Hello everyone,
I have been using several Billy bookcases from IKEA for some time now, which I really appreciate for their design and versatility. However, I am bothered by a problem that many probably know: the shelves creak and squeak under load or even with a light touch, which can be especially annoying at night.
My question is quite specific: Are there practical ways to make Billy bookcases so quiet that the typical creaking and squeaking is significantly reduced or completely eliminated? I am particularly interested in solutions that do not require major modifications or cause lasting damage to the furniture.
Does anyone have experience with special lubricants, damping materials, or modifications that actually reduce the noise? Or is the creaking simply an unavoidable part of this type of construction? I look forward to your tips and opinions!
I have been using several Billy bookcases from IKEA for some time now, which I really appreciate for their design and versatility. However, I am bothered by a problem that many probably know: the shelves creak and squeak under load or even with a light touch, which can be especially annoying at night.
My question is quite specific: Are there practical ways to make Billy bookcases so quiet that the typical creaking and squeaking is significantly reduced or completely eliminated? I am particularly interested in solutions that do not require major modifications or cause lasting damage to the furniture.
Does anyone have experience with special lubricants, damping materials, or modifications that actually reduce the noise? Or is the creaking simply an unavoidable part of this type of construction? I look forward to your tips and opinions!
That’s brilliant! I also have a Billy shelf unit but never thought of using felt pads or wax. :-)
I’m going to try to locate the creaky spots and then attach some felt strips. Especially when you get something at night and everything is squeaking, it’s really annoying.
Thanks for the great tips so far, I’ll report back on whether it worked for me!
I’m going to try to locate the creaky spots and then attach some felt strips. Especially when you get something at night and everything is squeaking, it’s really annoying.
Thanks for the great tips so far, I’ll report back on whether it worked for me!
I can fully support the recommendations given so far.
A further tip regarding application: If you use silicone spray, spray it onto a cloth first and then carefully apply it to the contact points—never directly onto the wood to avoid stains.
You can attach felt pads or foam rubber as buffers along the edges of the shelf, for example, where a shelf board fits into the side panels.
If you let this sit overnight, you will be able to better check the next day whether the noises have stopped.
A further tip regarding application: If you use silicone spray, spray it onto a cloth first and then carefully apply it to the contact points—never directly onto the wood to avoid stains.
You can attach felt pads or foam rubber as buffers along the edges of the shelf, for example, where a shelf board fits into the side panels.
If you let this sit overnight, you will be able to better check the next day whether the noises have stopped.
Hello Dirkmar,
I have been working with IKEA furniture for many years and recently had the following experience with Billy shelves:
The creaking usually comes from minimal movement between the shelves and the supports. To fix this, I use small strips of foam attached to the sides where the shelf rests. This greatly reduces the noise.
Wood glue drops on the dowels have also proven effective – but only if you don’t plan to disassemble the cabinet again. Otherwise, it’s better to use felt pads.
I hope this helps!
I have been working with IKEA furniture for many years and recently had the following experience with Billy shelves:
The creaking usually comes from minimal movement between the shelves and the supports. To fix this, I use small strips of foam attached to the sides where the shelf rests. This greatly reduces the noise.
Wood glue drops on the dowels have also proven effective – but only if you don’t plan to disassemble the cabinet again. Otherwise, it’s better to use felt pads.
I hope this helps!
RON57 schrieb:
Wood glue drops on the dowels have also proven effective – but only if you don’t plan to take the cabinet apart again.Thanks for the warning! Actually, I want to keep the shelf flexible because I sometimes position it differently.
TELAHAU schrieb:
Don’t use oily lubricants, as they attract dust and can damage the wood.That’s an important tip! Thank you.
lukin schrieb:
If you use silicone spray, spray it onto a cloth and carefully apply it to the contact points, never directly onto the wood, to avoid stains.I will do that.
Tonight I will check all the screws and order the felt pads. I’ll report back once I have some initial results.
I would like to offer another perspective: The Billy shelves are not designed for heavy loads. When subjected to higher weight, the shelves tend to warp, and insulation materials only provide limited support.
In such cases, the creaking almost acts as a warning sign of overloading. A preventive measure would be to avoid placing excessive weight on the shelves or to reinforce heavily loaded areas with additional supports.
Has anyone else experienced issues with structural stability accompanied by noises?
In such cases, the creaking almost acts as a warning sign of overloading. A preventive measure would be to avoid placing excessive weight on the shelves or to reinforce heavily loaded areas with additional supports.
Has anyone else experienced issues with structural stability accompanied by noises?
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