ᐅ IKEA Malm bed squeaks despite new screws – what could be the cause?

Hello everyone, I have an IKEA Malm bed that still squeaks even after replacing all the screws. I completely replaced the screws and tightened them properly using the correct tools. However, the problem persists, especially when turning over at night or sitting on the edge. I’m curious about what else could be causing this if it’s not the screws themselves. I have read that sometimes it can be due to the slat support or the connections between the headboard and footboard, but I’m not sure. Does anyone have experience with this exact issue or a technical explanation of what else might cause the squeaking? Thanks in advance!

Squeaking often comes from movable wooden fasteners. Check whether there are gaps between the slatted bed base and the bed frame. Use felt or rubber pads to reduce metal-to-wood contact.

That sounds really annoying, especially since you already replaced the screws. I had a similar issue with my Malm bed, and it was caused by the side panel, which had a slight movement and squeaked because of that. Maybe it’s not just the screws themselves, but also check the assembly of the parts again to see if they fit perfectly or if there is a small gap.

A technical cause of squeaking can also be friction between wood on wood or metal on wood, especially if the joint is loose or the wood is slightly warped. Usually, treating the contact points lightly with a suitable lubricant (e.g., wax or special wood oil) helps to reduce friction. The slatted frame support should also be checked to ensure it is properly secured.

It’s interesting that all the screws are new, yet the problem persists. How exactly were the screws installed? Simply tightening them isn’t always enough; sometimes adjustments are needed to prevent any lateral movement.

SETHBLA schrieb:
Check if there are any gaps between the slatted frame and the bed frame.

I believe this is crucial. Such gaps can cause creaking from even slight movements, which won’t be fixed by just tightening screws. Therefore, the frame should be firmly secured without any play.

Good morning, I would like to explain the possible causes systematically:

1. Slat supports: These plastic or rubber buffers can wear out, break, or shift, causing noises.

2. Wood joints: For particleboard (commonly used by IKEA), a precise fit can be compromised if the parts warp slightly or are under load from weight.

3. Screws/expansion plugs: Even if the screws are new, their hold might no longer be optimal, especially if the plugs in the wood no longer grip properly.

Recommendation: Completely loosen the screws again. Then prepare all connections by lightly rubbing with wax or furniture polish, and ensure a very tight fit when reassembling. Additionally, buffers or felt pads can be glued to contact points.