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Pauline3330 Jul 2022 19:23Hello everyone,
I have been using IKEA Malm furniture for some time now and have noticed that some surfaces and fronts tend to slightly warp, especially on drawers and side panels. I am using the furniture as intended, but I am wondering what specific preventive measures can be taken to avoid such deformation.
I am particularly interested in whether this issue is mainly caused by moisture, improper load, or possibly assembly errors. What specific advice do you have to ensure long-lasting dimensional stability of the Malm series? Are there any practical tips for storage, use, or maintenance that have proven effective?
Thank you for your experiences and advice!
I have been using IKEA Malm furniture for some time now and have noticed that some surfaces and fronts tend to slightly warp, especially on drawers and side panels. I am using the furniture as intended, but I am wondering what specific preventive measures can be taken to avoid such deformation.
I am particularly interested in whether this issue is mainly caused by moisture, improper load, or possibly assembly errors. What specific advice do you have to ensure long-lasting dimensional stability of the Malm series? Are there any practical tips for storage, use, or maintenance that have proven effective?
Thank you for your experiences and advice!
Hello Pauline33,
your question is very well posed and important, as the MALM series often consists of chipboard panels with a foil coating that can be sensitive to moisture and stress.
I will structure my answer into three main points:
1. Assembly: Make sure all fasteners are properly tightened but not over-tightened. Loose screws increase stress on individual components, which can lead to warping.
2. Moisture: Chipboard swells when exposed to moisture. Avoid placing your MALM furniture in areas with high humidity (e.g., bathroom or basement). Use dehumidifiers if necessary and, if possible, position the furniture about 5 cm (2 inches) away from the wall to allow ventilation.
3. Load: Distribute heavy items evenly in the drawers and avoid excessive point loads.
Summary: Being cautious about moisture, correct assembly, and mindful use are essential to prevent deformation.
your question is very well posed and important, as the MALM series often consists of chipboard panels with a foil coating that can be sensitive to moisture and stress.
I will structure my answer into three main points:
1. Assembly: Make sure all fasteners are properly tightened but not over-tightened. Loose screws increase stress on individual components, which can lead to warping.
2. Moisture: Chipboard swells when exposed to moisture. Avoid placing your MALM furniture in areas with high humidity (e.g., bathroom or basement). Use dehumidifiers if necessary and, if possible, position the furniture about 5 cm (2 inches) away from the wall to allow ventilation.
3. Load: Distribute heavy items evenly in the drawers and avoid excessive point loads.
Summary: Being cautious about moisture, correct assembly, and mindful use are essential to prevent deformation.
In addition to klo40:
Particle boards used in MALM furniture vary in moisture absorption depending on their quality and grading. Exposure to moisture is the main cause of deformation.
Additional recommendation: Place rubber feet or small wooden blocks under the furniture to prevent moisture from the floor from being transferred directly. Avoiding direct sunlight also helps, as UV radiation can weaken the material.
For assembly, I strongly recommend following the included instructions step by step and building on a level surface—uneven footing can cause deformation due to uneven load distribution.
Particle boards used in MALM furniture vary in moisture absorption depending on their quality and grading. Exposure to moisture is the main cause of deformation.
Additional recommendation: Place rubber feet or small wooden blocks under the furniture to prevent moisture from the floor from being transferred directly. Avoiding direct sunlight also helps, as UV radiation can weaken the material.
For assembly, I strongly recommend following the included instructions step by step and building on a level surface—uneven footing can cause deformation due to uneven load distribution.
Ellis schrieb:
I have had good experiences by always placing a thin felt or rubber mat under the furniture.I can fully confirm that; it minimizes moisture from the floor and prevents the furniture from sitting directly on cold or slightly damp screed. It is also important that the surface is level to reduce stress.
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Alberto5131 Jul 2022 10:22Thanks for the helpful tips so far!
I experienced frustration myself when my MALM dresser became unusually warped after about a year, even though I treated it fairly carefully. For me, it became clear that even minor sources of moisture, such as open windows or an adjacent room, can have an impact.
Another important point is that not only moisture but also temperature fluctuations put stress on the materials, which is why I now try to keep my furniture in rooms with as stable a temperature as possible and good ventilation.
This might be something to consider if you don’t immediately see an obvious issue.
I experienced frustration myself when my MALM dresser became unusually warped after about a year, even though I treated it fairly carefully. For me, it became clear that even minor sources of moisture, such as open windows or an adjacent room, can have an impact.
Another important point is that not only moisture but also temperature fluctuations put stress on the materials, which is why I now try to keep my furniture in rooms with as stable a temperature as possible and good ventilation.
This might be something to consider if you don’t immediately see an obvious issue.
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