ᐅ IKEA Malm dresser wobbles every time it is lifted – how to stabilize it?
Created on: 31 Dec 2019 18:37
F
flo-baHello everyone,
I recently got an IKEA Malm chest of drawers for my bedroom. I noticed that the chest noticeably wobbles whenever it is lifted or moved slightly. It is standing on an even floor, and all screws are tightened, but you can still clearly feel some rattling or swaying, especially when shifting or lifting it to, for example, vacuum underneath.
My question: Are there any proven methods or tips to improve the stability of a Malm chest of drawers without undertaking major modifications? I’m not referring to anything that would change the entire construction, but rather simple measures like additional small fasteners, pads, or similar solutions that could reduce the wobbling when it’s lifted.
Looking forward to your experiences and suggestions, thanks in advance!
I recently got an IKEA Malm chest of drawers for my bedroom. I noticed that the chest noticeably wobbles whenever it is lifted or moved slightly. It is standing on an even floor, and all screws are tightened, but you can still clearly feel some rattling or swaying, especially when shifting or lifting it to, for example, vacuum underneath.
My question: Are there any proven methods or tips to improve the stability of a Malm chest of drawers without undertaking major modifications? I’m not referring to anything that would change the entire construction, but rather simple measures like additional small fasteners, pads, or similar solutions that could reduce the wobbling when it’s lifted.
Looking forward to your experiences and suggestions, thanks in advance!
The wobbling of the Malm chest of drawers when lifting it is actually a well-known issue and usually relates to the construction and the types of fasteners used.
First, you should double-check that all screws, especially the dowels and the back panel fastenings, are securely tightened. The back panel greatly stabilizes the piece of furniture – if it is loose, every movement is amplified.
Second, it can help to stick small felt or rubber pads in the lower corners. These increase friction with the floor and can assist in distributing the load, which reduces wobbling.
Third, you should check if the adjustable feet are precisely set. Some models have leveling feet that can compensate for minor floor unevenness.
If you want additional stabilization, there are optional corner braces that can be discreetly installed on the back without affecting the appearance. However, this is a more invasive solution.
If the problem persists, it would be worthwhile to inspect the floor surface itself, as uneven spots can cause the furniture to wobble more.
First, you should double-check that all screws, especially the dowels and the back panel fastenings, are securely tightened. The back panel greatly stabilizes the piece of furniture – if it is loose, every movement is amplified.
Second, it can help to stick small felt or rubber pads in the lower corners. These increase friction with the floor and can assist in distributing the load, which reduces wobbling.
Third, you should check if the adjustable feet are precisely set. Some models have leveling feet that can compensate for minor floor unevenness.
If you want additional stabilization, there are optional corner braces that can be discreetly installed on the back without affecting the appearance. However, this is a more invasive solution.
If the problem persists, it would be worthwhile to inspect the floor surface itself, as uneven spots can cause the furniture to wobble more.
Hello flo-ba,
It’s great that you have clearly explained your concern; this makes it much easier to provide helpful answers! Just as olivernu suggests, the stability of IKEA furniture is always a combination of several factors.
Back to the construction: The Malm chest of drawers usually uses connector fittings that can loosen slightly after repeated use. It’s worth carefully tightening all screws systematically with a cordless screwdriver and the appropriate bit, but not too tight to avoid damaging the material.
I also recommend checking the back panel closely. On the Malm chest of drawers, this is often made of thin wood or particleboard, usually fixed with small nails. If the back panel is not completely flat and firmly attached, it won’t provide sufficient stabilizing effect.
Regarding simple aids: small rubber or silicone pads under the feet can reduce sliding when lifting, which subjectively lessens wobbling.
If available to you, you could also check the original IKEA adjustable feet to see if they are correctly installed and height-adjustable. Otherwise, a small wedge pad made of cork or plastic on the floor will also work.
That’s a good idea, but I would recommend this option as a last step if other measures do not help, since it involves modifying the basic structure.
Good luck with stabilizing your furniture, and feel free to share what you tried!
It’s great that you have clearly explained your concern; this makes it much easier to provide helpful answers! Just as olivernu suggests, the stability of IKEA furniture is always a combination of several factors.
Back to the construction: The Malm chest of drawers usually uses connector fittings that can loosen slightly after repeated use. It’s worth carefully tightening all screws systematically with a cordless screwdriver and the appropriate bit, but not too tight to avoid damaging the material.
I also recommend checking the back panel closely. On the Malm chest of drawers, this is often made of thin wood or particleboard, usually fixed with small nails. If the back panel is not completely flat and firmly attached, it won’t provide sufficient stabilizing effect.
Regarding simple aids: small rubber or silicone pads under the feet can reduce sliding when lifting, which subjectively lessens wobbling.
If available to you, you could also check the original IKEA adjustable feet to see if they are correctly installed and height-adjustable. Otherwise, a small wedge pad made of cork or plastic on the floor will also work.
olivernu schrieb:
There are also optional corner braces that can be discreetly attached to the back
That’s a good idea, but I would recommend this option as a last step if other measures do not help, since it involves modifying the basic structure.
Good luck with stabilizing your furniture, and feel free to share what you tried!
To add to the previous explanations:
The wobbling usually occurs because the connection between the carcass and the back panel does not fully fulfill its function. In the Malm series, the back panel is crucial for lateral stability, as the side panels do not provide a positive corner joint like more solid constructions do.
Therefore, the first step is to completely and securely screw or nail the back panel in place. If the panel has swollen due to moisture or is damaged, it should be replaced if necessary.
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Furthermore, the dresser can be stabilized inside with additional brackets or metal braces without being too visually noticeable. Before installation, check whether the screws will have a secure grip in the wood and enough holding strength.
If the floor is not perfectly level, adjusting the feet is recommended, if adjustable feet are installed. If no adjustable feet are installed, self-adhesive felt pads or thin rubber pads can provide minimal compensation.
Finally, assembly errors during construction or use cannot be ruled out, such as missing safety brackets or parts installed upside down. A careful review of the assembly instructions can help here.
Taking these points together should adequately solve the wobbling problem when lifting.
The wobbling usually occurs because the connection between the carcass and the back panel does not fully fulfill its function. In the Malm series, the back panel is crucial for lateral stability, as the side panels do not provide a positive corner joint like more solid constructions do.
Therefore, the first step is to completely and securely screw or nail the back panel in place. If the panel has swollen due to moisture or is damaged, it should be replaced if necessary.
>
Ianlau schrieb:
If the back panel is not sitting completely flat and firmly, its stabilizing effect does not work sufficiently.
Furthermore, the dresser can be stabilized inside with additional brackets or metal braces without being too visually noticeable. Before installation, check whether the screws will have a secure grip in the wood and enough holding strength.
If the floor is not perfectly level, adjusting the feet is recommended, if adjustable feet are installed. If no adjustable feet are installed, self-adhesive felt pads or thin rubber pads can provide minimal compensation.
Finally, assembly errors during construction or use cannot be ruled out, such as missing safety brackets or parts installed upside down. A careful review of the assembly instructions can help here.
Taking these points together should adequately solve the wobbling problem when lifting.
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