ᐅ After moving any furniture, loud noise comes from the KALLAX unit – how can this be prevented?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my KALLAX shelf from IKEA, which I move around quite often. Each time, it makes extremely loud noises—rattling, creaking, and a harsh scratching sound, as if something inside is loose or under unusual stress. The noise starts immediately when sliding, slightly tipping, or even just placing objects on the shelf.

Don’t get me wrong: there are no loose items rattling inside; the noise actually comes from the furniture itself. It feels like some parts or joints of the shelf are coming loose or aren’t properly secured.

Does anyone here know this phenomenon or have specific tips on how to effectively reduce this noise? I have already tried putting felt pads underneath, but so far there hasn’t been any real improvement. Are there any technical tricks to make the furniture more stable and quieter?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello trara,

I’ll try to approach this a bit more structured so you can really stop your KALLAX from making noise.

1. Identify the causes: Often, in KALLAX shelves, the thin wooden panels are not firmly connected, or the back panel is not properly seated, which causes noises when moving the piece. Also, if the joints are not securely fixed, rattling can occur.

2. Underlying issues: First, check whether the small nail- or pushpin-fixed back panel is firmly screwed or nailed in place. This stabilizes the structure and often eliminates creaking or rattling sources.

3. Protective measures: You already mentioned felt pads – that’s good. Additionally, you can attach rubber or foam rubber strips underneath; this reduces vibrations when moving.

4. Improve connections: If screws or dowels are loose, tighten them or reinforce with wood glue. Sometimes, it helps to reglue joint areas if they have come loose.

5. Load distribution: Make sure the load in the shelving unit is evenly distributed and no heavy objects cause stress points, as this can make the wood creak.

Summary: Check all connections, reinforce and protect surfaces with rubber or felt, and inspect the back panel. These are my top tips for quieter KALLAX when moving it.

I hope this helps you!

fredle schrieb:
First, check if the small nail or pushpin back panel is securely screwed or nailed in place. This provides stabilization and often eliminates squeaking or rattling noises.

That’s a very good point! The back panel of KALLAX is often underestimated because it looks thin, but it actually stabilizes the entire structure significantly.

Regarding your question, trara: Sometimes the combination of thin plywood and the narrow joints is what causes the noise. Applying some silicone spray at the joints can help make the wood “more slippery.” Don’t hesitate—you can even partially disassemble the shelf to clean and lubricate all the connections.

trara schrieb:
It seems like parts inside the shelf or connection points might be loose or not properly secured.

Your assessment usually matches the construction approach of IKEA furniture. If you additionally secure the back panel with small screws (since it is often only nailed), this will also prevent it from shifting under load and causing noise.

My advice: Also check how it moves at the bottom—especially if you slide the shelf across a hard floor. Felt pads or even a protective mat can reduce friction and noise levels.

And don’t worry, the modification isn’t complicated. This gives you the opportunity to optimize your KALLAX and make it much quieter. Good luck!

trara schrieb:
Does anyone here perhaps know this phenomenon or have specific tips on how to effectively avoid this noise?

I totally understand your frustration – moving furniture shouldn’t sound like a heavy metal concert 😉

I’ve often rearranged my KALLAX shelves too, and here’s what helped me:

1. Besides felt pads, I attached thin foam cushions to the inner joints, which provide light cushioning.

2. Additionally, when assembling, I applied some construction adhesive to the connection surfaces. This holds the parts more tightly together and prevents creaking.

3. I secured the back panel with small screws instead of just nails, which really makes a difference.

4. By the way: I always make sure to reposition the shelf by tilting it rather than sliding it. This greatly reduces the noise level.

If that doesn’t completely prevent it, using small rubber rollers under the feet helps – it allows the shelf to move more quietly and compensates for minor unevenness.

Give it a try – and don’t hesitate, there’s often more potential to improve than you might expect. Good luck! 🙂