Hello everyone, I recently bought several IKEA Malm furniture pieces, including dressers and nightstands, but while assembling them, I noticed they often aren’t as stable as I expected. Especially when the drawers are fully loaded or the furniture is moved around, there can be quite a bit of wobbling. My question to you is: Are there any proven tricks or modifications to make the Malm series more stable? Maybe improvements that not only increase durability but are also reasonably affordable. I have considered using additional screws or wood glue, but I’m not sure where the main weak point is exactly. Perhaps you have experience or tips that really help? I would really appreciate any advice!
Thank you for the tips so far, especially the advice about the angle brackets and tightening the screws gradually—I find that very helpful.
I have a follow-up question: Should the original back panel be replaced with a thicker board, or is optimizing the installation of the original back panel sufficient? What would be the most practical and effective approach for someone with moderate DIY skills but no professional equipment?
Also, do you see any potential for improving the drawer slides so they don’t wear out or creak so quickly?
Gaupin68 schrieb:
“Once the back panel is in place, you’ve usually already made a lot of progress.”
I have a follow-up question: Should the original back panel be replaced with a thicker board, or is optimizing the installation of the original back panel sufficient? What would be the most practical and effective approach for someone with moderate DIY skills but no professional equipment?
Also, do you see any potential for improving the drawer slides so they don’t wear out or creak so quickly?
Regarding the back panel:
Both approaches are valid, but in my experience, retrofitting or gluing a 6-8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch) plywood sheet onto the original back panel offers a good balance. This increases stiffness and makes the back panel less flexible.
It is important that the back panel fits tightly into the groove and is additionally secured with screws. Reinforcing it prevents the side walls from twisting under load.
Yes, definitely! Basic plastic drawer slides don’t last forever. If you’re up for an upgrade, you can install high-quality metal ball-bearing slides. Or at least regularly oil and adjust the existing rails and rollers. This helps prevent squeaking and wobbling.
Both approaches are valid, but in my experience, retrofitting or gluing a 6-8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch) plywood sheet onto the original back panel offers a good balance. This increases stiffness and makes the back panel less flexible.
It is important that the back panel fits tightly into the groove and is additionally secured with screws. Reinforcing it prevents the side walls from twisting under load.
Mikenau schrieb:
„Und noch was: Seht ihr bei den Schubladenführungen noch Potenzial zur Verbesserung, damit sie nicht so schnell ausschlagen oder knarzen?“
Yes, definitely! Basic plastic drawer slides don’t last forever. If you’re up for an upgrade, you can install high-quality metal ball-bearing slides. Or at least regularly oil and adjust the existing rails and rollers. This helps prevent squeaking and wobbling.
Oh yes, the metal guides are really a game changer! 🙂 For me, they completely improved stability and operation—no more squeaky drawers!
Even better: if you attach the brackets under the furniture top, the piece stands almost rock solid. That’s really motivating because you can see how a simple piece of furniture turns into a genuine quality product. Good luck with your project, you’ve got this!
Even better: if you attach the brackets under the furniture top, the piece stands almost rock solid. That’s really motivating because you can see how a simple piece of furniture turns into a genuine quality product. Good luck with your project, you’ve got this!
J
JAMESONB416 Jul 2019 11:53Install corner brackets.
Secure the back panel firmly.
Fasten screws securely.
Metal guides are better than plastic ones.
This is sufficient for most cases.
Secure the back panel firmly.
Fasten screws securely.
Metal guides are better than plastic ones.
This is sufficient for most cases.
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