The IKEA Expedit and Kallax look nearly identical, but the key differences are in the dimensions of the external frame and its availability. The Kallax, which replaced the Expedit, has slightly thinner outer boards, making it lighter and more resource-efficient, while the now-discontinued Expedit had a chunkier, thicker frame. Critically, the internal cube dimensions for both units are exactly the same.
Here's everything you need to know about these iconic cube shelving units to understand their differences and why the change was made.
IKEA Expedit Shelf Unit
The IKEA Expedit was a hugely popular and versatile line of modular cube storage that became a staple in homes from the early 2000s until it was discontinued around 2014. Famous for its thick, bold frame and perfect square compartments, it was a favorite among vinyl record collectors, book lovers, and DIY enthusiasts for its sturdiness and straightforward, utilitarian design.
- What it is: A discontinued line of iconic modular cube shelving from IKEA, known for its thick outer frame.
- Key features: Grid-like design with perfectly square compartments, renowned for its use as a bookcase, room divider, and vinyl storage. The thick frame gave it a substantial visual weight.
- Price: Originally ranged from about $50 for a 2x2 unit to over $150 for the large 5x5 configurations when it was available.
- Dimensions: The signature feature was its thick frame - side and top pieces were nearly 2 inches thick. Internal cube dimensions were 13" x 13", making it perfect for records.
- Materials/Construction: Built from particleboard and fiberboard with a laminate finish. Its heavy construction contributed to a very sturdy feel.
- Style: Classic modern and Scandinavian functionalism. Its simple, geometric form was bold yet minimalist.
- Pros: Very sturdy and substantial feel due to the thick frame. Iconic, beloved design. Often easy to find on second-hand marketplaces.
- Cons: Discontinued and can no longer be purchased new. The heavy, thick frame used more material and made it difficult to move.
The Expedit is perfect for design purists who love the original's chunky aesthetic and can find one in good condition on a second-hand marketplace like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Shop for this product: Available on second-hand marketplaces.
IKEA Kallax Shelf Unit
The IKEA Kallax is the direct successor to the Expedit, retaining the core cube storage concept while introducing refinements in design and material efficiency. It keeps the same excellent internal cube dimensions but features a thinner, sleeker outer frame. The Kallax series offers a wider variety of sizes, finishes, and an extensive ecosystem of compatible inserts like drawers, doors, and baskets.
- What it is: IKEA's current and highly versatile line of modular cube storage shelving, an evolution of the old Expedit series.
- Key features: Same 13" x 13" internal cubes, a wide variety of sizes and configurations (1x4, 4x4, etc.), sleek modern design with a slightly thinner frame.
- Price: Ranges from $50 for a 2x2 unit to around $200 for the largest versions.
- Dimensions: The overall dimensions of popular configurations (like the 57" x 57" 4x4 unit) are the same, but the outer border is thinner - around 1.5 inches thick compared to Expedit's nearly 2 inches.
- Materials/Construction: Made from particleboard and fiberboard with a more scratch-resistant finish and an interior honeycomb paper filling structure, which makes it lighter but still strong.
- Style: Contemporary, clean, and minimalist. The thinner lines give it a more refined and less blocky appearance than its predecessor.
- Pros: Widely available in numerous sizes and finishes. Its lighter construction makes it easier to transport and assemble. All old Expedit inserts fit perfectly. More environmentally friendly due to using less wood.
- Cons: Some users who were fans of the original feel the thinner frame is not as aesthetically pleasing or substantial as the Expedit's.
The Kallax is the go-to for anyone needing affordable, customizable, and modern storage for everything from books and records to toys and craft supplies.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelving-unit-white-80275845/
Expedit vs. Kallax Comparison
Dimensions & Frame
This is the most talked-about difference. While the overall external dimensions of a 4x4 Kallax and a 4x4 Expedit are the same (~57" x 57"), the way that space is used is different. The Expedit's outer shell was almost 2 inches thick, giving it a very bold and solid presence. The Kallax reduced this outer frame thickness to about 1.5 inches to save on materials.
Crucially for function and compatibility, the internal dimensions of each and every cube are identical: 13 inches wide by 13 inches tall by 15 inches deep. This standard makes them both perfect for storing 12-inch vinyl records and means that all storage boxes, drawer inserts, and door accessories made for the Kallax will fit perfectly into an old Expedit.
Materials & Construction
Both shelving units are made primarily of particleboard and fiberboard. However, the reason IKEA made the switch was primarily one of sustainability and efficiency. The thinner exterior frame of the Kallax uses significantly less wood material, making it more eco-friendly to source and lighter to ship.
While some purists argue the thicker Expedit was more durable, the modern Kallax is engineered to be perfectly stable and strong for its intended uses, such as holding books and records. The surfaces on newer Kallax units are also generally more resistant to scratches and scuffs than the older Expedit finishes.
Price & Availability
The Expedit is officially a discontinued "legacy" item. Your only option to get one is to browse second-hand markets like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, where prices fluctuate based on condition and location. The Kallax is readily available online and in IKEA stores globally. Its pricing has remained in line with the Expedit's original affordable ethos, making it one of the best value-for-money storage solutions available today.
Who Each One Works Best For
Choosing between the two really comes down to preference and availability. An Expedit is for the nostalgic buyer, someone who is specifically trying to match an existing Expedit unit in their home, or a bargain hunter who finds a pristine used one for a great price. It's for the person who genuinely prefers the chunkier, more substantial look of the thicker frame.
The Kallax is for everyone else. If you are walking into IKEA or shopping on their website for new storage, you’re buying a Kallax. It's the right choice for anyone who needs a reliable, versatile, and modern storage unit with the guarantee of being able to find matching units and a wide world of official and third-party accessories today and in the future.
Which One Should You Choose?
Since the Expedit is no longer sold new, the choice often comes down to actively hunting for a used one versus easily buying a new Kallax.
Choose (or hunt for) a used Expedit if:
- You prefer the aesthetic of the thicker, more substantial-looking outer frame.
- You're trying to perfectly match an existing Expedit unit you already own.
- You've found one in great condition on a second-hand marketplace for a fantastic price.
- You value the heavier, chunkier feel of the original design over the streamlined Kallax.
Choose the Kallax if:
- You are buying a new shelving unit and want it to be readily available.
- You desire a sleeker, more contemporary profile with cleaner lines.
- You want more choices for sizes, finishes, and colors than the Expedit offered.
- You want the peace of mind that comes with buying a new product with all its parts included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Expedit and Kallax?
The main difference is the thickness of the external frame. The Expedit had a thicker, nearly 2-inch frame, while the Kallax has a sleeker, 1.5-inch frame. Internal cube dimensions remain identical.
Are Kallax and Expedit inserts interchangeable?
Yes, absolutely. Because the internal cube dimensions (13" x 13" x 15") are exactly the same on both models, any accessory, drawer, or door insert designed to fit a Kallax shelf will also fit perfectly into an older Expedit unit.
Why did IKEA discontinue the Expedit?
IKEA replaced the Expedit with the Kallax primarily for sustainability and efficiency. The Kallax design uses less wood, making it more environmentally responsible to produce and cheaper to transport, all while maintaining the same structural integrity for normal use.
Is the Kallax as strong as the Expedit?
For its intended purpose - like holding books, vinyl records, and decor - the Kallax is more than strong enough. IKEA engineered it to be structurally sound, and any perceived difference in strength is mostly due to the "feel" of the heavier Expedit frame.
Can you still buy the Expedit shelf?
No, you cannot buy a new Expedit from IKEA. It has been discontinued for years. The only way to acquire one is by purchasing it second-hand from an online marketplace or garage sale.
Do Expedit and Kallax accessories fit each other?
Yes. The crucial shared measurement between the Expedit and Kallax is the interior size of the cubes. Any doors, bins, or drawer systems made for one will fit into the cubes of the other, making them backward-compatible.
Will an old Expedit look out of place next to a new Kallax?
Potentially. While the basic white or black-brown finishes are similar, the difference in the frame's thickness will be noticeable when the units are placed side-by-side. The Kallax will look visibly leaner.
Which is better for storing vinyl records, Kallax or Expedit?
Both are equally fantastic for storing vinyl records. The 13" x 13" internal cube dimensions were a hallmark of the Expedit and were purposefully retained in the Kallax, as IKEA knew they were beloved by collectors. A standard 12-inch LP fits perfectly in either one.
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