ᐅ After moving it, my KALLAX is creaking again – when will it stop?

Hello everyone,

I recently moved my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit and unfortunately noticed that it creaks again when I place something on it or even apply a very slight different load. I had this issue some time ago, but after some adjustments it stopped — however, now this annoying creaking is back.

What mainly concerns me is how long one should tolerate something like this before assuming a material or assembly defect, or that the product’s lifespan has ended. I haven’t overloaded the unit, it’s standing on a smooth floor, and I checked the screws but didn’t find any significant loosening.

Does anyone know how durable KALLAX usually is, what the common causes of this creaking might be, and when it’s appropriate to make a complaint or even replace it? Are there any preventive measures that make sense if the shelving unit is moved frequently? Thanks in advance for your insights!

Gaukerwin schrieb:
creaks when I put something on it or even with a very slight change in load on the shelf

That sounds like loose joints or pressure points. Tightening screws and adding sliding or felt pads underneath can often help.

Gaukerwin schrieb:
How long one has to tolerate something like this before assuming a material or assembly defect, or that the product’s lifespan has ended

Basically, several factors are important here. KALLAX shelves are mostly made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a melamine coating, which makes them somewhat sensitive to moisture and mechanical stress. The typical creaking usually comes from friction between panel edges and joints, often on the inside or where the back panel connects to the side panel.

If the shelf has only been moved without being disassembled, you can still handle it gently: check the screws, possibly tighten them slightly, and as lisku suggested, use felt pads or protective pads to reduce stress.

The “end of lifespan” with KALLAX is often less about actual failure and more about unnecessary strain. However, if the creaking becomes noticeably louder or other structural damage appears, it may be worth making a claim or requesting a replacement, depending on your purchase date and warranty.

Have you been using the shelf for a long time? How long exactly? And do you plan to move the shelving unit frequently? That significantly affects its durability.

Gaukerwin schrieb:
does anyone know how durable KALLAX usually is

I can understand how annoying the creaking can be, especially when you’ve taken care to arrange everything neatly. I had similar issues with my KALLAX after moving it. It can feel frustrating when furniture makes noises even though you’re doing everything right.

What helped me was not only checking the screws but also slightly loosening the corner braces and the back panel, then carefully tightening them again. Sometimes a little “relaxation” for the piece and the way the parts fit together makes a difference.

Lisku’s tip about using felt pads under the feet was also invaluable since even the smallest pressure points or unevenness in the floor can cause noises. I hope your problem will be resolved soon as well!

Gaukerwin schrieb:
I haven’t overloaded the shelf; everything is on a flat floor and I have checked the screws, but found no significant loosening.

The creaking is often caused by slight movements typical in furniture made from wood-based panels. Your observation of a flat floor and secure assembly suggests that the shelf may be flexing slightly under stress from weight or shifting, or that the panels are rubbing against each other.

My advice: Check whether the back panel is firmly and evenly attached. It acts as a reinforcement and should not be loose or wobbly. It is also worth inspecting the floor again for minimal unevenness, as floors that appear flat are not always perfectly level. Periodically tightening the screws is recommended, since fasteners can gradually loosen due to dynamic loads.

If the creaking continues despite these measures, it may be useful to monitor the situation over a longer period, as KALLAX is not designed for constant repositioning. Eventually, permanent stabilization through repair or replacement may be necessary.

Gaukerwin schrieb:
Are there any preventive measures that make sense if the shelf is going to be moved frequently?

From a technical perspective, the following points are relevant:

1. Floor protection: Felt or rubber pads under the shelf feet reduce friction and vibration transfer.

2. Stabilization: The back panel should always be properly fitted and secured, as it reinforces the frame structure.

3. Assembly check: Regularly tightening the screws prevents wobbling.

4. Treatment of certain joints: For strong creaking noises, silicone spray or dry lubricants can be applied to wooden edges without risking the surface.

5. Load according to manufacturer’s specifications: Excessive loading or uneven weight distribution can cause deformation.

6. Plan transport routes: Carefully lifting rather than dragging when moving reduces stress.

If you suspect that the material itself is damaged, for example, panels swollen or cracked due to moisture, a claim would be justified.