ᐅ Malm Nightstand Plastic Broken – Repair Yourself or Replace?

I have discovered damage to the plastic foot of my Malm bedside table from the IKEA series; it is completely cracked. This significantly affects the functionality, as the bedside table now wobbles and is no longer stable. I am now faced with the decision of whether to attempt repairing the damaged plastic part myself or if it would be more practical to replace the entire bedside table. Does anyone here have experience repairing plastic parts on furniture like this? Are there specific adhesives, techniques, or replacement parts that make a DIY repair worthwhile? I would prefer not to spend a lot of money or invest in something that won’t last. I would greatly appreciate any tips or practical advice.

Canstan schrieb:
Does anyone here have experience repairing plastic parts on furniture like this? Are there special adhesives, techniques, or replacement parts that make a DIY repair worthwhile?

I would recommend specialized two-component adhesives (epoxy resin) for such plastic joints. Getting replacement parts directly from IKEA is usually difficult. If the damage is extensive, replacement is often more worthwhile.

Canstan schrieb:
I’m reluctant to spend a lot of money or get something that won’t last.

Basically, you can repair damaged plastic feet using epoxy adhesive or plastic welding tools, depending on the effort involved. It’s important that the surface is clean and dry. If you like the nightstand and the damage is localized, a repair makes sense – this way you can stabilize the damage and continue using it. However, if the nightstand is considerably older and has multiple weak points, replacement might be the better long-term solution.

Also, IKEA sometimes offers replacement feet through customer service, so it’s worth asking. If you decide to repair, I recommend additionally gluing in a reinforcement made of wood or a metal piece, which can significantly improve stability. Feel free to ask if you need guidance with the gluing process!

Teresa schrieb:
Getting spare parts directly from IKEA is usually difficult.

That is true; IKEA does not always supply spare parts, especially for older products. However, if the model is still current, it is worth contacting customer service, as sometimes they can provide at least individual feet or plastic components.

risar schrieb:
additionally bonding a reinforcement made of wood or a metal piece

That is a very good tip. Especially for stressed plastic parts, this can significantly increase durability. It is important, however, to ensure proper adhesion and material compatibility—otherwise, cracks may develop at the joints.

Overall, if there is a visible crack in the foot, I would first consider repairing it using a two-component adhesive and reinforcing it temporarily. If the stability is not satisfactory afterwards, replacement would be advisable. DIY repair is certainly possible if you have some basic craftsmanship skills.