ᐅ KALLAX creaks every time it is opened after one year of use – how can this be fixed?

Hello everyone, about a year ago I bought and assembled an IKEA KALLAX shelf. At first, everything worked fine, but recently the shelf creaks every time I open one of the doors or drawers. It sounds like the wooden panels are rubbing against each other or that some screws might be a bit loose. I have already tried tightening all the screws, which only helped temporarily.

Does anyone have experience with what might be causing this creaking and how to fix it effectively? Could it be due to material fatigue, humidity, or incorrect assembly? What tools or aids are useful for this? I don’t want to buy a new shelf right away but would like to solve the problem as precisely as possible. Thanks for your advice!

bausan schrieb:
I’ve already tried tightening all the screws, but that only helped temporarily.

Kalla like Kallax, one, two, three – the creaking must be annoying! 🙂

Have you also checked if the wooden surfaces might be absorbing moisture? Sometimes it helps to apply a bit of wax or even a little paraffin between the contact surfaces – this reduces friction. Screws are important, of course, but often the wood itself is the issue as it moves.

Alternatively, you could try applying some dry talcum powder between the joint surfaces. It’s almost invisible and works really well as a lubricant.

Give that a try and let us know! Good luck!

bausan schrieb:
Could the creaking be caused by material fatigue, humidity, or incorrect assembly?

The basic frame of KALLAX shelves is made of pressed wood panels that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Creaking can result from slight warping of the panels or loose connectors.

Here are some steps to fix this:
1. Systematically check and tighten all screws, using a torque wrench if necessary.
2. Reinforce connection points with wood glue if there is slight play.
3. Place the furniture in a stable location with consistent humidity levels (ideally 40-60%).
4. Apply beeswax or furniture wax between connection points for lasting lubrication to reduce friction.

Tools needed: screwdriver, cordless drill if available, wood glue, furniture wax.

Additionally, it might be helpful to check the corner joints to see if they have loosened after a year.

Creaking noises often come from slight movements between wooden components. Tighten the screws, then treat the contact points with wax or silicone spray. Avoid oil, as it may cause the wood to swell.

Check whether the edges or inserts are properly seated. Lightly sanding any rough areas on the contact surfaces often helps. Avoid excessive moisture.

rekijan schrieb:
Sometimes it helps to put a bit of wax or even a little paraffin between the bearing surfaces

That sounds like a good tip, thanks!

Juan31 schrieb:
Strengthen joints with wood glue if there is a slight play

That’s interesting. I really noticed some slight play here and there. Would you also apply wood glue to the screw holes on the outside before screwing, or only on the contact surfaces of the boards?

Also, I have the shelf in the basement, where the humidity level fluctuates quite a bit. I thought that might also play a role?