ᐅ IKEA Malm bed creaks despite tightened screws – what can be done?
Created on: 21 Jan 2021 08:37
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Yavuzmau30Y
Yavuzmau3021 Jan 2021 08:37Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA Malm bed that still squeaks when I move or turn over, even though all screws are tightly fastened. I have already checked and retightened all the screws multiple times, but the annoying creaking just won’t stop. The squeaking always seems to come from the area around the middle slat support, so I suspect that some metal or wood parts are moving against each other. I’ve found some advice online like using felt pads or silicone spray, but I would like to know if anyone here has experienced this problem and what solutions actually worked. Are there special techniques for smoothing edges, or should you consider a completely different fastening method for a Malm bed? I’m looking forward to your experiences and tips, because sleeping with that constant squeaking is really frustrating. Thanks in advance!
I have an IKEA Malm bed that still squeaks when I move or turn over, even though all screws are tightly fastened. I have already checked and retightened all the screws multiple times, but the annoying creaking just won’t stop. The squeaking always seems to come from the area around the middle slat support, so I suspect that some metal or wood parts are moving against each other. I’ve found some advice online like using felt pads or silicone spray, but I would like to know if anyone here has experienced this problem and what solutions actually worked. Are there special techniques for smoothing edges, or should you consider a completely different fastening method for a Malm bed? I’m looking forward to your experiences and tips, because sleeping with that constant squeaking is really frustrating. Thanks in advance!
Hello Yavuzmau30,
I’m familiar with that problem—squeaking from Malm beds can be really annoying. It’s important to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from. You mentioned it seems to come from the middle, so you should check which parts are rubbing there and whether it’s wood on metal or wood on wood.
A common issue is that although the screws are tightened, the connecting elements—such as metal brackets and wooden parts—can still move slightly against each other. One way to help reduce friction is to treat the contact points with something like wax or paraffin. Alternatively, you could try applying thin felt strips or furniture glides to the wooden connections to dampen the rubbing. I would recommend using silicone spray mainly on metal, but sparingly on wood, as it doesn’t absorb well.
Sometimes it’s also worth loosening all screws completely, then carefully reassembling the joints with a bit of wood glue before tightening everything again. This often stabilizes the structure more permanently.
If you like, I can provide you with a step-by-step guide on how I fixed a similar bed. Just let me know!
I’m familiar with that problem—squeaking from Malm beds can be really annoying. It’s important to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from. You mentioned it seems to come from the middle, so you should check which parts are rubbing there and whether it’s wood on metal or wood on wood.
A common issue is that although the screws are tightened, the connecting elements—such as metal brackets and wooden parts—can still move slightly against each other. One way to help reduce friction is to treat the contact points with something like wax or paraffin. Alternatively, you could try applying thin felt strips or furniture glides to the wooden connections to dampen the rubbing. I would recommend using silicone spray mainly on metal, but sparingly on wood, as it doesn’t absorb well.
Sometimes it’s also worth loosening all screws completely, then carefully reassembling the joints with a bit of wood glue before tightening everything again. This often stabilizes the structure more permanently.
If you like, I can provide you with a step-by-step guide on how I fixed a similar bed. Just let me know!
Hello,
to solve the problem efficiently, it is important to carefully analyze the type of squeaking. Squeaking usually occurs due to friction between two solid surfaces, often caused by play in the engineered wood or in the connection of metal fittings to the wood.
Even if screws are properly tightened, wooden parts can move slightly due to material shrinkage, dryness, or temperature changes – this movement generates the noise. Here is my systematic approach:
1. Completely unscrew the connection points and clean all wood and metal surfaces (remove dust, dirt, and loose wood fibers).
2. After a thorough drying period, apply a thin layer of acid-free lubricant wax or assembly spray (silicone oil only in small amounts and spot-applied) to the contact surfaces. This reduces friction and prevents renewed squeaking.
3. If there is visible play in the drill holes: carefully apply wood glue into the holes, briefly remove the screws, and then retighten them firmly. The glue holds the screws in place and prevents movement.
4. Reinforcing the slatted frame support with additional small wooden wedges or felt-backed strips can also reduce noise.
5. Finally, check all screws with a torque wrench to ensure even tightening.
Could you describe if the squeaking occurs under load across the entire surface or only at specific points? Also relevant: Are you using the supplied slatted frame or a custom-made one? This helps narrow down the cause.
As a technical note: wood reacts strongly to humidity – if the room is very dry or humid, this can also promote squeaking.
to solve the problem efficiently, it is important to carefully analyze the type of squeaking. Squeaking usually occurs due to friction between two solid surfaces, often caused by play in the engineered wood or in the connection of metal fittings to the wood.
Even if screws are properly tightened, wooden parts can move slightly due to material shrinkage, dryness, or temperature changes – this movement generates the noise. Here is my systematic approach:
1. Completely unscrew the connection points and clean all wood and metal surfaces (remove dust, dirt, and loose wood fibers).
2. After a thorough drying period, apply a thin layer of acid-free lubricant wax or assembly spray (silicone oil only in small amounts and spot-applied) to the contact surfaces. This reduces friction and prevents renewed squeaking.
3. If there is visible play in the drill holes: carefully apply wood glue into the holes, briefly remove the screws, and then retighten them firmly. The glue holds the screws in place and prevents movement.
4. Reinforcing the slatted frame support with additional small wooden wedges or felt-backed strips can also reduce noise.
5. Finally, check all screws with a torque wrench to ensure even tightening.
Could you describe if the squeaking occurs under load across the entire surface or only at specific points? Also relevant: Are you using the supplied slatted frame or a custom-made one? This helps narrow down the cause.
As a technical note: wood reacts strongly to humidity – if the room is very dry or humid, this can also promote squeaking.
Tudogo schrieb:
Sometimes it’s worth fully loosening all the screws and then carefully reassembling the joints with a bit of wood glue.I can only agree with that! I once completely disassembled my Malm frame—not just because of squeaking noises, but just for renovation—and found that a little glue works wonders when there are small gaps in the wood.
paulu schrieb:
Place felt pads at the contact points of the slatted frame.Felt pads are great; I added them in several spots where there was contact against metal parts. Sometimes I also sprinkle mica powder (a colorless, fine lubricant) on these areas, which reduces marks on the wood and allows for smoother movement. If you put in the effort, it really feels like a new bed afterward 🙂
Also, be sure to check the rubber caps at the ends of the slats, as loose components there can cause squeaking.
In my experience, if you assemble everything with crosswise screw connections and tighten the screws gradually in small steps, you can avoid a lot of problems later on. Maybe give that a try instead of just tightening the screws all at once?
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