ᐅ How can I prevent wobbling in Malm beds?

Created on: 13 Oct 2022 08:17
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benmatteo
Good morning everyone, I recently got a Malm bed from IKEA and noticed that it wobbles a bit when I move or sit on it. This is obviously frustrating, as I want it to be as stable as possible. So my question is: How can I specifically prevent wobbling with Malm beds? What steps or measures are recommended to ensure long-term stability? Are there any known weak points in these beds that I should watch out for? I look forward to your experiences and advice.
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BOSULE
14 Oct 2022 08:00
Hello everyone, some comments from my perspective:

The Malm bed is made from thinner particleboard with veneer, which means material flexibility and low weight play a role. As a result, joints wear out faster than in solid wood.

Regarding the legs: It is normal to have a slight play between the legs and the crossbar. This is often achieved through press fits. A simple way to prevent wobbling is to use self-adhesive foam or felt strips between the contact surfaces, which consistently compensate for the play.

The padding acts as a cushion and prevents micro-movements. Additionally, the slatted frame and bed frame should be firmly connected. By the way, sanding or readjusting the threaded holes can help if screws keep loosening.
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benmatteo
14 Oct 2022 09:41
Here is a summary of the current knowledge:

- Regularly check screws and gently tighten them as needed
- Use wooden slats or small corner reinforcements on the inside, preferably instead of metal brackets
- Wood glue strengthens the joint better than construction adhesive
- Use rubber pads or felt glides under bed legs for uneven floors
- Reduce play in the legs/crossbars with thin felt strips

Many thanks to everyone who contributed their expertise. I will start these steps today and report back afterwards. If anyone has additional important tips, please feel free to share.
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faso31
14 Oct 2022 10:03
benmatteo schrieb:
I’ll summarize the current knowledge:

Very good summary!

Just a small note: it’s best to gently retighten the screws using a torque wrench, if possible. This is often the weak point when dealing with wobbling.

If you have the option, I also recommend reinforcing the glued joint with small wooden dowels before screwing. This significantly prevents lateral movement.
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Joshbe
14 Oct 2022 11:57
Regarding the topic "How to prevent wobbling in Malm beds," I will briefly summarize from my own experience:

- Regularly check screws and tighten them properly
- Level uneven floors using shims or felt pads
- Add wooden slats in the corners
- Check that the slatted frame fits securely

Additionally, metal brackets are only useful for clearly identified weak points. In most cases, the measures mentioned above are sufficient.