ᐅ How can I secure MALM furniture against earthquakes?

Created on: 7 Jul 2018 08:24
A
antun65
Hello everyone,

I am currently looking into the safety of my furniture concerning potential earthquakes. I am especially concerned about my IKEA Malm furniture series, as they are quite tall and narrow. Could you please recommend the best ways to secure Malm dressers and shelves to prevent them from tipping over or sliding during an earthquake? What fastening methods are effective and safe without damaging the furniture?

I am looking for solutions ranging from wall mounting to possible anti-slip measures. Thank you very much!
K
kegachen
7 Jul 2018 14:54
Malm furniture is relatively lightweight, so wall mounting is very effective. Additional measures such as anti-slip pads complement this well. It is important to place heavier items at the bottom.
V
van_pe
7 Jul 2018 16:21
I can only recommend definitely using the included mounting kits for MALM. If the wall is made of masonry, use standard wall plugs; for drywall, use hollow wall anchors. Additionally, it’s best to stabilize with thick non-slip rubber pads.
A
antun65
8 Jul 2018 08:57
One more additional question:

Does anyone have experience with earthquake restraints that are attached to the ceiling? Possibly suspended ceilings or special brackets. Could this make sense for MALM furniture to further prevent the risk of tipping?
B
Bautau
8 Jul 2018 09:34
Only a few brackets can support weight when attached directly to the ceiling, and suspended ceilings are usually unsuitable because they are not very load-bearing themselves.

For MALM furniture, wall mounting is the safest solution. Additional ceiling supports are generally unnecessary and difficult to implement. Instead, it is better to improve the wall mounting and secure the contents of the furniture.
U
usteto
8 Jul 2018 10:47
Ceiling mounting is not recommended. It is better to use wall anchors and line the interior with anti-slip mats, which provides additional support.
A
antun65
8 Jul 2018 14:12
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. To summarize, I will:

- Always secure the MALM dressers and shelves to the wall using strong dowels and metal brackets
- Use cavity anchors for drywall
- Store heavy items at the bottom
- Place non-slip pads under the feet

This seems like a balanced and practical solution to me. Is there anything else I should consider to ensure the furniture remains earthquake-resistant in the long term?