ᐅ IKEA Malm bed squeaks despite new parts – possible causes?

Hello everyone, I recently completely reassembled my IKEA Malm bed and even replaced some parts because it kept squeaking. Despite new screws, nuts, and slatted bed bases, the annoying squeaking did not go away. The noises are most noticeable when turning over in bed or getting up, usually near the side panels and bed legs.

I suspect there could be several reasons—possibly incorrect assembly, wood that is still "settling," or hidden structural flaws?

Has anyone had similar experiences? What other causes might be possible if all the commonly recommended parts have already been replaced? I would really appreciate any specific advice, as I want to narrow down the problem and fix it permanently.

laufar schrieb:
The noises are mostly noticeable when turning over in bed or getting up, usually around the side panels and bed legs.

This is a very helpful tip! In my experience, squeaking in Malm beds often comes from the contact points between the side panels and the bed legs or support slats. Even if you have already replaced the screws, tiny movements between the wooden joints can still cause noises, regardless of screw quality.

I recommend, in addition to tightening all screws firmly, applying a small amount of assembly glue or wood glue at the contact surfaces—of course sparingly and only in spots to avoid making later disassembly impossible.

It is also important to tighten the screws in a cross pattern and in several stages to distribute tension evenly. Installing thin felt or rubber pads at the joints can also be worthwhile to reduce friction.

Sinan-meo schrieb:
In my experience, squeaking in Malm beds often comes from the contact points between the side panels and the bed legs or the connecting slats.

Oh yes, I know that all too well – that sneaky squeaking can really keep you awake! 😄

Besides the tip about using assembly adhesive, I would also suggest checking whether all the wooden parts sit completely flush against each other. Sometimes even a slight unevenness is enough, and the movement in the wood amplifies the noise.

When I had my Malm bed, I slipped small rubber pads between the slatted frame and the bed frame – that helped a lot to reduce the noise. So maybe take a look at the slatted frames as well?

And don’t worry – with a bit of patience, you can get that squeak monster under control! 🙂

I prefer a more technical approach here. If squeaking still occurs despite completely replacing the parts, it indicates mechanical stresses or micro-movements at the connection points.

I would recommend the following steps:

1. Thoroughly check the fit of the individual wooden components. Even with seemingly identical parts, small distortions or inaccuracies can occur with replacements.

2. Screws: Make sure the screws are tightened to the correct torque. Too loose? Movement is possible. Too tight? The wood can warp and cause squeaking.

3. Wood moisture and material: New wooden parts may still need to acclimate. Differences in moisture content between old and new parts can create stress.

4. Systematically check the joints for movement – including side panels, crossbars, headboard, and footboard. Sometimes swapping screws for larger or longer ones helps improve stability.

5. Consider a combined solution using rubber pads and wood glue, but apply glue only in non-permanent areas to allow future disassembly.

Finally, I would like to know: Is the bed placed on carpet or a hard floor, and is the floor completely level? Uneven surfaces can put additional stress on the frame and cause noise.