Hello everyone,
A few months ago, I bought a Malm chest of drawers from IKEA. At first, I was very satisfied, but over time I noticed that the chest has warped slightly. It no longer stands completely level, the drawers don’t slide as smoothly, and you can see that the structure has changed. I’m wondering why Malm chests of drawers warp after some time?
I am particularly interested in whether this might be related to the materials IKEA uses, or if environmental factors like humidity play a role. I would also like to know the best ways to prevent or at least minimize this issue. Could I have made assembly errors that contribute to this effect?
I would really appreciate any helpful explanations or tips!
A few months ago, I bought a Malm chest of drawers from IKEA. At first, I was very satisfied, but over time I noticed that the chest has warped slightly. It no longer stands completely level, the drawers don’t slide as smoothly, and you can see that the structure has changed. I’m wondering why Malm chests of drawers warp after some time?
I am particularly interested in whether this might be related to the materials IKEA uses, or if environmental factors like humidity play a role. I would also like to know the best ways to prevent or at least minimize this issue. Could I have made assembly errors that contribute to this effect?
I would really appreciate any helpful explanations or tips!
Hello luko50,
I can understand your situation well, especially with furniture like the MALM dressers, which are often made from a combination of particleboard with a foil finish. Warping is indeed a common issue.
The material is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity because the wood particles and fibers can expand or contract. IKEA uses cost-effective wood-based materials that look good visually but are not fully stable under prolonged stress and changing conditions.
Additionally, assembly errors such as screws that are too tight or too loose and missing reinforcements can worsen the problem. The placement also plays a role: positioning the dresser directly next to radiators or in damp basements is not ideal.
If possible, you should place the dresser in a room with relatively stable conditions and occasionally move the drawers to prevent them from sticking. It also helps not to overload the dresser so that the load is distributed evenly.
I hope this helps!
I can understand your situation well, especially with furniture like the MALM dressers, which are often made from a combination of particleboard with a foil finish. Warping is indeed a common issue.
The material is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity because the wood particles and fibers can expand or contract. IKEA uses cost-effective wood-based materials that look good visually but are not fully stable under prolonged stress and changing conditions.
Additionally, assembly errors such as screws that are too tight or too loose and missing reinforcements can worsen the problem. The placement also plays a role: positioning the dresser directly next to radiators or in damp basements is not ideal.
If possible, you should place the dresser in a room with relatively stable conditions and occasionally move the drawers to prevent them from sticking. It also helps not to overload the dresser so that the load is distributed evenly.
I hope this helps!
Ritaba schrieb:
Humidity fluctuations and the plywood material That makes sense, thanks!
Tevin schrieb:
Installation errors such as screws that are too tight or too loose and missing braces How much can incorrect installation actually contribute to warping? I followed the instructions exactly, but the material just feels so thin to me.
One more question: Are there any special maintenance or inspections that should be done regularly on MALM dressers to detect warping early?
Regarding the material: MALM dressers are primarily made from particle board covered with a thin decorative foil. Particle board is highly sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations because the wood fibers and glue it contains expand or contract.
This reaction causes the boards to warp or bow, especially when moisture affects only one side— for example, due to contact with a cold exterior wall or uneven room temperatures— making distortion inevitable.
Additionally, stress can occur if screws are overtightened, as the material is relatively soft and will give way.
My recommendation: regularly check the screws, avoid large temperature fluctuations, and try to keep the furniture away from external influences such as moisture or direct sunlight.
This reaction causes the boards to warp or bow, especially when moisture affects only one side— for example, due to contact with a cold exterior wall or uneven room temperatures— making distortion inevitable.
Additionally, stress can occur if screws are overtightened, as the material is relatively soft and will give way.
My recommendation: regularly check the screws, avoid large temperature fluctuations, and try to keep the furniture away from external influences such as moisture or direct sunlight.
M
miAlessio14 Jul 2020 08:04Brief Guide to Preventive Care for MALM Dressers:
1. Assembly: Ensure all screws are tightened precisely and evenly according to the instructions. Avoid over-tightening, as plastic reinforcements and particleboard must not be damaged.
2. Location: Place the dresser in an area with stable temperature and humidity, ideally 18-22 degrees Celsius (64-72°F) and 40-60% relative humidity.
3. Maintenance: Air the room regularly and avoid direct moisture on the sides. Do not place the dresser against cold exterior walls.
4. Usage: Do not overload the drawers and move them regularly to prevent jamming.
5. Inspection: Check the screws once a year, gently retighten if necessary, and look for early signs of warping.
If you already notice warping, a slightly damp cloth and some weight may help reduce minor deformations, but proceed with caution!
1. Assembly: Ensure all screws are tightened precisely and evenly according to the instructions. Avoid over-tightening, as plastic reinforcements and particleboard must not be damaged.
2. Location: Place the dresser in an area with stable temperature and humidity, ideally 18-22 degrees Celsius (64-72°F) and 40-60% relative humidity.
3. Maintenance: Air the room regularly and avoid direct moisture on the sides. Do not place the dresser against cold exterior walls.
4. Usage: Do not overload the drawers and move them regularly to prevent jamming.
5. Inspection: Check the screws once a year, gently retighten if necessary, and look for early signs of warping.
If you already notice warping, a slightly damp cloth and some weight may help reduce minor deformations, but proceed with caution!
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