IKEA PAX Hinged Door Wardrobe Assembly
Hinged door PAX systems are straightforward — but there are specific things that catch people out every week.
Typical cost: £120–£280 depending on configuration
Hinged Door PAX — What You Need to Know
Hinged door PAX systems are generally more straightforward to assemble than sliding door systems. However, there are specific technical details — particularly around hinge positions and their effect on internal fittings — that are not always obvious from the IKEA website or planner. We have been building hinged door PAX since 2004 and know every combination.
What Catches People Out — Hinged Door PAX
The Bottom Hinge Problem
The bottom hinges on a hinged door PAX system occupy holes 3 and 4 when counting from the bottom of the frame. This means you cannot put a drawer at the bottom of a hinged door system.
The lowest level you can put a drawer is at hole 5. In practice, IKEA recommend hole 7 as the lowest practical drawer position, and they sell a wire basket specifically designed to go at the lowest level of the wardrobe to make use of the space below.
The Middle Hinge Problem
The middle hinge pair occupies three holes — it sits higher on the left side than on the right. On 201cm high frames there are 3 hinges per door; on 236cm frames there are 4 hinges. Wherever these hinges go, you cannot put any internal fittings — and you cannot put any drawers that overlap them either.
Unfortunately, IKEA staff and the IKEA electronic planner do not always account for this. Check what you are putting where with respect to the middle hinges — especially if you have a lot of drawers or jewellery trays, which are often desired at mid-height.
Corner Wardrobe Hinges
The corner wardrobe unit comes with its own hinges for its door and the two doors that open either side of it. These are different to the standard PAX hinges — they move in a special way when opened so as not to catch on the adjacent frame.
They also have a push-button system and therefore do not need a handle. Do not fit a handle to the corner wardrobe door — it will not work correctly and will look wrong.
Handles
Handles are always sold separately for hinged door PAX — except for the Vikdel mirrored doors, which come with a chrome half-moon handle included.
Holes need to be drilled in the doors for the handles, and there are several different hole spacings depending on the handle style. Always check you have ordered the correct handles for your door style before your assembly date.
Hinges Are Packaged Separately
The hinges come with the doors but are always packaged in a separate box. Check that you have picked them up at the checkout — IKEA will not always remind you, and they will not always be in the same trolley as the door panels.
If ordering for delivery, check the delivery manifest carefully to make sure the hinge boxes are included.
Wall-Fixing
Hinged door PAX systems generally require less wall-fixing than sliding door systems, but tall 236cm frames should be fixed in most cases. Vikdel mirrored doors on smaller systems can make the wardrobe top-heavy and may require wall-fixing.
We will advise you on the day and the decision is always yours. Wall-fixing is charged separately — typically £12 per wardrobe.
All our assemblers are trained to British Standards for attaching furniture to the wall — via flatpack.org.uk.
PAX wardrobe with hinged doors and KOMPLEMENT drawers — assembled by Flat Pack Amigos
Hinged Door PAX Pricing
All prices include a call-out fee. The price we quote is the price you pay. Submit your PAX list for a fixed price quote.
How to Book
Send your full PAX list
Copy and paste your IKEA shopping cart or receipt. Include frame sizes, door style, all KOMPLEMENT items, and handle part numbers. A photo of your receipt works too.
Receive a fixed price quote
We look up every item and email you a fixed price — usually within 1 hour during working hours.
Book a date
Book online or give us three preferred dates. We confirm within 1 hour.
Job completed
We build the full system, align all doors, drill and fit handles, and leave everything ready to use. You pay on completion by cash or bank transfer.
What Customers Say
"Three-frame PAX with hinged Bergsbo doors and full KOMPLEMENT interior. Handles drilled perfectly. Assembler knew exactly where the hinges would fall and planned the drawers around them. Brilliant."
— James R., Sheffield"Corner PAX system — warned me about the uneven floor before starting and explained the compromise clearly. Very professional, very knowledgeable."
— Emma W., Manchester"Fixed price quote within the hour, arrived on time, built everything perfectly. The PAX looks stunning. Would not hesitate to use again."
— David K., LeedsHinged Door PAX — Frequently Asked Questions
No. The bottom hinges occupy holes 3 and 4, so the lowest practical drawer position is hole 7. IKEA sell a wire basket specifically designed to go at the lowest level of the wardrobe to make use of the space below the drawers.
No — handles are always sold separately, except for the Vikdel mirrored doors which include a chrome half-moon handle. Holes must be drilled in the doors for handles. There are several different hole spacings, so always check you have the correct handles for your door style.
Yes, but they are always packaged in a separate box. Check that you have picked them up at the IKEA checkout — they will not always remind you. If ordering for delivery, check the manifest carefully.
No. The corner wardrobe has a push-button hinge system and does not need a handle. Fitting one would prevent the door from opening correctly.
Hinged door systems generally need less wall-fixing than sliding door systems, but tall 236cm frames should be fixed in most cases. We will advise you on the day. Wall-fixing is charged separately at £12 per wardrobe.
Other PAX Guides
PAX Overview
Frame sizes, KOMPLEMENT fittings, how IKEA sells PAX, and ceiling height requirements.
PAX Sliding Door Wardrobes
Door types, ceiling clearance, four-door systems, soft-close devices, and internal lights.
PAX Buying Tips
Before you order: handles, hinges, delivery vs in-store, and the mistakes people make every week.
Get a Fixed Price Quote
Tell us what you need assembling and we'll email you a fixed price — no hidden fees, no surprises.