K
kaLuisa601 Dec 2022 19:47Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought an IKEA Malm bed, which seems to be very well made. However, the bed has increasingly started to squeak loudly whenever I or someone else sits on the seating area—not just when lying down, but specifically when sitting on the edge. The noise is quite annoying, and I would like to know what common causes might be and, most importantly, what can be done to stop the squeaking.
I suspect the issue might be at the joints, possibly the screws or the connection between wood and metal parts. Are there any proven tricks, such as lubricants or specific assembly techniques, that could resolve this problem?
I would also appreciate advice on whether this bed model is generally prone to such issues and which components should be checked in particular.
Thank you in advance!
Some time ago, I bought an IKEA Malm bed, which seems to be very well made. However, the bed has increasingly started to squeak loudly whenever I or someone else sits on the seating area—not just when lying down, but specifically when sitting on the edge. The noise is quite annoying, and I would like to know what common causes might be and, most importantly, what can be done to stop the squeaking.
I suspect the issue might be at the joints, possibly the screws or the connection between wood and metal parts. Are there any proven tricks, such as lubricants or specific assembly techniques, that could resolve this problem?
I would also appreciate advice on whether this bed model is generally prone to such issues and which components should be checked in particular.
Thank you in advance!
Squeaking in IKEA Malm beds, especially when sitting on the edge of the bed, often occurs due to friction in the joints, usually at the side rails or the screw connections.
This suspicion is correct. Wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal joints can shift slightly under load and cause the noise. The solution usually involves three steps:
1. Completely loosen all screws and connection bolts, then reassemble the bed tightly and securely.
2. Remove dust from the contact surfaces and, if needed, treat them with graphite powder instead of oil, since oil can cause the wood to swell.
3. Insert rubber pads or felt gliders between the contact surfaces to minimize friction.
These measures usually eliminate the squeaking permanently.
kaLuisa60 schrieb:
I suspect it might be due to the connection points, possibly the screws or the material joint between wood and metal.
This suspicion is correct. Wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal joints can shift slightly under load and cause the noise. The solution usually involves three steps:
1. Completely loosen all screws and connection bolts, then reassemble the bed tightly and securely.
2. Remove dust from the contact surfaces and, if needed, treat them with graphite powder instead of oil, since oil can cause the wood to swell.
3. Insert rubber pads or felt gliders between the contact surfaces to minimize friction.
These measures usually eliminate the squeaking permanently.
Blavin schrieb:
Wood-on-wood or wood-on-metal connections can easily shift under load and cause the noise.Exactly, I’m familiar with this issue as well. In addition to Blavin’s advice, I would recommend systematically tightening all screws with a torque wrench during assembly to avoid over- or under-tightening.
It is also important to check that all slatted bed bases are correctly installed, as an uneven support can also cause squeaking. The material of the slatted base can flex when in contact with the frame.
If the bed is older, it may also be worthwhile to replace worn parts, especially the metal connectors, which can fatigue over time.
K
kaLuisa603 Dec 2022 10:11mabla schrieb:
First, tighten all screws again.Thanks, I’ve already tried that. The effect was temporary, but then the squeaking returned.
Blavin schrieb:
Place rubber bumpers or felt pads between the contact surfaces to reduce friction.That sounds interesting. Does anyone have experience with which type of rubber bumpers or similar materials work best? I don’t want anything too thick that would compromise stability.
letar schrieb:
During assembly, tighten all screws systematically using a torque wrench to avoid over- or under-tightening.I don’t have a torque wrench. Can regular tools be used instead, or are the screws too sensitive to too much force?
I’m still open to suggestions, especially regarding lubrication, which according to Blavin should maybe be graphite powder rather than oil.
Using a torque wrench when assembling furniture like the Malm bed can be helpful but is not absolutely necessary. The key is to tighten the screws firmly without over-tightening to avoid damaging the materials.
Standard hex keys (Allen wrenches) or Phillips screwdrivers are generally sufficient, but you should develop a controlled feel when tightening to avoid damaging the threads.
Regarding lubrication:
Silicone spray is a good choice because it is non-sticky, does not attract dust particles, and does not harm wood or other materials. Graphite powder is also suitable but usually harder to apply and not always readily available.
Additionally, placing small felt or rubber pads between the bedpost and the floor can greatly reduce squeaking and improve stability.
If these steps are followed, the issue can usually be resolved permanently.
kaLuisa60 schrieb:
I don’t have a torque wrench; can standard tools work well as a substitute? Or are the screws too sensitive to excessive force?
Standard hex keys (Allen wrenches) or Phillips screwdrivers are generally sufficient, but you should develop a controlled feel when tightening to avoid damaging the threads.
Regarding lubrication:
Silicone spray is a good choice because it is non-sticky, does not attract dust particles, and does not harm wood or other materials. Graphite powder is also suitable but usually harder to apply and not always readily available.
Additionally, placing small felt or rubber pads between the bedpost and the floor can greatly reduce squeaking and improve stability.
If these steps are followed, the issue can usually be resolved permanently.
Similar topics