ᐅ KALLAX makes creaking noises when loaded – how to reduce the noise?

I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA that creaks or squeaks when loaded or when placing or removing heavy items. The annoying noise seems to come from the material or the joints, especially when the shelf is under some load. I have already checked whether any screws are loose, but this does not seem to be the case. Therefore, my question to the community is: How can I reduce or completely eliminate this creaking without destabilizing the shelf or making major modifications? Are there any proven home remedies, materials to insert, or technical solutions that could help minimize this noise? I would be very grateful for any tips and experiences!

The creaking often comes from friction between the wooden panels or at the joints. Try using thin felt pads or foam rubber at the contact points of the shelves. This effectively dampens the noise.

Hello Nahuel50,

Here is a brief guide on how to systematically address the problem:

1. First, check whether all screws and joints are really tight. Sometimes they feel tight but aren’t completely secure.
2. Slight angles or small gaps between the shelf board and side panels can cause creaking. Flexible insulation materials like felt or self-adhesive foam strips can help here.
3. Be sure to install these protective strips at the contact points between parts to minimize friction.
4. If you often move or load the shelf, wood glue at the joints can also help – make sure to let it dry thoroughly and use it sparingly.

Summary: The creaking usually comes from unabsorbed friction. With small, soft materials, you can usually reduce it significantly. Just make sure your shelf remains stable and doesn’t wobble afterward. Good luck!

jelite schrieb:
The creaking usually occurs due to undamped friction.

That is certainly true, but I would also question whether the design of the KALLAX shelving unit plays a role here. Because of the relatively thin wooden panels and the spreading effect under load, micro-movements in the wood could amplify the effect.

So, you should not only rely on felt or rubber pads but also ensure that the load is evenly distributed. It might help to additionally secure the shelves against slipping, for example with small clamps, to better stabilize the contact points.

A permanent solution that not only suppresses the noise but also eliminates the cause often requires a combination of damping and stabilization.

LOSAR schrieb:
Try using thin felt pads or foam rubber at the contact points of the shelves.

Thanks, I had already considered that idea. Unfortunately, the shelves in my case aren’t lying flat but are supported only by a small prop—so the material is only under minimal pressure at the contact points. Would that still help reduce the creaking?

jelite schrieb:
Wood glue at the joints helps

Wood glue sparingly, yes, but wouldn’t I be taking a risk if I want to move or disassemble the shelf in the future? Are there reversible clamping or damping methods as alternatives?

I’m curious if anyone else has experience finding the right balance between damping noise and keeping the structure easy to disassemble.

From a technical perspective, creaking is almost always caused by friction between mechanically loaded components that move slightly against each other. In the case of the KALLAX shelf, which is made of particleboard with a melamine coating, friction mainly occurs at the inner edges and contact points.

The following measures are effective:

- Cushioning the contact points with suitable thin material that can withstand pressure without deforming, such as self-adhesive polyurethane felt pads or foam strips.

- Additional stabilization helps eliminate micro-movements, for example by using supplementary corner brackets or increasing the number of fastening points.

- Using silicone spray or wax on the contact surfaces can provide short-term relief but is less recommended due to the risk of contamination and potential effects on the materials.

To maintain disassembly capability, I clearly recommend using mechanical damping materials or felt pads instead of glue. This way, the connections remain reversible, and the noise is effectively reduced.