IKEA PAX Sliding Door Wardrobe Assembly
Everything you need to know about sliding door PAX — before you buy and before we build.
Typical cost: £160–£320 depending on configuration
PAX Sliding Door Types
There are three types of PAX sliding door. Understanding which type you have affects both the assembly time and the price. We know all three.
Single-Piece Doors
Come fully assembled in one piece. The simplest sliding door option — no additional assembly time beyond fitting the track and hanging the doors.
Havsik Two-Piece Doors
Come in two pieces that must be connected together before hanging. This adds approximately 10 minutes to the job per pair. Not always obvious from the IKEA website which type you have ordered.
Auli Panelled Doors
The most popular and most complex type. These have 3 panels on 201cm frames and 4 panels on 236cm frames. Each pair requires approximately 1 hour to assemble before they can be hung. Always include this in your quote request.
What Catches People Out — Sliding Door PAX
These are the issues we see every week. Read them before you finalise your order.
Ceiling Clearance
You need at least 2cm of ceiling clearance to mount sliding doors. Because floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly flat, measure in several places — not just the middle. If you are close to the limit, measure at every point where a door track will sit.
If you have less than 2cm clearance, sliding doors cannot be fitted. This is not something we can work around on the day.
Four-Door Systems
The only way to achieve a four-door sliding system is to place two separate two-door systems side by side. This does not always work well when space is tight.
Do not assume that two 150cm wide wardrobes will fit in a 300cm space. The lining pieces add 1–2mm to each end, so you need approximately 301cm of space. Measure in several places — walls are rarely perfectly parallel.
Soft-Close Device
The soft-close device cushions the doors when they close. In practice, the momentum from sliding the door closed is transferred onto the frame when this device is in use. This often means the wardrobe must be attached to the wall to prevent it moving.
If you are in a rented property and cannot attach to the wall, consider carefully whether the soft-close device is right for you.
All our assemblers are trained to British Standards for attaching furniture to the wall — via flatpack.org.uk.
Internal LED Lights + Soft-Close
Some PAX configurations show internal LED lighting at the top of the wardrobe. This can be done — but if you also buy the soft-close device, it must be positioned further back, and the light-sensitive switch will not always work correctly in this position.
It is often better to suspend the light from a shelf instead. We will advise you on the day, but it is worth knowing before you order.
Fabric Storage Boxes
Fabric storage boxes sit neatly in shelf spaces and are often shown on the IKEA website on the top shelf. On sliding door wardrobes, the hanging rail hangs down further than on hinged door systems, so the shelf must be positioned 2 holes lower than you might expect.
If you also have the soft-close device, it hangs lower still in the corners, meaning the shelf must be another 2 holes lower. In total you could lose 3–4 shelf holes — which may significantly reduce your hanging space if not planned for in advance.
Wall-Fixing
Sliding door PAX wardrobes are more likely to require wall-fixing than hinged door systems, particularly when the soft-close device is used or when the wardrobe is tall (236cm). We will advise you on the day and the decision is always yours.
Wall-fixing is charged separately — typically £12 per wardrobe. We fix to brick, block, and stud walls.
All our assemblers are trained to British Standards for attaching furniture to the wall — via flatpack.org.uk.
PAX wardrobe with Auli sliding doors — assembled by Flat Pack Amigos
Sliding 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. Tell us the frame sizes, door type (especially if Auli), and all KOMPLEMENT items. 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, and leave everything ready to use. You pay on completion by cash or bank transfer.
What Customers Say
"Two-door PAX with Auli sliding doors. The assembler knew exactly what he was doing — doors perfectly aligned, soft-close working beautifully. Brilliant service."
— Sarah T., Leeds"Warned me about the soft-close wall-fixing issue before starting. Explained all the options clearly. Very professional — would highly recommend."
— Mark H., Manchester"Four-door system in a tight alcove. Measured everything carefully, explained the 301cm issue before starting. Perfect result."
— Claire B., SheffieldSliding Door PAX — Frequently Asked Questions
At least 2cm. Because floors and ceilings are rarely flat, measure in several places. If you are close to the limit, measure at every point where a door track will sit. If you have less than 2cm, sliding doors cannot be fitted.
Approximately 1 hour per pair before they can be hung. Always include this in your quote request so we can price the job correctly.
Often yes. The soft-close device transfers the door's momentum onto the frame, which can cause the wardrobe to move. We will advise you on the day. If you rent and cannot attach to the wall, consider whether the soft-close device is right for you.
Not reliably. The lining pieces add 1–2mm to each end, so you need approximately 301cm. Measure in several places — walls are rarely perfectly parallel.
Yes. All our assemblers are trained to British Standards for attaching furniture to the wall via flatpack.org.uk.
Other PAX Guides
PAX Overview
Frame sizes, KOMPLEMENT fittings, how IKEA sells PAX, and ceiling height requirements.
PAX Hinged Door Wardrobes
Hinge positions, drawer restrictions, corner wardrobe hinges, and handle drilling.
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.