ᐅ Why do some BILLY shelves start squeaking only after extended use?

Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: Why do some Billy bookcases start squeaking only after extended use?

I’m specifically thinking about the typical material and construction – in my case, I noticed a slight creaking at the joints and contact surfaces only after a few months, even though everything was tight during assembly and there was no visible damage. Could this be related to material fatigue, tension in the screws, or environmental factors like moisture?

I would like to understand the cause so I can prevent it or fix it if necessary. Perhaps someone here has experience with BILLY bookcases and can explain this phenomenon from a technical perspective? Thanks!

Squeaking in BILLY shelves usually occurs due to friction between the furniture parts, which increases over time because of material deformation and repeated stress.

Particleboard, the material used in BILLY, reacts to humid air and temperature changes. These conditions can cause slight expansion and contraction, affecting the fit and allowing small movements at the joints. This results in creaking or squeaking sounds.

Additionally, screws and connectors can loosen over time, increasing movement at contact points. Regular tightening of the screws and lubricating the contact surfaces effectively prevents these noises.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by loose wood or screws. Simply tighten all screws and apply wood glue to critical areas.

I experienced the same issue, which was really annoying – but I simply checked the shelf regularly and applied some wax to the spots where it creaked! 🙂

Now it's quiet, and the shelf has been noise-free for over a year. It’s definitely worth sticking with it!

Squeaking can often be stopped by properly tightening the screws. If that does not help, applying lubricant to the contact points usually works.

BEMAU schrieb:
Particleboard, the material used in BILLY, reacts to humid air and temperature changes.

Interesting point. But isn’t that typical for inexpensive furniture? If you buy particleboard, maybe you just have to learn to live with those kinds of issues. Perhaps the whole BILLY story is ultimately just a huge marketing gimmick – affordable and widely available, but sold with tricks like “creaking as a sign of character.” What do you think?