ᐅ Which screws are best suited for assembling the Ikea Brimnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an Ikea Brimnes bed but ran into a small issue during assembly. The screws provided don’t seem to fit perfectly—some are too short or don’t tighten securely enough. So my question is:

Which screws work best for the Ikea Brimnes bed to ensure a stable and safe connection?

It’s important to me that the screws aren’t too thick to avoid damaging the material, but are long enough to properly join the individual wooden parts. Is there a particular size or type that has proven reliable in practice?

I’m looking forward to your tips and experiences!

Liel36 schrieb:
The supplied screws sometimes don’t fit optimally

Interesting that you mention that. I find that most Ikea screws are designed more for quick assembly rather than long-term durability or strength. My theory is that the original screws are just a means to an end and not intended for permanent stability.

I wouldn’t just use any screw simply because it supposedly fits. It’s better to specifically look for screws with higher strength. Especially for a bed, which needs to withstand loads, I recommend stainless steel screws with at least 5 mm (0.2 inch) diameter and 50 mm (2 inch) length. These provide significantly better support than the cheaper options.

theota schrieb:
I wouldn’t just use any random screw

I agree with that, but it’s not accurate to generally claim that the original screws are bad without examining the details.

In my opinion, the suitability of screws depends heavily on the specific connection point. For load-bearing areas, you definitely need stronger screws, but for less stressed parts, the supplied screws might be sufficient.

It would be best if you could tell us exactly which connections are problematic so we can discuss specific types of screws (e.g., chipboard screws, wood screws, pan head screws, etc.) more effectively.

I assembled the Brimnes bed myself and can say it was really a test of patience with the screws. 😅

It’s important not to use screws that are too thick, as the material is not as sturdy as solid wood. I worked with screws that were 4 mm (0.16 inch) in diameter and usually 40 to 50 mm (1.6 to 2 inches) in length, which fit well for me.

Also, it’s advisable to screw slowly and carefully; otherwise, the panels tend to tear out quickly.

If anyone is looking for a brand: I just used inexpensive particleboard screws from the DIY store, nothing high-end, and they worked perfectly.

Liel36 schrieb:
Which screws are best suited for the Ikea Brimnes bed to ensure a stable and secure connection?

The Brimnes bed is mainly made from coated engineered wood panels. Therefore, chipboard screws with countersunk heads are the most suitable to prevent splitting and to keep the joints flush.

I recommend screws sized 4 x 50 mm (4 x 2 inches), as they offer a good balance between strength and protecting the material.

A screwdriver with adjustable torque is also helpful to avoid overtightening and damaging the screw holes.

For maximum safety, pre-drilling is an option, although Ikea usually avoids this in their product design.

4x50mm (2x2 inches) chipboard screws are perfect for Brimnes.

Not too thick, not too short.

You can find them in bulk at the hardware store.