a screwdriver, drive the screws provided in the kit into the pilot holes. Tighten the screws securely, but be careful not to overtighten and strip the screws.
Hanging the Kallax Unit on the Wall
With the brackets securely fastened to the wall, it's time to hang your Kallax unit. This step also requires two people, as you'll need to lift and align the unit with the brackets.
Carefully lift the Kallax unit and align the brackets on the back of the unit with the brackets on the wall. Gently lower the unit onto the brackets, ensuring that it is level and properly seated. Once the unit is in place, use a screwdriver to secure the unit to the brackets using the provided screws.
Securing the Unit with Safety Straps
For added safety, IKEA recommends using safety straps to secure the Kallax unit to the wall. The safety straps come with the wall attachment kit and are designed to prevent the unit from tipping forward in case of an earthquake or accidental impact.
To install the safety straps, simply attach one end of each strap to the bracket on the back of the Kallax unit and the other end to the bracket on the wall. Tighten the straps securely, ensuring that they are taut but not overly tight.
Congratulations! You've successfully removed your Kallax unit from the wall and transformed it into a stylish, space-saving storage solution. Enjoy your new wall-mounted Kallax unit and the extra floor space it provides. If you ever decide to move or replace your Kallax unit, the process of removing it from the wall is just as straightforward. Simply reverse the steps outlined above, and your unit will be ready for its next adventure.