ᐅ The IKEA Kallax shelf makes a squeaking noise when you walk past – what can be done?

Hello everyone,

I have an IKEA Kallax shelf in my living room, and I’ve noticed it makes a slight squeaking noise when you just walk past it. It seems to be triggered by touching or applying light pressure to the shelf, probably due to friction between the wood or particleboard panels and the joints.

The noise isn’t very loud, but it’s noticeable enough to make me wonder if something might be incorrectly assembled or if the material is warping over time.

Has anyone experienced squeaking Kallax shelves? What would you recommend to fix or at least reduce the squeaking? Should I try to reassemble the entire shelf, or are there simpler solutions, such as lubricants or padding in certain areas?

I look forward to your ideas and tips!

The squeaking noise often results from friction between wooden edges or from loose connections.

My recommendation:

1. Check all screws and dowels to ensure they are still tight.
2. If joints secured with screws or metal fittings are loose, tighten them as needed.
3. Applying a light amount of a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray) to the joints can help.

Avoid using oils that could damage the wood over time or cause stains.

In many cases, a thorough inspection of the assembly is sufficient to eliminate the problem.

I have put together a brief guide to specifically eliminate squeaking from a Kallax shelf:

1. Empty the shelf and, if necessary, reposition it so you can access it more easily.
2. Check all visible screws and dowels by gently tightening them.
3. Apply wax paper or furniture wax carefully to the contact points between the panels to reduce friction.
4. If the shelf is standing on an uneven floor, small felt pads can be placed under the feet, as movement at the base can also cause noise.

Summary: Tightening loose connections and lubricating or cushioning friction points are the keys.

AUSTINREN schrieb:
Lightly oiling the joints with a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray) can help.

That sounds reasonable. In my case, the connections are not visibly screwed together but mostly joined with dowels and tongue-and-groove joints. Do you think using a lubricant like silicone spray might be too much and possibly weaken the joint’s strength?

Guyju schrieb:
Carefully apply wax paper or furniture wax at the contact points of the panels to reduce friction.

Wax paper or furniture wax could be an option, but how exactly do you apply it without overdoing it or leaving unsightly residues?

I’m open to more tips, especially on the best approach for internal, invisible joints.

The issue with squeaky Kallax shelves is usually caused by fluctuations in moisture and material stresses in the wood-based panels. Particleboard, in particular, is sensitive to humidity changes, which can lead to slight expansions that cause noises at the tongue-and-groove joints.

Some tips for solving the problem:

- After tightening screws and dowels, carefully use fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 220) on the joints to smooth any rough edges.
- Then, apply a thin layer of furniture wax to the areas. This reduces friction and cushions the noise elastically.
- Silicone spray is mainly suitable for metal-to-metal connections; it should generally be avoided on wood because it can penetrate the surface or cause stains.
- Ensure the shelf is not subjected to uneven loading due to an improper installation. It should stand evenly and stably. Consider using small shims or felt pads underneath if needed.

If you have DIY skills, you can partially disassemble the shelf, smooth the individual edges with sandpaper, and then reassemble it. Otherwise, usually tightening the screws combined with the wax treatment is sufficient.

lorena schrieb:
Silicone spray is mainly suitable for metal-to-metal connections; with wood, you should rather avoid it

I agree. Also, I wonder if the squeaking might be a sign of material fatigue or slight deformations that can occur in Kallax shelves due to frequent moving or stress.

You should definitely check whether the panels are fully flush against each other. If there are localized gaps or pressure points, reinforcing the joints with additional screws or brackets alongside the original dowels might help ensure lasting stability and eliminate noise.

Simply tightening slightly or applying lubricant might just mask the actual problem instead of fixing it.