ᐅ IKEA Malm dresser leans – how to assemble it correctly?

Created on: 3 Aug 2023 18:13
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Dofi1
Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Malm chest of drawers and unfortunately noticed that it ended up slightly crooked during assembly. Despite carefully following the instructions, the chest does not stand firmly or straight but leans slightly to one side. All screws seem to be properly tightened, and the floor adjustment screws have also been adjusted.

My question is: What steps should I really follow to assemble an IKEA Malm chest of drawers correctly so that it stands stable and straight? Are there specific tips or common mistakes to avoid when putting this chest together? I am especially interested in how to effectively correct any leaning and whether it might be worth partially disassembling and reassembling the furniture to prevent further issues.

Thank you in advance for your help!
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narDietmar
4 Aug 2023 13:11
Regarding your question about warped side panels: With IKEA furniture like the Malm series, significant warping of the particleboard panels is quite rare, as the parts are manufactured with industrial precision.

If one side still appears warped, it is usually caused by stress from incorrect assembly or poor fitting of the connecting hardware.

Recommendation: Place the side panels flat on a level surface and check with a spirit level or a long straight edge (e.g., a batten) to see if they are flat.

If a panel is indeed warped, you can try to gently straighten it or contact IKEA to request a replacement.
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Jeanbar
4 Aug 2023 15:26
Dofi1 schrieb:
If the dresser leans slightly during assembly, it could be due to warped side panels

Your question is valid. Especially in the latter case, you should also check for bowed boards or manufacturing defects. This is rare but does happen.

More often, it’s a combination of unevenly tightened screws, slightly misaligned wooden dowels, or a back panel that isn’t sitting flush. Additionally, make sure the screws for the back panel are not too tight – otherwise, this can cause the unit to become crooked.

A tip: During the initial assembly, leave the dresser without the drawers, check all levels carefully, and make adjustments if necessary before fully securing everything.
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TAUFA
5 Aug 2023 08:09
Check that all screws are identical and placed in the correct locations. Different lengths or incorrect screws often cause misalignment.
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Tofra45
5 Aug 2023 09:43
Check the floor. Place the dresser on felt pads. Gradually tighten the screws evenly. Check the back panel.
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SETHBLA
5 Aug 2023 11:17
Sometimes it also helps to slightly loosen the dresser, realign the back panel, and tighten the screws with a bit less force. Over-tightening causes stress.
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Dofi1
6 Aug 2023 14:12
Thank you very much for your detailed answers! With your tips, I will disassemble the dresser again and rebuild it step by step—this time paying special attention to the back panel, wooden dowels, and tightening the screws evenly. I will also level the base better and check all components for any potential warping.

If it works out, I’ll provide an update here in case any further questions arise. Thanks for the support!