IKEA FJALLBO Furniture: Spare Parts, Variations and Assembly Tips

The wall fixing screw is not included in the box. The M6 bolt was lost during the move. A metal arm arrives slightly bent. These three situations regularly occur with the FJALLBO range. This page provides you with the solutions directly.

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FJALLBO Variations: Which Part for Which Furniture?

FJALLBO is not a single piece of furniture. It is a consistent range – black metal structure, solid pine shelves – each reference of which has its own dimensions and its own fixing parts.

Model	Dimensions (W x H)	Typical Use
Wall shelf	100 x 20 cm	Living room, hallway, office
TV cabinet	90 x 49 cm	Living room
Large TV bench	198 x 54 cm	Up to 75 inches
High shelf	50 x 136 cm	Vertical storage
TV cabinet combination	250 x 95 cm	Modular wall configuration

All these variations share the same mixed assembly: metric bolts for the metal structure, wood screws for the metal-wood connection. The two types are not interchangeable. This is precisely what complicates troubleshooting.

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The Parts That Are Most Often Missing

Wall Fixing Screws: The Big Absent

This is the most reported problem on FJALLBO wall shelves. The wall fixing screws are not provided in the packaging. IKEA considers that the type of plug depends on the support – which is correct. But the information is not very visible. Many buyers only discover this once the furniture is unpacked.

What you need depending on your support:

• Concrete or solid brick: hammer-in or screw-in plug + M6 hexagon head screw, 50 mm minimum.
• Standard plasterboard (BA13): Molly plug or toggle anchor. Never a standard plastic plug – it would tear under the weight.
• Hollow brick: chemical anchor, the only reliable solution on this support.

The metal structure is rigid. It does not forgive approximate levels. Place a spirit level before drilling. Once tightened, the metal no longer adjusts.

Metal Structure Bolts (M6 / M8)

The metal assembly relies on standard metric bolts, mainly M6 and M8. They are provided in just sufficient quantity – no surplus. A lost bolt immediately creates a structural problem.

Good news: these are common references. Any hardware store has them in stock. Note the diameter and length before you go. A replacement lock nut must be the same height as the original for correct tightening.

Metal-Wood Connection Wood Screws

This is the most fragile element of the range. The pine tops are fixed to the structure via wood screws through countersunk holes in the metal. If the wood cracks around the hole – during excessive tightening or impact – the fixing loses its effectiveness.

The screw is replaceable. The cracked wood is not easily replaced. Never tighten these screws beyond what is reasonable: the metal does not give way, the pine gives way first.

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Common Problems and Solutions

The black paint is chipping. This is the most reported quality defect on FJALLBO, particularly on certain batches. The epoxy paint forms blisters at the welds and corners. For a localized area, a RAL 9005 (matt black) paint marker or a metal touch-up spray is sufficient. For extensive chipping on recent furniture, this is a manufacturing defect – contact IKEA customer service with photos.

The metal uprights arrive slightly bent. A slight deformation is within IKEA tolerances for metal profiles. If it does not affect stability, the furniture is functional. If it prevents correct assembly, this is grounds for replacement – IKEA accepts reporting within 12 months.

The wooden top comes loose at the screw points. First check that the wood screws have not been tightened too much. On pine, the thread easily tears. A slightly longer screw (same diameter, +5 mm) can find new thread in the wood – provided it does not go through the top.

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Wall Fixing: Do Not Improvise

The FJALLBO wall shelf is heavy when empty. Even more so when loaded. An under-sized fixing will not fail gradually – it will fail suddenly.

Three non-negotiable rules:

1. Find a stud or use fixings suitable for plasterboard. A screw in plaster alone will not support the load.
2. Use a spirit level. The rigid structure allows no correction after tightening.
3. Do not exceed the load indicated by IKEA. The metal holds – the wall fixing is the weak link.

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FAQ

Can you mix FJALLBO elements with each other?
Yes, the TV benches and shelves in the range are designed to work together. The 250 cm combination is the result of this modular assembly. However, the fixing parts are not universal from one model to another – always check the instructions for the model in question.

Where can I find the wall fixing screws for FJALLBO?
IKEA does not provide them. Hardware store or DIY superstore. Provide M6 screws of 50 mm minimum with a plug suitable for your support. Doubt about the nature of the wall: tap with a hammer. Hollow sound = plasterboard. Solid sound = concrete or brick.

The black paint is chipping – is it repairable?
On localized areas, yes. A matt black metal touch-up spray (RAL 9005) after light sanding gives an acceptable result. For extensive chipping on recent furniture, report the defect to IKEA customer service – it is a known defect on certain batches.

Can you tighten the M6 / M8 bolts with any wrench?
Open-end wrench, adjustable wrench or socket of the correct size: yes. Avoid pliers – they deform the bolt heads and make any future loosening difficult.

Can you replace a wooden shelf alone?
FJALLBO pine shelves are not sold separately at IKEA. In case of breakage, a 18 mm thick solid pine board cut to the correct dimensions is a functional alternative – to be sanded and oiled to approximate the original appearance.