ᐅ How can Malm furniture be assembled so that it does not wobble?
Created on: 6 Nov 2022 08:37
T
Tarik63
Hello everyone, I am currently facing the challenge of assembling an IKEA Malm piece of furniture (specifically a chest of drawers) so that it doesn’t wobble. My problem is that even with correct assembly, the chest always wobbles a little or is not completely stable on uneven floors. Does anyone here know reliable techniques or mechanical adjustments to assemble furniture so that it remains stable and wobble-free on uneven surfaces? I am not only interested in short-term solutions but ideally also in those that provide a more durable mechanical fix. Are there any special tools or aids that you would recommend? Thanks in advance!
I generally agree with the recommendation to use leveling screws, but I would first analyze the reasons behind the wobbling. Sometimes the cause is not only at the base but can also be due to a slightly warped back panel or imprecisely fitted parts.
Here you should be careful because the wood of the Malm dressers is relatively thin, and overly aggressive drilling can weaken the wood. It is always advisable to install the leveling screws using appropriate wall plugs (anchors) that distribute the weight more effectively.
Additionally, it is worth performing a final test to see how the furniture reacts under load—such as opening and closing a few drawers—and adjusting again if necessary.
Nathanaelk schrieb:
Sometimes a light pilot hole is necessary if the screws are thicker.
Here you should be careful because the wood of the Malm dressers is relatively thin, and overly aggressive drilling can weaken the wood. It is always advisable to install the leveling screws using appropriate wall plugs (anchors) that distribute the weight more effectively.
Additionally, it is worth performing a final test to see how the furniture reacts under load—such as opening and closing a few drawers—and adjusting again if necessary.
Another method I have tried is using so-called "furniture shims" made of plastic or cork, which are inserted into small gaps between the floor and the furniture leg.
Advantage: They are inexpensive, easy to remove, and do not alter the furniture. Disadvantage: This solution acts more as a compensation than true stabilization and may not be permanently reliable with significant floor unevenness.
Additionally, before installing the feet or shims, I would use a precision level to ensure the optimal positioning.
Recommendation: A combination of adjustable feet and furniture shims for challenging floors.
Advantage: They are inexpensive, easy to remove, and do not alter the furniture. Disadvantage: This solution acts more as a compensation than true stabilization and may not be permanently reliable with significant floor unevenness.
Additionally, before installing the feet or shims, I would use a precision level to ensure the optimal positioning.
Recommendation: A combination of adjustable feet and furniture shims for challenging floors.
I believe there is often a psychological aspect to this as well: if I notice that the dresser has even a tiny millimeter of play, it bothers me a lot. After a few days of use, things usually calm down a bit.
Since stability also relates to safety (for example, with children in the household), I attached securing brackets to the wall on my Malm dresser. This keeps it firmly fixed and it doesn’t wobble, even if the floor is slightly uneven.
From my point of view, this wall attachment is a long-term and very secure solution. If that helps you too, I would consider including it in your planning.
Since stability also relates to safety (for example, with children in the household), I attached securing brackets to the wall on my Malm dresser. This keeps it firmly fixed and it doesn’t wobble, even if the floor is slightly uneven.
Tarik63 schrieb:
I’m not only interested in short-term solutions but ideally those that are mechanically more sustainable.
From my point of view, this wall attachment is a long-term and very secure solution. If that helps you too, I would consider including it in your planning.
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