ᐅ How do I properly reinforce Malm dressers?

Hello everyone, I am about to start a project to properly reinforce some of my IKEA Malm dressers to make them more stable and reduce wear on the floor covering underneath. My question is: What is the best way to reinforce the Malm dressers to ensure even load distribution while also preventing potential moisture absorption? I would also like to know if you prefer certain materials or techniques and which mistakes should definitely be avoided. I look forward to your tips and experiences!

I would simply use felt furniture pads underneath. They protect the floor and compensate for unevenness. It is important that the dresser rests evenly on all sides to ensure stability.

I think it’s good that you mention load distribution and moisture. Here is a structured approach:

1. First, check if the floor is completely level. Small unevenness can be compensated with self-adhesive felt or furniture pads.
2. For better load distribution, small wooden or plastic wedges are suitable as shims, as they can be adjusted precisely.
3. To prevent moisture damage, you should place an insulating layer between the floor and the chest of drawers. A thin rubber or plastic mat works well for this.
4. For Malm chests of drawers, it is important to align the legs or feet precisely because the construction is quite light. Uneven support can reduce stability.

Some people underestimate how quickly chipboard can warp when exposed to moisture. So definitely use waterproof materials.

kuben schrieb:
Some people underestimate how quickly chipboard can warp when exposed to moisture.

This is important. I would recommend using rubber or silicone pads to protect against splashing water. Do not place wood directly on the floor.

Hey 🙂 I reinforced my Malm dressers by using small felt pads combined with thin plastic pieces. This keeps everything very stable and also protects the floor well. Sometimes even these small furniture risers can help to slightly lift the dresser and relieve pressure on the floor. Just be careful not to build up too much height, or it can look unstable quickly ;-)

I am very familiar with the problem of wobbly dressers and know how frustrating it can be. What helped me a lot was carefully aligning all four legs exactly before applying any protective layer. Especially with Malm dressers, which are made of particleboard, I would recommend using materials that are as moisture-resistant as possible – personally, I have had good results with rubber mats that can be easily cut to size. If you are unsure, it’s better to test a small area first.