ᐅ KALLAX Shelf Replaced – Now Everything Creaks?

Hello everyone,

I recently replaced a shelf panel in my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit because the old one was damaged. Since then, the entire unit has been creaking loudly with every touch, sometimes even under light load. Before, the shelf was completely silent.

My question is: What could be causing the creaking? Could it be related to the installation of the shelf panel, or is it normal for the individual parts to make some noise?

I have tightened all the screws and made sure the shelf fits exactly, but the problem persists. Is there a way to stop the creaking without having to disassemble the whole unit?

I look forward to your assessments and troubleshooting tips. Thanks in advance!

MEONATHA68 schrieb:
Since then, the entire shelf has been creaking loudly with every touch

Oh dear, it sounds almost like your KALLAX is trying to start its own orchestra now 😂. Jokes aside: Usually, a shelf creaks when the wood is slightly “stuck” in one spot or moves just a little. Perhaps the new shelf board is fitted a bit too tightly, causing the tension between parts to be more noticeable than before.

A tip: Try gently moving the shelf to pinpoint the creaking spots. Then, you could lightly apply wax, such as candle wax or furniture wax, on the contact areas – this smooths and reduces friction. Be careful not to use too much, or it might become greasy. 🙂

If you take the shelf board out again, check if it lies flat or if it’s slightly tilted somewhere. Sometimes, attaching small felt pads at the contact points also helps. Good luck!

Squeaking often occurs due to friction on wooden joints. Check whether the floor is firmly in place or moves. Applying some wax to the contact points usually helps. Otherwise, slightly loosen the screws, reposition the floor, and tighten them again.

Hello MEONATHA68,

such creaking noises are usually caused by microscopic movements between the components, which can result from differences in wood moisture, material tension, or slight inaccuracies in fitting.

Since you replaced the shelf, I suspect that the replacement shelf may not have exactly the same dimensions or material as the original.

It is important that the shelf rests completely and without any play on its support surfaces—usually the small edges of the frame. Even minimal gaps can cause movement and thus rubbing noises.

I recommend the following steps:

1. Remove the shelf and check all supports for visible irregularities.
2. Check all screws on the frame to ensure they are properly tightened, but do not overtighten, as this can warp the profiles.
3. Lightly sand the contact surfaces or treat them with a suitable dry lubricant (e.g., paraffin or furniture wax).
4. Felt or rubber pads at the support points can help reduce vibrations.

It would also be helpful to know if the shelf is completely flat or if it bends slightly, which might be the case with boards that are too thin.

Are the shelves from the original product line, or are they a replacement?

Feel free to provide more details here, such as the material quality and exactly how the screws are seated. That way, I can offer more targeted advice.

Palenar schrieb:
Are the shelves from the original range, or were they a reproduction?

Thank you for the detailed response! I didn’t use an original shelf, but rather an inexpensive reproduction board from a hardware store. It’s MDF coated, not quite as solid as the original.

The shelf is fairly secure, but I think the thinner board might shift slightly under load. The creaking mainly happens when I gently push the shelf forward.

dijan schrieb:
Try moving the shelf a bit to pinpoint the source.

I did that, and it seems to come from the front left corner.

Now I’m wondering whether I should secure or cushion the shelf further, or if the reproduction material is just the problem?

Using a replacement shelf made of MDF can indeed be the cause of creaking noises. MDF often reacts more to changes in humidity and has a different material stiffness compared to the original particleboard or solid wood shelf.

The creaking mainly results from friction caused by minimal movement between the shelf and its support surfaces.

The following measures usually help:

- Check that all connection points on the KALLAX unit are properly and evenly screwed together.
- Apply thin pads (e.g., self-adhesive felt pads) at the contact points between the shelf and the frame to reduce mechanical noise.
- Ensure that the shelf is not sagging or fitting too loosely.

Since the MDF panel is less rigid, reinforcing the underside (e.g., with crosswise glued battens) can also help reduce bending and thus friction.

Additionally, I recommend monitoring the room’s humidity, as fluctuations can strongly affect the material’s behavior.