ᐅ How can I assemble Malm beds so they don’t wobble?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Malm bed from IKEA and noticed during assembly that it still wobbles slightly despite careful construction. I’m wondering how to assemble Malm beds so that they stand completely stable.

My main question is: Are there any specific steps, tools, or tips during assembly that I should consider to avoid this typical wobbling?

I have strictly followed the instructions and checked all screws multiple times, but the problem persists.

Perhaps the correct order of tightening or tightening the screws in certain stages also plays a role?

I’m looking forward to advice that goes beyond the obvious “tighten all screws.” Thanks in advance!

The key to a wobble-free Malm bed often lies in the alignment and the order of assembly.

First, all parts should be temporarily hooked together and loosely screwed in without fully tightening the screws. This allows all components to align properly. After that, gradually tighten the screws evenly, step by step. This prevents stress in the wood and avoids uneven loads that can cause wobbling.

Additionally, if available, using a spirit level helps ensure that the slatted frame and the main bed frame are perfectly level. Sometimes the floor is uneven, which can increase wobbling. In such cases, it is recommended to place small felt or rubber pads under the bed legs.

I fully support the tip about using a spirit level, especially for floors that are not completely even.

Besides the assembly itself, there are a few other points to keep in mind:

1. Always tighten all screws and bolts in a cross pattern, meaning don’t fully tighten one side before the other. This ensures an even distribution of tension.
2. The connectors (for example, cam locks) must be properly and fully engaged. Often, you can see they are not fully locked in, which can cause instability.
3. If the bed still wobbles, small rubber pads can be placed in the corners to improve contact.

The BMalm is not always manufactured with perfect precision, so a little adjustment may be necessary.

olivernu schrieb:
First, all parts should be temporarily hooked together and loosely screwed in.

Exactly! I was in a hurry and tightened all the screws right away – with my Malm bed, this made it solid but it still wobbled a little bit.

So my approach is: assemble everything loosely, realign it carefully, then tighten the screws slowly. Once the bed is standing, I check gently in all directions to see if anything wobbles – if it does, I carefully tighten the screws just a bit more.

Sometimes patience helps more than brute force with tools 😉

Additional information: The most common cause of wobbling in Malm beds is an inaccurate connection between the side panels and cross slats.

It is important that all joint surfaces are perfectly flush. Even small gaps can lead to instability.

Furthermore, tightening the screws in a specific sequence is crucial to prevent twisting.

My recommendation:

- First, screw all fasteners in by hand until snug.
- Then, gradually tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern.
- Regularly check during the process to ensure the parts fit together correctly.

Also, avoid overtightening the screws, as this can damage the material and later reduce stability.

Don't forget: rubber or felt pads under the bed legs. They immediately help prevent wobbling on uneven floors.