ᐅ Why do some Billy parts come loose after a while?

Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat unusual question that has been on my mind for a while: why do some parts of my IKEA Billy bookshelf start to come apart after some time? Specifically, I mean the fasteners, such as metal brackets or screws – sometimes everything loosens after just a few months, or some parts even break apart. I usually assemble the shelf according to the instructions and do not place excessive loads on it. Still, it keeps happening that the connections loosen or the shelf becomes unstable.

Are there any particular reasons or causes that could lead to this issue? Could it be related to the materials, the design, or external factors like temperature and humidity? Or does incorrect assembly play a role that might be difficult for a non-professional to recognize?

I look forward to your experiences and explanations!

Sango schrieb:
Why do some parts of my IKEA Billy shelf come apart after a while?

I know this all too well, and it’s really frustrating when you assemble a shelf and it just doesn’t stay stable. I experienced the exact same issue: the screws and metal fittings loosen even though the assembly was done correctly.

I suspect that especially slight vibrations or small movements can weaken the bond between materials over time. This is particularly common in rental apartments where doors might be slammed or someone accidentally bumps into the wall.

I’ve also read that the quality of the screws and fittings in some IKEA ranges can vary – maybe this inconsistency is something you shouldn’t underestimate. Personally, I just reinforced mine with stronger screws.

It’s really annoying, but I think with a bit of extra work, you can get it under control. 🙂

JONKO schrieb:
I suspect that especially light vibrations or minimal movements can weaken the bond between materials over time.

An important observation!

I would like to add to this, as especially with shelves like Billy, it is important to know that the materials used—usually particleboard panels with veneer—are susceptible to swelling or shrinking due to moisture. Even small changes in indoor humidity can cause these engineered wood products to expand or contract. As a result, screws or dowels can loosen over time.

Furthermore, the assembly itself can be a key factor: if screws are not tightened sufficiently or additional stabilizers like wall fasteners are missing, the whole structure becomes less stable more quickly.

I always recommend not only assembling a Billy shelf according to the instructions but also using the included wall fasteners and making sure the shelf is placed on a level surface.

If anyone has experience with drying sprays or anti-moisture treatments, it would be interesting to hear about it!

LENNAU schrieb:
The materials used – mostly chipboard panels with veneer – are prone to swelling or shrinking due to moisture

To explain this more technically: Billy shelves are made from so-called MDF or particleboard with melamine or foil coating, not solid wood. These panels react to changing relative humidity (rH). When humidity increases, the material absorbs moisture and swells; in dry air, it shrinks again.

These continuous fluctuations cause micro-movements at the fastening points, which over time loosen screws. Additionally, there are different fasteners that tend to loosen more or less; for example, wood screws behave differently than press-in dowels, which often do not provide a perfect fit depending on material density.

Furthermore, the static load combined with this movement acts as a fatigue factor. Especially on taller shelves – like Billy’s 2-meter (6.5 feet) models – leverage forces at the joints increase the stress.

Therefore, I would recommend:

- Consistently use wall brackets.
- Avoid large temperature fluctuations in the room.
- Ensure screws are tight and check them regularly.

JONKO schrieb:
reinforced with stronger screws

Be careful here! Not every screw is ideal for MDF/particleboard; the wrong screws can actually damage the material.

TEBILO schrieb:
Micro-movements at the fastening points that gradually loosen screws.

I think we often underestimate how much mass-market products like Billy prioritize quantity over quality. The furniture is affordable, and that can only be achieved by cutting costs on materials and construction techniques.

It's a bit naive to expect a shelf for 40 euros to remain stable forever. The design is simply intended to work in the short term—anything beyond that would be too expensive. As the saying goes, “An IKEA shelf only lasts as long as you maintain and tighten it.” 😉

Sango schrieb:
Could this be due to the materials, the construction, or external factors like temperature and humidity?

Of course, it’s a combination of all those factors. But in my opinion, durability is overestimated, and customers are often blamed for “incorrect assembly” or “improper maintenance.”

Personally, I would rather invest in a slightly more expensive shelf if I want it to last long-term, instead of constantly having to tighten screws and carry out repairs. A bit more quality pays off in the long run.