GLADSAX frames as doors in KALLAX / EXPEDIT

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Overview

Materials: GLADSAX frames, KALLAX 1×5

I received a couple of GLADSAX frames complete with LP covers in both for my birthday. Having nowhere to hang the frames, they posed a bit of a logistical issue in my living room. One day, I simply placed them on the floor in front of the KALLAX 1×5 I use as a TV and Stereo stand. It suddenly seemed obvious to use the frames as doors.

It’s a pretty basic hack. I ordered, nuts, bolts, screws and a couple of piano hinges online. The frames are an almost exact fit and it requires a bit of cutting in the shelf to fit the hinges.

1. A frame and hinge.

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2. The piano hinges I used were 300 mm long. It should be placed in the middle of the shelf. Measure twice, cut once.

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3. The outer layer is a veneer, and inside is a roughly 5 mm layer of an MDF-like material. It’s really easy to cut, so I recommend using an ordinary box cutter.

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4. In order to leave enough room for the door to open and close, the hinge must be attached directly to the core of the shelf,, which is made from chipboard.

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5. It’s always a great idea to drill holes before inserting the screws. Use a bit of tape to avoid drilling all the way through. I used a 2 mm drill for drilling in the shelf.

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6. Measure twice. Cut once – especially when cutting or drilling in to metal like the aluminum Gladsax frame.

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7. Unfortunately, even the best of measurements can’t hide the fact, that my aim is slightly off. I used a 3 mm metal drill for this part, as my bolts are 3 mm, and I wanted to assure a tight fit.

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8. Mount the frame onto the hinge, using bolts. In this case M3 bolts and nuts

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9. Frame, hinge, shelf.

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10. Full length/height view of the frame as a door.

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11. The whole thing looks like this. As you can see, I replaced the record covers in the frames. I had an empty Gerry Rafferty cover from when I used the record for a speaker hack I did once. The other one is a limited edition I got from the band members after playing a gig together once. I can’t bring myself to take it out of the wrap anyway, so it’s only fitting it now has a center position in the room.

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12. After work celebration with a good record 🙂

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