Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Malm bedside table, which started wobbling suddenly after a move. It had been standing firmly in place for years, but now I notice that especially when applying light pressure on the surface, it becomes unstable.
I have already checked that all screws are still tight, and the legs appear undamaged. It seems more likely that the floor or the base surface has somehow changed, or possibly the structure has slightly warped.
My question is: What steps can I take to restore the stability of the Malm bedside table? What possible causes should I consider in such a case, and how can I specifically address them?
I would appreciate any detailed advice!
I have already checked that all screws are still tight, and the legs appear undamaged. It seems more likely that the floor or the base surface has somehow changed, or possibly the structure has slightly warped.
My question is: What steps can I take to restore the stability of the Malm bedside table? What possible causes should I consider in such a case, and how can I specifically address them?
I would appreciate any detailed advice!
T
Timmyse364 Mar 2022 10:23That sounds really frustrating, especially when you no longer feel comfortable in your own home. I had a similar issue once with an IKEA shelf after moving.
I assume you’ve already done the usual check to make sure all screws and wall plugs are properly secured – but the new floor could also be the problem.
Sometimes floors are not perfectly level, or small uneven spots can cause wobbling. For me, a small felt pad or shims often help – as unattractive as that sounds ;-) But sometimes it’s the quickest way to fix the issue.
Have you tried slightly lifting the table to see if the wobbling stops and to identify exactly where the contact breaks?
I assume you’ve already done the usual check to make sure all screws and wall plugs are properly secured – but the new floor could also be the problem.
Sometimes floors are not perfectly level, or small uneven spots can cause wobbling. For me, a small felt pad or shims often help – as unattractive as that sounds ;-) But sometimes it’s the quickest way to fix the issue.
Have you tried slightly lifting the table to see if the wobbling stops and to identify exactly where the contact breaks?
N
NoValentin4 Mar 2022 11:05Tighten the screws, place glides under the legs, and if necessary, level the floor using small pieces of felt or plastic.
I would like to explain in more detail what exactly can happen with a construction like the MALM nightstand.
Most MALM models are made from a combination of particleboard with a foil coating. The stability is primarily ensured by connecting the individual components using dowels, screws, and flat dowels.
During transportation, especially in a moving scenario, these connections may loosen slightly or give way a bit. Even if everything appears tight, the material around the screw connections can subtly change (“tensions” in the wood-based material).
A second aspect is unevenness in the new room. Even small differences of a few millimeters (inches) on the floor surfaces can cause wobbling, as the nightstand does not have any adjustment capability.
My recommendation would be, first, to completely loosen all screws again and resecure the joints using some wood glue at the connection points. Then allow it to dry well before tightening the screws again, but not too much to avoid stressing the material.
Second, with uneven floors, be sure to use wedges or furniture glides that add some flexibility.
If the wobbling is still not resolved, please describe exactly where it is giving way. There might also be an issue with the drawers being stiff, which can affect the stability.
Most MALM models are made from a combination of particleboard with a foil coating. The stability is primarily ensured by connecting the individual components using dowels, screws, and flat dowels.
During transportation, especially in a moving scenario, these connections may loosen slightly or give way a bit. Even if everything appears tight, the material around the screw connections can subtly change (“tensions” in the wood-based material).
A second aspect is unevenness in the new room. Even small differences of a few millimeters (inches) on the floor surfaces can cause wobbling, as the nightstand does not have any adjustment capability.
My recommendation would be, first, to completely loosen all screws again and resecure the joints using some wood glue at the connection points. Then allow it to dry well before tightening the screws again, but not too much to avoid stressing the material.
Second, with uneven floors, be sure to use wedges or furniture glides that add some flexibility.
If the wobbling is still not resolved, please describe exactly where it is giving way. There might also be an issue with the drawers being stiff, which can affect the stability.
If the bedside table wobbles on the floor, using a small spirit level often helps. If the floor is uneven, you can compensate by placing small felt pads under one leg.
Also, check if the legs are securely connected to each other and if the screws are properly tightened. If screws are loose, be sure to tighten them.
Also, check if the legs are securely connected to each other and if the screws are properly tightened. If screws are loose, be sure to tighten them.
Thank you for the quick responses. Today, I loosened all the screws again and applied a small amount of wood glue to the joints. After that, I slowly tightened the screws again without applying too much force.
Interestingly, although the floor looks relatively level, I can feel that two of the legs are slightly off the ground. For this reason, I have already put small felt pads on one leg and I do notice a certain improvement.
I have two follow-up questions regarding this:
And:
Interestingly, although the floor looks relatively level, I can feel that two of the legs are slightly off the ground. For this reason, I have already put small felt pads on one leg and I do notice a certain improvement.
I have two follow-up questions regarding this:
JORGERON schrieb:doesn’t work very well for me – the bedside table feels like it’s fully on the floor, but it still wobbles a little afterwards.
Using a small spirit level
And:
minan schrieb:– isn’t this step rather risky for a piece of furniture that relies on screw fittings? I don’t want to damage anything. Doesn’t this completely affect the ability to disassemble it later?
Completely loosen the screws and fix with wood glue
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