This tip could save your record collection | Customize IKEA Kallax shelving to safely store vinyl

Kallax and Expedit shelving from IKEA is extremely popular among record collectors. But you have to be careful with this units. If you stand them wrong, or fail to secure them properly, they can topple over. And no one wants that to happen. In this video, I demonstrate how I customize IKEA shelving to safely store my record collection.
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[@henrys3629]

What I did for my record cabinet is buy laminate flooring pieces at the habitat restore for $2 each and added them to the back. Strengthened my shelves AND if done right, looks like it was part of it. Best thing is records don't scuff the wall. YESSS! I'm a genius on the cheap.

[@JanezJuanJohn]

Thanks Frank. I was planning on getting Kallax and you just improved it!

[@sammeister6181]

Great video on shelving! I appreciate the stabilizing/costuming info! I love the Kallax system! Nice Haircut too!

[@orgnl]

Awesome tips Franks! Thank you.

[@MK-tj5bf]

Thanks for tips, Frank! You are the best!

[@landonpraught9170]

Thanks for the tip Frank this was a great help .

[@tomfurgas2844]

Back in the day (1970's) I had stacks of old milk crates which were pretty sturdy although not tall enough to store the records totally upright. All of the records were stored at a slight angle in each crate, resulting in a bit of warpage for the records that were leaning against the walls of the crates. When I moved into a new apartment I got decent shelving that held the records securely upright. When I was a teenager living with my parents I stored my records in cardboard boxes which was really not ideal but the only thing I could afford at the time. Anyway, this is a GREAT tutorial for proper setup of shelving and I am sure many vinyl collectors will appreciate the tips, Frank!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Tom! At one point, they changed the size of milk crates here, so they no longer fit records. As a teenager, that's how I used to store my records. Then I somehow snagged a second crate, and I couldn't understand what was going on... the records no longer fit. The milk company changed the size of their crates, ever so slightly, because too many people were stealing them to store records. I am not sure if that happened everywhere, or just here???

[@gringogreen4719]

Old school cool!😎👍✨✨✨ I did this at the start of my collection. I had a rectangular crate and I had my 12 inch records facing forward and my 7 and 10 inch records on the side. Works well for a small collection.😊👍✨

[@Vinyl20]

Great advice, we were thinking about upgrading to the larger units but were not aware of the possible demise. Thanks for sharing and great vid!

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TorontoJon]

Hey, Frank. Thanks for the tip. I love my IKEA Kallax units (two 4 x 4 units and one 4 x 3 unit) and one of the keys to preventing a collapsing unit is to make sure, as you pointed out, that the longer pieces are used as support shelves for the records on top while the smaller square pieces are essentially record or compartment dividers and they cannot withstand the weight of 70 to 80 records per section which accounts for collapsing issues. Plus, as you've shown, securing the Kallax units to the wall prevents potential tipping over and injuries, especially for children, because those units are wickedly heavy.

[@car-or-ock616]

The collapsing shown in the photo was from lack of cross-bracing. Read my comment above.

[@toddbailey6641]

@@car-or-ock616 It was also five levels high in the photo. Less sturdy than 2 levels.

[@govatos]

This is really excellent advice. Thanks!

[@JamboLinnman]

The collapsed 5x5 was set up on its side (90 degrees out) so the weight of the records was being supported on the dowels. If the units are the correct way up, the weight is supported by the thick steel screws at each end and the centre board. If it’s then fixed to the wall using the supplied brackets to control any forward tipping or lateral movement, it’ll be absolutely fine. For record backstops, I screwed lengths of 20x20mm PVC L-angle to each section’s bottom board, about 20mm in from the back, which gives a nice 20mm recess between the front edge of the bottom board and the records. Sliding them right to the back of the bottom board (which would happen in your case) leaves about a 40mm gap. Nothing wrong with what you’ve done, but I don’t think it’s necessary, particularly on a 4x2.

[@Channel33RPM]

Absolutely. Showed a diagram of the correct orientation in the video.

[@jimb2416]

Great video Frank! Just in time for me. Lol. I currently use the bottom of an old corner TV unit. I chopped off the top and use it and the shelves for my gear. I then start my Lps along the bottom (A to Z). I Gorilla glued a piece of wood at the back of each shelf to prevent any Lps from sliding through. I then continued with my collection in an old kitchen pantry. I did the same thing as you by putting wood bracing along the back and screwing it to the wall. But....... my collection has grown so much I'm looking for a good used kallax unit. There are lots on Kijiji. Keep on spinning Frank 👍

[@craigoxford5611]

I bought the Better Homes And Garden Cube Organizer because they look like the Kallax but much less expensive and thank you for this video now i will support my shelves so i won't have any issues of them falling over

[@300DBenz]

So did I and I added some cheap pegboard to the back so the records wouldn’t go too far back and touch the wall, and to give it some more diagonal strength.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

That picture breaks my heart. I know you've seen my set up and I feel very fortunate to have the room for my record bins. If I ever have to go to the Ikea shelving, I will absolutely use your tips.

[@Channel33RPM]

Your bins are awesome!!! If I had the room, I would definitely do something like that!

[@thatguy6054]

Great vid, Frank. Definitely an excellent way to to stabilize Kallax. Form those who can't attach to a wall, you'll get maximum strength by bracing the cabinets diagonally, preferably all the way from corner to corner. Screwing a sheet of material across the whole back is ideal but using strips is still good. The longer a diagonal you can brace the better.

[@car-or-ock616]

Cross bracing. As I describe in my comment above. These things loaded with records are so heavy that the cross bracing really has to be strong. the solid back approach does away with that.

[@shawnhollohan140]

Hey Frank, really nice job on the modifications! I have been meaning to do that with mine for years, but since they are in place with records, I just never bothered. I placed some strips of wood at the back that snugged into the 13x13 space, to act as bumpers, but that's as far as I've taken it. I really do need to fasten them to the wall. This video has inspired me to get off of my ass and do the same! Thanks as usual, love the videos! Take care!

[@car-or-ock616]

If your 'bumpers' are fastened solid to the Kallax, then you can screw through them to a stud on the wall and your unit should be solid. However, those 'strips of wood' should be 2x2 or 2x3.

[@gringogreen4719]

Great stuff Frank. I have Expedits and when I get back in my own place (long story) I am moving my record collection from my 2x2 to one of my 2x4 shelves. I will be honest and say that the bigger units and standing them up is a bit problematic. I have two 2x4 shelves because I used them for my DVDs. Since then I have bought less DVDs and my record collection has grown so will do a swap. I will lay it long ways so it is two tall and four wide. With the type of material Ikea and these other lines use, records are very dense and will test the strength of the shelf. If you put records or coffee table books on them, that is asking a lot of the shelf. If you use them for lighter things like DVDs or art or figurines, the shelf will last much much longer. That said, this is essentially disposable furniture. It looks like you treat yours as well as mine but if someone who is less careful would have one of these, you can expect 2-5 years of service. Also when you move these do yourself a favour and do not disassemble them, the material around the screw holes cannot really take screwing and unscrewing too well, it just crumbles and there is nothing for the threads of the screw to bite into. You can move the holes but this will mar the overall finish of the shelf. In the future I will shop around and buy a used Expedit in birch effect since they no longer make that style nor that finish.

[@jamieingram4998]

Thanks for sharing Frank. Great show as always. I just picked up a Kallax 3x4. Time to get my records off the floor...lol

[@jameschant2740]

Awesome video Frank ! Great heads-up on preventing excessive stress and rupture to the rack by attaching it to the wall. As far as my own storage solutions go I have a combination of hardwood crates that were custom made for records which hold about 100 records each as well as a pine wood bookcase for the rest. I got to say though that your storage units look much nicer. Cheers !

[@stevemayner9662]

I think you did a great job Frank, it looks great and has a nice clean look

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Steve

[@jmsjms296]

Well done!

[@littleUrsulet]

Very useful, thank you!

[@jukeboxcowboy]

Thanks! This video came in very handy and helped me choose the shelves I needed. 🤠

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad I could help!

[@EddieAppell]

I secured my Kallax shelves to the wall using the included brackets, but I love this idea of using the boards to keep the records from going back too far! Thanks!

[@gringogreen4719]

Brackets help but Frank's solution is better in the long run. Also makes the top WAAAAYYY sturdier for whatever you have up there.😉👍✨

[@rabarebra]

That wood is just as far back as the wall is. I don't see the point with the wood at all. Less is more is a saying.

[@huttone]

Thanks for the great information, the 1x3 looks smart. I've been using a wire shelf, but have been looking at the Ikea for less wear and tear on vinyl jackets and too use the top for equipment surface. I like the step stool solution for tall 4x4's.

[@r_stooge]

You nailed it at the end. It’s all about having the long board horizontal so the weight isn’t all distributed on the wooden dowling. I have 2 4x4 kallax and have used the accompanying ikea brackets (drilled into studs) on each corner. It isn’t going anywhere That said, what you’ve done here has made that Kallax shelf completely bulletproof.

[@rabarebra]

Yeah, Kallax is kind of IQ test. 🤣

[@car-or-ock616]

I think your 4x4 is just as bullet proof provided you managed to hit a stud for each of the two brackets supplied by IKEA.

[@garystinson5498]

Got the 3x4 a couple of weeks ago & did none of these things with it. Now I'm scared!! 🤣🤣 Totally free standing & still standing 🤞🤞Keep up the great work Frank. Greetings from sunny N. Ireland.

[@blackmore1030]

I also use a Kallax, although in a 4x2 layout (4 horizontal, 2 vertical). One reason for this is stability, the other is that I could put the turntable on the top and use it comfortably (yes, I'm quite small). I'm not good at drilling, so instead of the planks, I just put a piece of cardboard box between the shelves and the wall to prevent myself pushing the records against the wall.

[@car-or-ock616]

I'm also using Kallax sideways to provide a 'table top surface'. With the weight of all the records, I bet your turn table is pretty solid.

[@ronaldjensen9185]

I’ve been using oak shelving. But I need to fasten them to the wall. Thanks for running this so I will make myself finally get it done!

[@kalebyoung4098]

I was wondering why you were adding another unit until I saw you replacing the smaller one... :) . I use the Way Basics 2 shelf system and stack them on tops of one another, which is very durable! I'm so glad that I bought all that I needed when I first started this 2 years ago, as they were $45 USD and now they are $70 USD! I lucked out on that and have not had any issues with them at all. Thanks again Frank for all of the great information that you pass on and the passion that you have for Vinyl. You are a blessing!

[@Channel33RPM]

Cheers Kaleb!

[@retrospinvinyl]

I store my records on shelves as well! I always heard that you are supposed to do this kinda thing with record units like this but never saw a tutorial on how to! This is great!

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you found some value in the video!

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

Thanks for the great tip. I was really wanting to build my own shelving, but with the current price of timber and bad quality of it down here in the states it has had me revisiting the Kallax units from Ikea. I currently have 2 2x4 cubes from Sams Club housing my records. I have them horizontal serving as a place to set up my receiver and turntable. I may upgrade to the 4x4 kallax units, and install the 2 drawer insert to house my cassette collection. I think I may go with 3mm backing board to the entire back to prevent items from falling back, as well as give it extra support.

[@joekoesters3463]

Hey Frank, remembered this video and went back to refresh my memory. Just purchased some additional Kallax shelving because I outgrew my original 2 x 4. We also reworking our basement space, Listening area. Want to make sure I reinforce the shelves and attach to the walls. Maybe I will send in some pics of my space when done. Thanks!

[@paulkane2391]

I use the Expedits - I have quite a few (1X1, 1X2, 2X2, 2X4, and 4X4). The littlest ones may be knock-offs, but the exterior "foil" (as IKEA calls it) is a dead ringer for stuff I know is Authentic IKEA. I only assembled the 4X4, as I bought that one new about 16 years ago. I have picked the others up over the years at yard sales, through Craigslist, and at thrift shops. I have not assembled any new IKEA stuff in more than 10 years. But I do remember one thing from the assembly instructions (I don't know if this is still included or not) - after initially assembling your piece, wait two weeks, and then re-tighten all the bolts and joints - THEN it's ready to use (I'm paraphrasing). I have 2 IKEA SLUP 120 racks (vintage from the 1980's) that have been assembled and knocked down a few times for moving. They are still tight and steady, as I follow the "re-tighten" protocols each time. Same thing with Poem Chairs (these are no called "Poang," but the chair is essentially the same. RE-TIGHTEN if you want them to last. Franks reinforcement tips are also excellent ideas. To level out the Kallax and Expedit tops, use wood shims for precise leveling. Excellent video, as always, Frank!.

[@jimb2416]

Hi Frank! I recalled this video and had to re-watch it again. I just purchased a used 2x4 brown Kallax unit for my music room and wanted to see how you reinforced yours. They've been out of stock here for awhile now. Thanks for the tips. Keep on spinning Frank!!

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you found the video useful. I've noticed here too that IKEA has had issues keeping things in stock. Good luck!

[@joshuawright8990]

I have two of the 8 cube organizers from Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart. They are pretty sturdy. Haven’t had any issues with them. About $90 a piece.

[@jeshurunabinadab6560]

Just got a 12 cube Better Homes and Gardens myself. A friend of mine has one that seems very sturdy but I’m going to reinforce anyway. The thought of it collapsing with all my records in it… just can’t risk it. How’s yours holding up?

[@jasonnewby]

That looks like the perfect way to secure them. I love the idea that it keeps the records from being pushed back. Many times I couldn't find a record because it was pushed too far back. I have a bunch of expedit, I try to avoid the kallax so far. I've picked them all up used and even found some at the side of the road on garbage day. Right now I have 1x5's on each end with 2 2x4's in the middle. No securing or anything which is something I will have to change but taking all the records out to do so makes me feel tired just thinking about it.

[@groundhoglife]

Great advice, I have my collection stored on metal shelving with solid wood inserts for the records to sit on. These are drilled into concrete walls with heavy duty plugs. Not taking any risks with the weight of my collection.

[@ritchiebabcock3358]

Frank i have 2 of the 2x2 units seperated by a non working 1959 record player unit on top of which sits my vintage receiver and turntable and they work fine for me !!! I started out like we all do with the collection on the floor in boxes but i graduated to this way of storing my records as it a much better way !!!!

[@danmartinez5502]

Nice job,I used on my (5) 2 by 4 units wood glue in every peg hole. Then 1/4 inch oak plywood on the back and small nails on every panel. Then pipe foam cut to size to protect albums edges. Did this about 3 years ago saw tips on you tube about reinforcing the back.

[@WrestlingTropeAlert]

Own several Kallax units, checked out the video because of that, and realised you are a man of taste, you use the sames songs that I use in my channel, which was kind of weird to hear at first, but hey at least I know they are good songs because someone else also uses them!! Dan Lebowitz is the man!

[@kaylavan112214]

Great tip! I just bought the 5x5 unit. Haven’t even built it yet, but will def incorporate this into it. Thanks!

[@stephenmclaughlin6174]

How did that go reinforcing that? I’m guessing you’re only securing the wood planks to the back of the unit on the far sides (as opposed to the smaller cross sections)?

[@liznatch93]

Same question. For the length of the 5x5, did you screw the boards into the back of the 4 vertical dividing planks as well as the ends of the unit?

[@oldskoolpautz]

Been a while Frank since last view. Since added too my vinyl. In fact haven't bought a CD in a few years!! They are fading away!! Any hoot, I have a tight area and found a nice 3 tier cherry crate style handmade by a woman in Oklahoma; Darlass Studio 66 on Esty advertise as 3 tier turntable stand!! Well made quality wood and absolutely PERFECT; height, storage for records and nick nack music memorabilia!! I could smell the cherry when unboxed. Level perfect. Recommend. Support local business as U. Rock on... Oldskool!! Glad to be back 🤠

[@robertpurvis6106]

Great idea for the larger Kallax shelves. I purposely stuck to the 4x4 and 1x4 so I wouldn't have to worry about strengthening them. I did cut 1x2 wood slats to double stick tape on the inside to make records flush with front.

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Awesome video everyone should watch this

[@MrZenkman]

I have about 700 vinyls. I spent some $$ and had someone come in and design 2 side by side front loading stands. I’ve got my A-Z tabs and it looks just like you were going into a record store. They’re so easy to access and it makes browsing a simple feat. Box sets I keep in a separate cabinet. Very happy with this set up.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

That's a good idea. It's fun to flip through. I don't like looking at the spines of record jackets haha.

[@irashapiro9189]

I bought a front loading stand from LP Bins. Well-built, very heavy-duty and holds up to 400 albums. I don't like looking at spines either.

[@bryanshirley3264]

I really want cabinet with four pull out drawers for the living room . I do see that being easier to browse as I get older. ill use the 5x5 for overflow.

[@NickP333]

That pic of the collapsed 5x5 kallax shelves was 1 - Set up 90 degrees the wrong way. The long shelves are what the records should be sitting on, and 2 - not secured to the wall for extra support. 🤦‍♂️ Frank, you built and installed them perfectly. 👏👏👏 I personally only buy the 4x2’s and add more as needed.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Nick!!! Hopefully it helps some folks out.

[@NickP333]

@@Channel33RPM Absolutely hope it helps out. I’d hate to see anyone’s collection (or worse, themselves) get hurt just due to not paying attention to small details. 🎶🙂🔊👍

[@boltnut55]

I came to learn about the brackets because we were putting up 5x5 Kallax last night but came away with... "I can use a couple of my cubes for records"! Never even thought about that while my records and my smaller Kallax are about 10 feet away from each other. Thanks!

[@jesusgavemeaids]

I haven't done it yet, but I plan on covering the entire back side of my shelves to help keep dust & other stuff from getting into the back since it can be hard to clean behind there sometimes. & I may even get some plexiglass, hinges & handles, etc & build some doors for the front. Also helps keep things extra clean. Dust has always been a problem here.

[@rabarebra]

How much dust do you think comes into back there, yeah, really, IQ test, IQ test. 🤣

[@car-or-ock616]

A great hack is to try to find IKEA doors (or other) that fit the size of your units, then add them on with cabinet door hinges.

[@codybrockway1616]

I used to have a huge one, and I broke probably 3 cubes out of it LOL. That one ended up going in the trash. Since then I’ve moved and got a bunch of the 2X4’s, stacked them and tethered them to my wall (similar to what you’ve done) so they are going nowhere and no shelves shall break. I recommend this to everyone!

[@bobby666666]

Some good tips Frank. I cannot believe that people still put these up freestanding with no reinforcement. I currently have them on the floor in my spare room. Hopefully at some point a Welsh Dresser in my Lounge will go and then I can utilise the space for my vinyl.

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah, the units even with wall brackets, but I am sure many people don't use them

[@ThatVinylChannel]

I have a 5x5 EXPEDIT (replaced by the Kallax) and I've had it for about 9 years. Moved it around a few times, 3 different houses..still seems to be solid. Holds my records just fine :)

[@Channel33RPM]

Those things are great for us record collectors.

[@lucyinthesky5282]

I just moved my 5x5 EXPEDIT and it epically warped and collapsed. Wish I had seen this video before I did that 😢

[@lauher21]

That’s really cool I’m going to try that

[@Trance88]

Very nice mods to these shelving units! I store the majority of my records in a vintage Lane record cabinet. The record slots are built into the door which pivots down. Everything else I don't listen to as much is just stored on a bookshelf with my DVD's and VHS tapes.

[@eastonvonschist2283]

I make my own crates similar to the old Peaches Crates from years back. Very strong.

[@glenncurry3041]

I use a 4 x 4 Kallax as my main LP storage. I did not like the albums pushing way to the back. I wanted the album front edge closer to the edge of the shelf. So I got 6' lengths of semi-slit foam pipe insulation. I cut it to lengths that are just a bit snug for each cube's internal length. So they keep themselves in place without bowing. Or you can open along the slit and stick it on the shelf. Also gives a soft stopper to the jackets when you slide them in. You can get different sizes. I found 1" or 3/4" best. Depends on how far forward you want the album.

[@mariomartinez-it7hq]

Nice Frank . I put my collection in my closet .

[@jim_wicks]

I also have done as Frank as done, but as step 2. In my step 1, I added 2 4x4 sheets of 1/8 plywood, painted them white on one side, then glued and screwed the sheets to the back of the Kallax unit. It helps close off the back giving the unit a finished look, as well as additional support. Then I added Frank's 1x3 and mounted to the studs. I agree with Frank, this unit ain't going anywhere.

[@DC-xx4kv]

Way to go Frank.

[@koont666]

I've had two X 16 cube ones for 15 years never a problem always have one end again a wall fill from the bottom putting your least used records on the bottom row ,I use the top row for a mixture of 7s and 12s ,And also having the records pushed back against the wall keeps them nice and uniform whilst keeping the weight from the front , stabilising them,Also they come with small brackets to fix the unit to the wall to save tipping,at least here in the UK 🇬🇧🍀

[@PhilRayAudio]

Love the videos. I use kallax I like them a lot. Great job reinforcing them. What shelves are those for your cds? I am have trouble finding cd storage that matches my vinyl storage. Thanks in advance.

[@dawnpatrol700]

Make measurements, then go to home depot and build from scratch. I fit 30,000 vinyl in a bedroom. Homemade shelves run floor to ceilng around the perimeter, then a library shelf in the middle of the room, as well as more vinyl in the walk-in closet. My $17 jigsaw from Aldi, cut everything in a flash. I had an incident like this with pre-made Sauder stuff I had, and that was the last time I ever had a problem. Use the longest screws you can and the strongest wood and dividers and brace everything. I'm no Bob Vila, so it's easier than you think

[@mercurialmagictrees]

Good move. I'm sure it looks nice. What kind of wood did you choose?

[@dawnpatrol700]

@@mercurialmagictrees oak for the sides and structure, pine for shelving and dividers. Some of the shelving is poplar - I did it sections at a time, every few years, and experimented. Then just tacked on decorative trim on the front, to make it look less generic

[@mercurialmagictrees]

@@dawnpatrol700 awesome choices. Would you post a video of the set up?

[@thevinyltruffle]

Not an option for everyone.

[@scotslater]

@@mercurialmagictrees @dawnpatrol700 I would like to see this as well. Sounds very cool.

[@jigsound]

Perfect! 😎👌

[@guyb7005]

So glad I watched this. I just bought the same unit in black and am placing horizonally, but I also have a couple of older 4x4 which precede the Kallax & Expedit (all 3/4" panels top & sides too) for books and yes, the wrong orientation has caused issues. For the new 2x4 placed horizontally, I'm not sure if I need to reinforce and how? Happy I subscribed to your channel.

[@Keziapurrs]

I have similar shelves but they're from Amazon. At the time they were cheaper than the Kallax. Unfortunately they're no longer sold on Amazon so i'm going to have to purchase some Kallax. My collection keeps growing so the storage has to keep up. Thanks for the video. I'll definitely secure my new shelves to the wall as you did.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Lisa! I have the same problem... the collection keeps growing, and I keep buying more shelves, lol.

[@mrtonytechnics]

This definitely helped a lot! You rok!

[@ronaldweed6103]

Looks 👍 GREAT!

[@rashodlewis2918]

I bought shelves from target last week. They were shipped to my home today. I haven’t open the boxes yet. I won’t get to put them together until the weekend. It’s a coincident that this video is on my timeline. I will use some of your tips. Thanks.

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you found value in the video!

[@jeffpickard6730]

Man Frank I thought I was watching home improvement. Just kidding looks like a great way to make Kallax way more sturdy I just bought a 2x2 and I’m sure I’ll be adding more. Thanks for the great idea love your show always learning things from you

[@Phase52012]

Excellent video. Especially as I'm looking at buying some Kallax for record storage. The photo of the collapsed Kallax 5x5. Whoever put it up appears to have stood it on it's side, and not on it's base. Which probably contributed to the collapse. I see on the Ikea website they state that the unit must be attached to a wall using "the included wall attachment devices". I like this approach better. My main problem is that the flat has carpet installed, so there's that little ridge of wood that runs along the base of the wall, where the carpet is nailed down. Two pieces of wood on the ground, out from the wall, should fix that problem.

[@joet_swbo101]

I don't use those shelves, but that was a great tutorial. I have my records all over the place, lol. I have some in a cabinet at the bottom of my turntable's entertainment unit. Some in a closet that I made with my own custom built ins and finally some in my bedroom, mostly the box sets, on an Ethan Allen bookshelf made from solid cherry wood.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

Cool that's basically what I do. I like to dig and flip through for albums at home and at shops haha.

[@mikerosevear3264]

hi frank great post good info to know have great week

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Mike, you too.

[@jjrusy7438]

i watched for a lot of years for a desirable LP shelf system. i finally found the ideal cabinets at , of all places, walmart. they are "better homes and gardens" 2x2 unit shelves with about 13" squares. i bought 4 of them for w/e $30 or so each, and they hold my 1k of LP's perfectly with 2 sections left for music books and sheet music. you could park a truck on these, they are really heavy duty. they also stack or be arranged in a row like a big countertop to fit any room arrangement vs a big dedicated shelf system. the reason i didnt home build them is because the dimensions would have resulted in a lot of wasted wood. 12" spaces would be perfect BUT the records would not have fit. people do not realize just how heavy even 100 slabs of vinyl weigh, let alone 1k.

[@thamaskedcollector7041]

My 2x4s are horizontal and not vertical. I purchased IKEA legs and installed them on the “bottom” of the units. Then I have a piece of plywood cut slightly less than the dimensions of the unit. I stain it to the color of my choice and apply it to the “back” of the unit. Providing more support while also keeping dust out of the back.

[@stephenmclaughlin6174]

Thanks Frank! Followed your board reinforcement tip on a kallax 4x4 over the weekend. Between that and gluing the dowels in with gorilla wood glue I’m at least feeling better about loading it up. Do you think securing it to studs is really making any structural improvements? I totally get it as a safety feature, but I’m a bit skeptical it’s making too much of a difference. I’m having trouble with that part because the unit has to be a good 6” or so from the wall due to a bulky sump pump wall wart.

[@Parliament9502]

People should also only buy the 2x2 shelves and add more as needed; not buy the huge 5x5. Plus it’s far easier to move.

[@carolynshea8794]

Yes. I agree. That’s what I did. Easier to move and makes them sturdier.

[@DC-xx4kv]

That’s an opinion it comes with its own issues though. My 5x5 is great and as I said on Frank’s preview my unit, secured unit, isn’t going anywhere. Securing a bunch of small cubes stacked on each other is a lot more difficult and will tear up your walls if you do it right. So why do that? My 2cts.

[@oldskoolpautz]

Just Funky Kool Frank!! Love there Moose logo and how great they respect U to give autographed copy of first LP. I will be checking Northern Royal out!! ✌️

[@honestguy7764]

When do you move a huge record collection? I bought mine 5x5 for laserdisc storage (heavier than lps) eons ago.

[@MarkChapeau]

@@carolynshea8794 spot on

[@qwerty123860]

Great vidéo !

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks!

[@Frank_nwobhm]

I have a 4x2 unit just like the one you assembled. It's made by Better Homes & Gardens and sold in many locations. I broke the first rule by putting it on It's side, 4 wide and 2 high. For lateral strength I braced it with a piece of pegboard cut to size and attached to the back of the unit with multiple screws. It's rock solid. No real need to attach it to the wall since it's twice as wide as it is tall. My reciever, turntable and compact disc player sit on top and about 580 albums are stored in the cubes. It's been about 2 to 3 years since I set it up and everything feels as solid as day one.

[@Channel33RPM]

Nice!!! I will have to look into this. I thought Better Homes & Gardens was a magazine? I am out of the loop on that one. Thanks for the comment.

[@Frank_nwobhm]

@@Channel33RPM They've become a name brand in addition to being a magazine. Just look up BH&G Cube Storage and you'll see every configuration that Ikea carries. The BH&G units are rated for slightly more weight capacity. The really nice thing is their availability at the largest retailer in the universe, Wally World, so that means free shipping. That's huge for folks in the sticks. The nearest Ikea for me is a 4 hour round trip.

[@madmanmike1980]

@@Channel33RPM Sometime in the late 2000s or early 2010s Wal-Mart partnered with BH+G to create and sell WM exclusive products for the home such as candles, blankets, sheets, towels, hardware, furniture, home decor, lighting, etc. I know because of A) being a customer for years, and B) I started working for WM a month ago (second time with the company). 😉

[@fortherecord8241]

IKEA expedite shelves I use spacers on each shelf to push the records forward easier to take out and put on the shelf I also put plywood on the back covering the entire backside

[@davidfrey9755]

LOL I do the same makes it nice a strong!

[@rikardekvall3433]

As being a Swede, I have mounted some IKEA furnitures, cabinets, kitchen, lights…. ONE big advice to all, use wood glue on all edges that meet another part! Glue wood plugs and edges of chip boards. Even mounted unglued, you can’t unscrew a Kallax, without breaking the chip board. Screw together with a small electric screwdriver with low torque. As in this case, brace on the backside is a really great options for this use. You don’t see the braces. If you don’t want to see thick braces, then IKEAs Observatör, a zinc crossbar is a minimalist brace. Never forget to secure the Kallax to the wall!

[@williamchandlee7790]

Great video I use part inner shelving that's in my listening area and part crate shelving that's working for me now but I'm making room in some more areas of my listening area that I could get rid of some of the crate shelving so I'm working on things to make more stuff convenient for me so keep on spinning 😜🤘

[@thevinyltruffle]

I have two 3x3s and a few 3x1s. For the 3x3s I added corner bracing steel brackets. And across each row is a 1x2screwed into the outer columns. It turns them into tanks.

[@Channel33RPM]

Sounds rock solid.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

My LP collection is stored in two 8 cube organizers from Better Homes And Gardens, very similar to the IKEA Kallax units.

[@jonathansilva9848]

Mine aren't braced to the wall(though I should probably do it) but I bought adhesive foam insulation for the back of the units to fix the "gap" between the albums and the edge of the shelf. It works great and inevisible, unlike pool poodles.

[@greatpix]

I think taking a tip from home building it would make for a more solid build to use a sheet of plywood or MDF the size of the back of the unit. That way you get more strength and less chance of what happened to that photo of a unit twisting to the side. Also get a more finished look painting the wood a color of your choosing, black or color match to the wall if you'll have some cubes without records in them. You have a solid back to keep out dust and insects that might make their way back there. One other thing to consider is the molding that is usually running along the bottom of a wall. It will give you a gap behind the unit so you might consider making that back panel with a space at the bottom to compensate for the molding and fit the unit right up against the wall. You can also screw into studs through the back panel.

[@vinylordie1301]

I got that Kallax 4x4! Great for vinyl, gear and more. lol

[@TimKearn]

I’ll echo the other comments, great video. Really helpful & different from the other typical vinyl videos (don’t mean that as a criticism though). Digging that Cauldron shirt! Ian Chains.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks!!! I hope Cauldron puts out a new album soon.

[@brandondale4829]

I did this with my 4x4 Kallax. Would you recommend putting screws down the center as well? I’m not sure about the wood material of the smaller divider squares.

[@cardnut]

I use a 5 shelf bookcase. I want to get the Kallax system, but I do not have enough room, even for the 4x2 one that you built. At some point I will get them.

[@michaelackley5773]

What up Frank great video

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks!!!

[@TomDcanada]

Great safety tips for vinyl storage , sorry for the person with the collapsed shelving , must have been heartbreaking . The back 1 X 3 braces will make it impossible for kids to pull all of that vertical weight over on to themselves . The only thing I would do different than you would be to swap the new one with your older two by four shelving behind you , then there would be no height gap on your long wall , looks good the way it is also . Thanks for the entertaining videos .

[@MK-tj5bf]

I love in birch colour and still hunting for this colour Have found few of them recently:)

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad to hear Max!!!! Looking forward to seeing your music room in the near future!

[@stevemcgill355]

I had a vinyl storage problem so I took a steel storage rack from the basement, replaced the shelves with 1" pine and fitted .25" tinted plexiglass on the ends to prevent the LP's from falling out. It holds about 600 records and at 18" deep it's not a threat to tip over.

[@Jrizzle7426]

I have 3 2x2 units. I used wood glue on every dowel and where boards touch. I also cut a strip of trim and ran down the center of the back of each shelf so records do not fall through. I love them. They feel indestructible. Adding a fourth soon.

[@Channel33RPM]

Awesome. I am going to add wood glue next time I do one of these. Good tip. Frank

[@rabarebra]

I wouldn't move apartment with your Kallax then, if you can't disassemble them totally, or buy them used from you. 🤣 Man, they are more than sturdy with the screws and brackets to secure them to the wall. Don't overdo things. Less is more.

[@TorontoJon]

That photo of the collapsing shelves gives me nightmares. ;)

[@Channel33RPM]

Me too man, me too....

[@200crates]

check that your records are sitting on the long boards

[@exodous02]

Man, you don't predrill anything, lol. My Dad was a carpenter and he ponded into my brain to predrill everything!

[@grahambiggs9822]

Hi Frank and yet again a great video. I have the Kallax 2x4 shelves so no problems with falling over. If I went higher with another 2x4 Kallax, I would definately fix them to the wall. You look like someone who does alot of home improvements and I wonder what jobs Sheri wants you to do next, outside the music room. I have always been interested to know how you fix you CD shelves to the wall as this is something i need to do in future. The other question I have is the height of your turntable and amp/CD player on top of the shelves. Most including me lean over our turntables, but yours is nearly eye level. Is it awkward to put records on, or do you use the Pepsi Cola crate when playing vinyl. Love your music room by the way and have taken plenty of your ideas for my humble room - keep on spinning !!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Good video, but I would advise more reinforcement. I installed 4-4X4 Kallax units and stacked them. Although the shear weight of the Kallax units(about 120+ lbs each) plus the weight of the records in them, aside from collapsing sideways, they won't tip over. But, they include 2 metal wall brackets for each unit, I had them give me another set so I have a bracket in each corner of the units on top. Now, most walls are just sheetrock nailed to the 2x4 studs. Yes, they are supposed to be 16" apart, but with my house which was built back in 1992 on a cement slab, those studs are not always where they are supposed to be. Plus, where I needed to place the shelving units, the provided metal brackets weren't always on top of a stud. I took a sheet of 3/4" plywood, cut 4 - 1ft.x4ft. strips, painted them the same color as the wall, and attached them to the wall running horizontally behind the shelving units. Each plywood strip is attached to the wall, using 3 1/2" deck screws into atleast 3 studs with 3 screws into each stud. The provided metal brackets are attached to the plywood strips using molly screws and atleast 6 of the 12 metal brackets are screwed through the plywood into a stud using 4" deck screws. Now, before mounting the Kallax units, I screwed 90 degree metal brackets to each corner of the units on the back sides. In addition, I screwed 2 metal full width and height metal strips again to the back sides in a cross pattern. I noticed that the record albums went too far back inside the shelves, so I knew I needed to make some spacers. I went over to Home Depot and found 2 1/2" x 5/8" strips made of MDF and they were already painted white. Anybody with a brain knows that MDF is junk, but they are just spacers. Anyway, they use MDF to make the motor boards of turntables costing $1,000's, so it must be the greatest material on Earth! Running out of room and having to stack most of my boxed sets on top of the top unit, I just added 2- 4 cubicle Kallax units, again, stacked. Funny thing, but they give you 3 metal brackets with each of those. Again, each corner of each shelving unit got a metal angle brace screwed to the backside. Using the same type boards being attached to the wall and the metal brackets attached to them(4 on the top units and 2 on the bottom units). These 1x4 shelving units supported my 230+ lbs. weight without a problem.

[@alm5693]

Where's your bottle of wood glue for the dowels!?

[@christopherrippel2463]

Frank, I revisited this video again today, because I finally went out and got a 4 row high x 3 row Kallax white shelving (Ikea 104.099.32) . Wanted to look again and make sure I do it exactly like you said. (Was all in crates. Jing said I need to clean it up). ;)

[@Channel33RPM]

Nice! I am sure it will look great.