Hello everyone,
I have recently noticed that my Malm bed often squeaks, especially when I move or try to turn over in my sleep. I have already checked the screws, but the squeaking continues. I’m curious why Malm beds – which are generally considered quite sturdy – so often have this problem. Is it due to the design, the materials used, or perhaps how the beds are assembled? Does anyone have experience with permanent solutions or know the most common causes of the squeaking? I would appreciate any insights or tips!
I have recently noticed that my Malm bed often squeaks, especially when I move or try to turn over in my sleep. I have already checked the screws, but the squeaking continues. I’m curious why Malm beds – which are generally considered quite sturdy – so often have this problem. Is it due to the design, the materials used, or perhaps how the beds are assembled? Does anyone have experience with permanent solutions or know the most common causes of the squeaking? I would appreciate any insights or tips!
Hello poluson,
A key factor is the type of connection: MALM beds are often assembled with metal Allen screws and threaded inserts, which can loosen slightly or shift minutely against each other due to movement. These micro-movements cause the noises. Additionally, engineered wood reacts to humidity and temperature fluctuations with slight swelling or shrinking, which affects the tightness of the connections.
1. Tighten all screws with a suitable Allen wrench, but avoid overtightening to prevent damaging the wood.
2. Apply graphite or silicone spray on the metal parts at the joints to reduce friction.
3. Wood joints often benefit from thin fabric or felt strips placed between contact surfaces to act as a buffer against friction.
4. Check that the slatted frame support points are secure and not loose.
Another critical point is the slatted frame holders; if these shift or wobble, they often contribute to the squeaking. Sometimes inserting thin rubber pieces between, for example, the slatted frame and the bed frame helps.
If the bed is older and has been dismantled frequently, the metal threads in the wood can widen, which can worsen the problem despite tightening.
Have you already tried checking each joint for possible loose fittings or material stress? And which slatted frame do you have installed?
I’m happy to help further if you provide more details.
poluson schrieb:The issue with squeaking MALM beds can actually be explained quite well from a technical standpoint. The MALM series mostly uses veneered particleboard with a relatively thin plywood panel and a frame construction made of engineered wood materials, which produce friction at the joints under load and movement.
MALM beds – which are actually quite sturdy – often show this problem.
A key factor is the type of connection: MALM beds are often assembled with metal Allen screws and threaded inserts, which can loosen slightly or shift minutely against each other due to movement. These micro-movements cause the noises. Additionally, engineered wood reacts to humidity and temperature fluctuations with slight swelling or shrinking, which affects the tightness of the connections.
poluson schrieb:Here, I recommend a systematic approach:
Has anyone had experience with permanently fixing this or knows the most common causes of the squeaking?
1. Tighten all screws with a suitable Allen wrench, but avoid overtightening to prevent damaging the wood.
2. Apply graphite or silicone spray on the metal parts at the joints to reduce friction.
3. Wood joints often benefit from thin fabric or felt strips placed between contact surfaces to act as a buffer against friction.
4. Check that the slatted frame support points are secure and not loose.
Another critical point is the slatted frame holders; if these shift or wobble, they often contribute to the squeaking. Sometimes inserting thin rubber pieces between, for example, the slatted frame and the bed frame helps.
If the bed is older and has been dismantled frequently, the metal threads in the wood can widen, which can worsen the problem despite tightening.
Have you already tried checking each joint for possible loose fittings or material stress? And which slatted frame do you have installed?
I’m happy to help further if you provide more details.
sobau schrieb:
Squeaking usually comes from screws that loosen due to movement. That is certainly a common cause, but not the only one.
BOLUKEO schrieb:
If individual legs wobble slightly, they produce noise. Absolutely important! Unevenness can actually make the problem much worse.
May I add: The surfaces where metal meets wood in the fastenings often cause squeaking due to friction. Here, applying lubricant not only to the screws but also to the contact areas between wood and metal can help. Repositioning the screws into slightly different holes can also improve the fit if the threaded holes have become worn from frequent assembly.
Unfortunately, there is no official maintenance guide from IKEA addressing these issues, which does not make the ongoing assembly challenges any easier. It would also be helpful if poluson indicates whether the bed is often completely disassembled and reassembled or if the squeaking developed gradually over time.
One important final question for you: In which room is the bed located? Does humidity and temperature fluctuate significantly there?
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