Hello everyone, some time ago I bought a Billy bookcase from IKEA, the standard model made of particleboard with white lacquer. The shelf itself is great, but I noticed that when using it, especially when pulling out or putting in books and items, it creaks and squeaks quite loudly. This noise is particularly bothersome when using the shelf at night or in a quiet home office.
Is there a practical way to make the Billy bookcases quieter without major modifications? I’m thinking of something like special sliding strips, dampers, or lubricants that can be applied easily without damaging the shelf or affecting its appearance. Thanks in advance for your tips!
Is there a practical way to make the Billy bookcases quieter without major modifications? I’m thinking of something like special sliding strips, dampers, or lubricants that can be applied easily without damaging the shelf or affecting its appearance. Thanks in advance for your tips!
raelto schrieb:
Basically, noise in BILLY shelves comes from friction between the thin particle boards and the shelf supportsExactly, it’s worth considering whether the wood and construction are actually meant to create speaker-like effects. Maybe IKEA just wants to test our patience 😉.
But seriously: who really needs a completely silent shelf? You could also see the sounds as a little reminder—a kind of acoustic interaction that tells us the shelf is still alive. 😉
Jokes aside: felt or foam rubber pads are the most practical solution; plastic pads don’t help much. In my view, as long as the shelf doesn’t splinter, the squeaking should be accepted.
ottilie schrieb:
Who needs a silent shelf?Well, not everyone likes being woken up at night by squeaky boards 😉
In my opinion, with a bit of DIY skill and good materials, you can achieve a lot. Small adhesive felt pads, cut strips of foam rubber, or even special furniture glides made of PTFE are very effective.
Also: Attach them carefully to avoid damaging the appearance. For those who want to do it properly, make sure the shelf is firmly secured to the wall – a shaky shelf often amplifies the noise.
pirime schrieb:
Is there a practical way to make BILLY shelves quieter without major modifications?In summary:
1. Using felt pads at the support points of the shelves effectively reduces friction noises.
2. Applying dry PTFE or silicone spray decreases squeaking sounds without leaving residues.
3. The shelf should be securely attached to the wall to minimize vibrations.
These measures can be implemented without significant construction work and do not affect the design. Avoiding oily lubricants is important, as they can cause damage.
Thank you all for the tips so far, they have been very helpful!
One more question: What is the best way to attach these felt pads? Do they stick permanently, or should I secure them additionally?
I want to avoid any falling off later and having them rolling around the shelf or leaving sticky residues. Are there any experiences whether the original felt pads from furniture stores hold better than those from hardware stores?
And if anyone has used silicone spray – how long does the effect last? Does it need to be reapplied regularly?
One more question: What is the best way to attach these felt pads? Do they stick permanently, or should I secure them additionally?
I want to avoid any falling off later and having them rolling around the shelf or leaving sticky residues. Are there any experiences whether the original felt pads from furniture stores hold better than those from hardware stores?
And if anyone has used silicone spray – how long does the effect last? Does it need to be reapplied regularly?
pirime schrieb:
How exactly should I best attach these felt pads? Do they stick permanently, or should I secure them additionally?Good question! I usually use felt pads with pre-applied adhesive, and they hold surprisingly well, often for many months. If you want to be extra sure, you can add transparent double-sided tape, but usually the adhesive alone is enough.
pirime schrieb:
If anyone has used silicone spray – how long does the effect last?The effect usually lasts a few weeks for me, depending on usage. I only spray a very thin layer to prevent slipping – with very frequent use, you might need to reapply every few weeks. Enjoy experimenting! 🙂
pirime schrieb:
What is the best way to attach these felt pads?The felt pads should have a self-adhesive backing. Before applying, thoroughly clean and degrease the surface.
It is important that the surface is completely dry—this ensures the adhesive sticks properly.
If you want to be sure, choose high-quality felt pads with industrial-strength adhesive, often used in furniture applications. These provide a more reliable bond than inexpensive versions from hardware stores.
pirime schrieb:
Do you have to reapply the silicone spray regularly?Yes, silicone spray wears off over time due to use and temperature changes. It is recommended to check the condition occasionally and reapply if necessary.
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