Securing IKEA PAX & BESTÅ to the Wall — Safe Wall-Mount Guide

Detail of a Phillips screwdriver
Illustrative photo: Saurabh R. Patil · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized, WebP

Securing an IKEA cabinet to the wall is essential to prevent it from tipping over, especially for tall cabinets like PAX and BESTÅ. In this article, we explain how to do it safely and securely so your cabinet stays stable.

Why is securing a cabinet to the wall important?

A cabinet that is not secured to the wall can tip over, especially if there are children in the house or if the cabinet is heavily loaded. This can lead to serious accidents. That's why securing a cabinet to the wall is an important safety measure.

What do you need to secure a cabinet to the wall?

Tools

You need a drill, screws, wall plugs, and a spirit level. Depending on the wall type, you may need special plugs.

Mounting material

IKEA supplies a mounting kit with most cabinets. Check whether it is suitable for your wall type.

Step-by-step plan to secure a cabinet to the wall

Step 1: Determine the wall type

Determine whether you are dealing with plasterboard, concrete, wood, or a hollow wall. This determines which mounting material you need.

Step 2: Okti the drilling points

Place the cabinet in the right position and mark the drilling points with a pencil. Use a spirit level to ensure the cabinet hangs straight.

Step 3: Drill the holes

Drill the holes at the marked points. Use the right drill bit for the wall type.

Step 4: Insert the wall plugs

Insert the wall plugs into the holes. Choose plugs suitable for the wall type.

Step 5: Secure the cabinet

Secure the cabinet to the wall with the screws. Tighten the screws firmly, but not too hard.

Step 6: Check stability

Check that the cabinet is securely attached to the wall. Gently shake to check that the cabinet is stable.

Tips for different wall types

Wall typeMounting materialNote
PlasterboardHollow-wall plugsSpreads force over larger surface
ConcreteRegular plugsDrill with hammer drill
WoodScrew directly into woodUse pilot hole to prevent splitting
Hollow wallHollow-wall plugsAvailable at hardware store

Plasterboard wall

For plasterboard walls, you need special hollow-wall plugs. These spread the force over a larger surface.

Concrete wall

For concrete walls, you can use regular plugs. Drill with a hammer drill for the best result.

Wooden wall

For wooden walls, you can screw directly into the wood. Use a pilot hole to prevent splitting.

Hollow wall

For hollow walls, you need special hollow-wall plugs. These are available at the hardware store.

Frequently asked questions about securing a cabinet to the wall

Do I need to secure every IKEA cabinet to the wall?

Yes, tall cabinets such as PAX and BESTÅ must always be secured to the wall to prevent tipping.

Which plugs do I need for a plasterboard wall?

For plasterboard walls, you need special hollow-wall plugs. These spread the force over a larger surface.

Can I secure a cabinet to a hollow wall?

Yes, you can, but you need special hollow-wall plugs. These are available at the hardware store.

How do I know if my cabinet is securely attached to the wall?

Gently shake the cabinet to check that it is stable. If the cabinet moves, tighten the screws more firmly.

Have your IKEA cabinet secured to the wall by professionals?

Want to be sure your IKEA cabinet is safely secured to the wall? The assemblers at Montage Vandaag have years of experience securing IKEA cabinets to different wall types. Request a free quote and receive a quote by email after we review your product list.