Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA Malm bed that has started creaking more often when I turn over. The noise seems to come from the slatted frame or the connection points between the bed sides. I suspect that some screws might have loosened or that wooden parts are rubbing against each other. Since I want to repair the bed myself, I’m looking for advice on the most effective way to eliminate the creaking. Which areas should I check specifically, and what tools or materials (such as lubricants) are recommended? I’m also interested in whether there are common weak points in the Malm bed that typically cause these sounds. Thanks in advance for your help!
I have an IKEA Malm bed that has started creaking more often when I turn over. The noise seems to come from the slatted frame or the connection points between the bed sides. I suspect that some screws might have loosened or that wooden parts are rubbing against each other. Since I want to repair the bed myself, I’m looking for advice on the most effective way to eliminate the creaking. Which areas should I check specifically, and what tools or materials (such as lubricants) are recommended? I’m also interested in whether there are common weak points in the Malm bed that typically cause these sounds. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello,
I would like to take a closer look at the construction of the Malm bed to better understand the source of the squeaking:
The Malm bed consists of several wooden parts connected with so-called confirmat screws. These screws provide a sturdy connection, but threaded holes in wood can expand over time due to prolonged stress, which may lead to looseness and noise.
Steps for thorough inspection and repair:
1. Unscrew all bolts and check the holes. If they are enlarged, it is recommended to apply wood filler or glue in a wooden dowel before re-screwing.
2. In the area of the center support beam—which adds extra stability to the bed—small gaps can form from movement. A precisely cut felt strip placed between the beam and the bed frame can help dampen noise without compromising stability.
3. Check the slat support pads: If these are made of plastic or rubber, they should be intact, as they reduce friction. Replace any worn parts if necessary.
4. Assembly instructions: IKEA beds like the Malm are designed to squeak little or not at all when assembled correctly. Sometimes squeaking is caused by incorrect assembly—for example, a wrongly positioned slatted frame or a misaligned side panel.
One last question for you: Does the noise only occur under load (e.g., when turning over) or even without weight? This will help pinpoint movement as the cause more precisely.
I would like to take a closer look at the construction of the Malm bed to better understand the source of the squeaking:
The Malm bed consists of several wooden parts connected with so-called confirmat screws. These screws provide a sturdy connection, but threaded holes in wood can expand over time due to prolonged stress, which may lead to looseness and noise.
Steps for thorough inspection and repair:
1. Unscrew all bolts and check the holes. If they are enlarged, it is recommended to apply wood filler or glue in a wooden dowel before re-screwing.
2. In the area of the center support beam—which adds extra stability to the bed—small gaps can form from movement. A precisely cut felt strip placed between the beam and the bed frame can help dampen noise without compromising stability.
3. Check the slat support pads: If these are made of plastic or rubber, they should be intact, as they reduce friction. Replace any worn parts if necessary.
4. Assembly instructions: IKEA beds like the Malm are designed to squeak little or not at all when assembled correctly. Sometimes squeaking is caused by incorrect assembly—for example, a wrongly positioned slatted frame or a misaligned side panel.
One last question for you: Does the noise only occur under load (e.g., when turning over) or even without weight? This will help pinpoint movement as the cause more precisely.
W
Wilhelmo3121 Jul 2024 10:03Dilen schrieb:
One last question for you: Does the noise only occur under load (e.g., when turning over), or also without any weight?I actually only hear the squeaking when I move in bed or turn over. Without my movement, it remains completely silent. The squeaking also tends to get worse over time if you keep moving.
TEOZAR schrieb:
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!Thank you very much for the detailed help. I think with your tips I can systematically check everything. The idea of using dry lubricants sounds good, as I actually wanted to avoid oil.
Has anyone here successfully dampened the middle support beam with felt strips? Or how tight should the beam be secured? I’m asking because I’d rather not screw it in too tightly to avoid damaging the wood.
Regarding the central brace: It should be secure but not overly tight. A slight amount of play is acceptable, but the threads or wooden grooves should not be too loose. Felt strips or small foam pads placed between the brace and the frame work very well to balance localized pressure and eliminate noise.
Ideally, a thin strip is used so that when tightened, slight pressure is applied without deforming the wood. Alternatively, thin foam rubber strips are recommended, as they remain flexible and do not become brittle.
Another suggestion: Do you possibly have plastic dowels or plugs installed on the central brace? These can sometimes be improperly seated and cause squeaking.
Ideally, a thin strip is used so that when tightened, slight pressure is applied without deforming the wood. Alternatively, thin foam rubber strips are recommended, as they remain flexible and do not become brittle.
Another suggestion: Do you possibly have plastic dowels or plugs installed on the central brace? These can sometimes be improperly seated and cause squeaking.
Maria35 schrieb:
Felt strips or small foam pads placed between the brace and the frame work very well to balance out localized pressure and eliminate noise.I can only agree with that. I used this solution on my Malm bed, and since then there has been no noise. Just make sure the pads aren't too thick, otherwise stress may occur in other areas.
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