ᐅ How do I replace a broken leg on a Malm nightstand?

I would like to add a technical point: Analyzing the type of break is crucial for a successful repair. Is it a clean break at a joint, or has the wood itself cracked? In the latter case, it is advisable to carefully remove the damaged material and create a new bonding surface.

Step by step: 1. Detach the leg from the bedside table. 2. Inspect the break area and remove any small residues if necessary. 3. If possible, apply wood glue to the break surface. 4. To reinforce, insert wooden dowels or sticks, using the appropriate drill bit. 5. Clamp everything tightly and allow it to cure. 6. When reassembling, do not overtighten the screws to avoid causing new breaks.

If the wood is too thin or too soft for dowels, metal brackets under the bedside table can help ensure stability. For the drill and screws, choose sizes slightly smaller than the dowels to maintain a strong hold.

Thanks for the tips so far!

Regarding the material: The base is made of pressed wood with veneer, so it’s quite delicate. The break is very clean, right at the joint between the base and the tabletop, basically at the attachment point. A metal screw connection is no longer possible there because the wood has torn out.

Does anyone have experience with repairs on veneered wood? I’m concerned that screws might cause further splitting or won’t hold firmly enough. Wood glue combined with dowels seems reasonable, but how stable is that in everyday use, especially under stress like leaning or typical bedside table use?

pau47 schrieb:
The break is quite clean, right at the joint between the leg and the tabletop, basically at the attachment point. A metal screw connection is no longer possible there because the wood has torn out.

This is very typical with engineered wood, which is why a complete repair is often not recommended. My advice is to use additional reinforcements at adjacent areas. For example, install angle brackets on the inside, screwed to the underside of the tabletop and the leg. This way, you bypass the damaged area directly and achieve stability.

Wood glue and dowels alone are often insufficient for permanent load with engineered wood.

I solved a similar issue by screwing a narrow metal plate (about 15 cm long (6 inches)) under the broken leg. The plate bridges the break and is fixed to both the leg and the tabletop.

This maintains the structural stability and distributes the load. Make sure that the wood at the new screw point is not too thin, otherwise it may tear again.

In short: buy a complete replacement leg from a similar piece of furniture. Suitable legs are available inexpensively on eBay or at hardware stores. Simply unscrew the old one and attach the new leg, and you'll have a clean solution.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I have looked into the tip about the metal plate more closely and am considering implementing it as a temporary or permanent solution.

However, I might also order a new leg at the same time to see if I can replicate the original. I want to avoid the wood breaking apart again after a short time.

One last question for the wood experts: Who here has used metal brackets without damaging the surfaces or leaving them visibly exposed? I’d prefer not to alter the appearance of the furniture, as it is in the bedroom.