ᐅ Why does the MALM bed creak around the slatted bed base area?

Hello everyone,

I have had a Malm bed from IKEA for some time now, and I’ve noticed that the area around the slatted frame (lattenrost) squeaks quite a bit whenever I move. The noises seem to come directly from the individual slats or their support points. I’m particularly interested in why this part is so prone to squeaking and what the typical causes are. Has anyone had experience with how to fix this squeaking permanently without having to replace entire parts? Are there any special techniques or tools that might help to get the bed quiet again? I would appreciate a detailed explanation or practical advice so that I can better understand and solve the problem. Thanks in advance!

I am very familiar with the problem of squeaking slatted bed bases, and it can be quite annoying, especially when you’re trying to fall asleep.

DRAGERSON schrieb:
What are the typical causes and how to fix the squeaking

Back then, I felt that it was often caused by the small movements of the slats within the frame, especially when they are not firmly secured. Sometimes simply tightening the slats or applying some wax to the contact points to reduce friction can help.

You might want to ask if you can retrofit the slat supports with felt pads or Teflon tape, which worked wonders for me. It’s easy to feel helpless when you can’t precisely locate the noise, but there are always solutions! 🙂

The squeaking in the slatted bed base area of the MALM bed usually results from friction between the slats, the frame, and the support beams. IKEA often uses wooden slats with plastic or rubber fittings, which wear down or shift over time.

lomin schrieb:
Sometimes simply tightening the slats or applying some wax to the contact points to reduce friction can help.

This is a proven approach. Additionally, cleaning and lubricating the connection points can be helpful, as well as replacing any damaged individual slats.

I also recommend checking that the slatted frame sits firmly and evenly within the bed. Any wobbling increases friction and therefore noise.

An important aspect that has not yet been thoroughly discussed in previous posts is the mechanics behind the squeaking noises and the specific construction of the MALM bed:

The slats are fixed in a frame, which is usually made of wood or particleboard. Due to the natural elasticity of the slats, movements occur under load. These cause the slats to shift or rub slightly—both against each other and against the frame itself. The contact points on the frame and between the individual slats are particularly critical: depending on the material, friction noises can occur here.

Common causes include:
- Uneven load distribution or deformation of the slatted frame
- Dry or worn bearing points, often affecting plastic connections
- Poor fit of the slats within the frame

To fix this:
1. Check that all screws and connections on the bed frame and slatted frame are tight
2. Lightly lubricate the wood-plastic interfaces with silicone spray or wax treated with a cloth (e.g., wood paste)
3. Attach felt strips or thin rubber buffers to the contact points to reduce friction
4. If the slatted frame is significantly deformed, replacing the slats or the entire frame may be advisable

I am curious: How old is your slatted frame, and have you ever tried checking the screws or connections? Are there any visible signs of wear?

Thank you for the previous suggestions; they have been very helpful!

Domau0 schrieb:
How old is your slatted frame, and have you already tried checking the screws or connections? Are there any visible signs of wear?

The bed and the slatted frame are about 3 years old. I have already checked if any screws were loose and fortunately found no loose connections.

However, at the support points, there are indeed slight marks, as if the slats have a bit of movement and can shift slightly. That could actually be the cause.

Now I am considering how to best attach felt or rubber to prevent this without making it too complicated. Are there any proven products or methods specifically recommended for slatted frames?

On the topic of attaching felt or rubber:

For my MALM bed, I used felt pads similar to those commonly found on furniture. These are self-adhesive and can be easily applied at the contact points between the slats and the frame. This significantly reduces friction and is a clean solution.

Make sure the felt pieces are not too thick, as this could affect the load distribution on the slats. Thin pads around 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inches) thick are ideal.

DRAGERSON schrieb:
Are there any proven products or methods specifically recommended for slatted bed bases?

Self-adhesive felt or foam rubber strips from hardware stores are usually more than sufficient.