It is a classic IKEA assembly problem: you have bought a beautiful PAX wardrobe of 236 cm high, but your ceiling is only 240 cm high. According to the IKEA manual, you need 244 cm to assemble the wardrobe lying down and then tilt it upright. What now? The wardrobe is too high to assemble in the standard way.
Fortunately, the wardrobe is not actually too high for the room, only for the standard assembly method. In this article, we explain exactly how to assemble a tall PAX wardrobe in a room with a relatively low ceiling, without damaging the wardrobe or the ceiling.
Why Doesn't the Standard Assembly Fit?
The Pythagorean theorem is the culprit. When you assemble a wardrobe of 236 cm high and 58 cm deep lying on the floor and then tilt it upright, the 'diagonal' reached during tilting is greater than 236 cm.
The exact measurement: The diagonal of the side panel is approximately 243 cm. Therefore, IKEA advises a minimum ceiling height of 244 cm. If your ceiling is 240 cm or even 238 cm, the tip of the wardrobe will hit and damage the ceiling before it stands upright.
The Solution: Standing Assembly
If tilting is not an option, there is only one solution: assemble the PAX wardrobe standing up. This is a bit more difficult and ideally requires two people, but it is absolutely possible.
Step 1: Preparation and Space
Ensure sufficient workspace. You need space not only for the wardrobe itself but also to walk around it with the large side panels. Place a soft rug or the cardboard from the packaging on the floor to prevent damage to the bottom.
[!TIP]
Step 2: The Base and One Side
Place the base panel flat on the floor (on the cardboard). Take one of the long side panels and stand it upright next to the base. Place the wooden dowels in the holes. While one person holds the side panel upright, the other person tightens the special IKEA bolts at the bottom with the Allen key.
Step 3: The Top Panel (The Biggest Challenge)
Now comes the trickiest part: the top panel.
- One person places a stepladder next to the wardrobe.
- The other person hands up the top panel.
- Attach the top panel to the one side panel that is already standing. Use the twist screws.
- You now have an 'inverted L-shape'. One person must constantly keep this structure stable, as it can easily fall over and break out!
Step 4: The Second Side Panel
Now carefully slide the second long side panel against the base and the top panel. The person on the stepladder ensures the pins at the top fall into the right holes. Attach the fasteners (cams) top and bottom to secure the whole thing. The base of the wardrobe is now standing!
Step 5: The Plinth and the Nails
Place the plinths at the front and back (at the bottom). Now comes the back panel (the thin hardboard sheet). Because you are assembling the wardrobe standing up, you need space behind the wardrobe to hammer the nails in.
- Carefully slide the wardrobe forward.
- Ensure the wardrobe is perfectly square before you start nailing. Measure diagonally from corner to corner: if both distances are exactly equal, the wardrobe is square.
- Nail the back panel in place.
[!WARNING] Important: IKEA PAX wardrobes must always be anchored to the wall. A 236 cm high wardrobe can be life-threatening if it falls over. Use the supplied hardware and plugs that are suitable for your type of wall.
Alternative: Sawing off Dowels (Not Recommended)
There is a trick circulating on the internet where people partially saw off the wooden dowels in the top panel. This allows them to 'slide' the top panel in from the front later, when the side walls are already standing.
We strongly advise against this method. It significantly weakens the structural integrity of the wardrobe. A full PAX wardrobe is extremely heavy; the construction must be 100% intact as the manufacturer designed it.
Overview: Standard vs. Standing Assembly
| Aspect | Standard assembly (lying down) | Standing assembly |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum ceiling height | 244 cm | Any height |
| Number of people | 1–2 | 2 (recommended) |
| Difficulty | Easy | More difficult |
| Risk to ceiling | High if too low | None |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't the standard PAX assembly fit with a low ceiling?
When you assemble a wardrobe of 236 cm high and 58 cm deep lying on the floor and then tilt it upright, the diagonal reached during tilting is greater than 236 cm (about 243 cm). IKEA therefore advises a minimum ceiling height of 244 cm. If your ceiling is lower, the tip of the wardrobe will hit the ceiling.
Can I assemble a PAX wardrobe standing up?
Yes, that is the only solution if tilting is not possible. Assemble the wardrobe standing up: place the base and one side panel, then the top panel, then the second side panel, and finally the plinth and back panel. This requires two people and precision work.
Is it safe to saw off the dowels to make the wardrobe fit?
No, we strongly advise against this method. It significantly weakens the structural integrity of the wardrobe. A full PAX wardrobe is extremely heavy; the construction must be 100% intact as the manufacturer designed it.
Call in Professional Help
Assembling a PAX wardrobe standing up is heavy and precision work. If the walls hang crookedly during construction, the chipboard can tear out and the wardrobe is irreparably damaged.
Don't want to take any risks with your new wardrobe wall? Then call in a professional. At Montage Vandaag, we assemble tall PAX wardrobes in homes with low ceilings every week. We know exactly how to assemble the wardrobe standing up without damaging your ceiling or the wardrobe itself.
Contact us for a free quote. For a fixed price upfront, we will come and assemble the cabinets professionally, safely, and perfectly level. Including anchoring to the wall.