[Pedrita]

We are installing a PAX wardrobe and PAX cabinets (all oak effect) on a wall, but there are two 6" x 4" vertical posts floor to ceiling projecting from the wall. Our contractor says he can cut into the back and the interior shelves of the PAX units affected to accomodate the posts on the wall, but the Ikea designer suggests to have the contractor add 4" to the wall where the PAX will be installed instead of cutting into the PAX where needed (due to problems with "maintaining the integrity of the cabinet").

Any advice from anyone who has actually had to do something similar would be very much appreciated!

[drlith]

I haven't done what you describe, but I think if you're having your contractor do the install they should be able to discreetly add in a little extra support to alleviate any fears about compromised structural integrity. For example, you (they) could probably install 1x3 braces underneath the top piece, the bottom piece, and each of the shelves that had to be cut, right after the cut. I definitely wouldn't build out a whole wall an extra 4" just to accommodate a piece of furniture that may not be in your lives forever.

[Chuck]

I don't think you'll have an issue, especially if the cutting is just in the back of the unit, rather than impacting the sides also. It's more work for your contractor, but it should be fine.

Even if you are cutting the sides, I don't think it's a problem, either; but I would recommend an "L" bracket or 2 to pick up some of the lost structure.