ᐅ Why does my Ikea Hemnes bed creak when I lie down, and how can I fix it?

Hello everyone,

I have been using the Ikea Hemnes bed in the size 180x200 cm (71x79 inches) for some time now, and unfortunately, it squeaks with every movement when I lie down or move in bed. It is quite annoying, especially at night when you just want to relax.

I have already tried tightening all the screws again, but that didn’t really help. The squeaking seems to come more from the connections between the wooden parts, perhaps where the slatted frame rests or at the side rails near the headboard and footboard.

Has anyone had similar experiences with the Hemnes bed? What other causes could be possible? And most importantly: what really works to get rid of the squeaking permanently?

I would appreciate any tips, especially if you have fixed it successfully yourself.

lauklo schrieb:
The squeaking seems to come more from the joints between the wooden parts

Good tip right from the start – with Ikea Hemnes models, the wooden parts are often a bit loose or rubbing against each other. Have you tried rubbing all the touching wooden surfaces with fine furniture wax or a piece of candle?

– This lubricates and prevents wood-on-wood from suddenly creaking.
– Afterwards, if necessary, tighten the screws again.

I had exactly this problem with my Hemnes, and the trick with beeswax completely got rid of the annoying squeaking. It almost feels like being back in the forest when the wood stops creaking 😉

A small reminder: don’t overdo it with the wax, or it becomes sticky. Just apply a thin layer, that’s more than enough.

To add my input: The squeaking in wooden bed frames, especially with the Ikea Hemnes, usually comes from friction at poorly secured joints or from tension in the wood.

Here is a small tutorial on what you can do specifically:

- Step 1: Check and tighten all visible screws if necessary. Loose screws are a common cause.
- Step 2: Make sure the slatted frame or wooden supports are properly seated. Some have small rubber pads that might be missing.
- Step 3: Apply furniture wax or paraffin to rubbing wooden parts.
- Step 4: If the bed stands on an uneven floor, place felt pads under the feet to prevent wobbling.

Please avoid using oily substances, as they could cause the wood to swell.

In summary: The cause is usually small movements between wooden parts. With regular maintenance, you can keep the bed quiet and stable.

lauklo schrieb:
I already tried tightening all the screws again, but that didn’t really help.

I recommend carefully checking the type of screws and their torque settings. With IKEA furniture like the Hemnes bed, it’s common for the included wood screws to loosen slightly over time due to repeated stress or to cause small splinters in the wood, which results in play and squeaking.

The following measures have proven effective:

- Use washers with the screws to reduce pressure points.
- Replace any worn screws with high-quality wood screws of the same size.
- If possible, reinforce the joints with self-locking nuts.
- Additionally, apply furniture pads or small rubber buffers at contact surfaces to reduce friction.

These steps help decrease mechanical stress on the wood and prevent movements that cause squeaking.

I also recommend following all the steps from naujon again, as their instructions are practical and effective.

RETRAVIS schrieb:
I recommend a thorough check of the type of screws and their tightening torque.

Great tip, especially regarding the washers! I once tried assembling my bed without them, and that was a real mistake – everything rattled and shook.

If you want to achieve true quietness, it’s best to grab some felt and make small rubber buffers yourself. They not only reduce noise but also protect the surface from wear.

lauklo schrieb:
The squeaking seems to come more from the joints between the wooden parts

That matches my impression. Wood naturally moves over time, but acoustically it can be very annoying. With the right solutions, you can get it under control quite well. After my adjustments, it became completely silent, which really brings peace to the bedroom.