ᐅ MALM bed squeaks after assembly – what is the most common cause?

Created on: 27 Mar 2023 09:12
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klajosephi
Hello everyone,

I recently assembled a Malm bed myself, but it started to squeak unpleasantly after just a few days, which of course is quite annoying.

My question to the community is: Based on your experience, what is the most common mistake during the assembly of a Malm bed that causes it to start squeaking after being put together?

I have already checked that all the screws are tightened properly, but the squeaking continues. I would be very grateful for tips on frequently overlooked issues, as well as suggestions for fixing them.
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gesar32
27 Mar 2023 13:07
From a technical perspective, squeaking in Malm beds is usually caused by insufficient tightening of the screws. Using rubber or plastic washers can help reduce movement.

It is also important that all connection points are secured according to the load, as even the smallest movements during use can generate noise.
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PLOMA
27 Mar 2023 15:42
To understand the most common cause of squeaking in the MALM bed, it is important to follow the entire assembly process.

Very often, not all screws are fully tightened at the beginning; instead, they are only lightly secured, which later leads to movement. This is a typical pitfall – it’s better to tighten the screws immediately to the recommended torque.

It is also important that the slatted frame fits precisely and is not too loose within the frame – even a small gap can quickly cause squeaking due to movement under load.

If everything fits correctly here, I recommend the following systematic approach:

1. Completely loosen all screws.
2. Check components for splinters or deformations (especially with particleboard).
3. Slightly dampen all connections by placing thin felt strips or cotton fibers between the wooden surfaces.
4. Reassemble and tighten the screws firmly.

Although this takes some time, it is well worth the effort.
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JEREMIAH38
27 Mar 2023 16:18
I also experienced squeaking with the MALM bed, and it was really annoying for me. The key issue was that the headboard was not properly and securely inserted into the frame.

It’s easy to overlook that these precise joints need to be firmly locked in place. Otherwise, even the slightest movements become noticeable.

So be sure to double-check that all connections fit together tightly and securely.
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klajosephi
28 Mar 2023 08:56
FLONE41 schrieb:
Often the squeaking in these types of beds is caused by the slatted frame not lying completely flat and tight within the frame or by small gaps between the wood and metal.

That sounds plausible, thank you! I had only loosely placed the slatted frame, so that might be causing the problem.
JEREMIAH38 schrieb:
that the headboard was not properly and securely inserted into the frame.

I will check that thoroughly again today.

Do any of you have experience with this? Can the squeaking be fixed with some lubricant, or would that be counterproductive?
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Dopoki
28 Mar 2023 09:15
klajosephi schrieb:
Do any of you have experience with this? Can squeaking be fixed with some lubricant, or is that more counterproductive?

Lubricant can provide short-term relief, but it is more of a temporary fix than a proper solution.

Since the squeaking usually results from friction between wood or metal joints, the long-term improvement is better achieved through mechanical reinforcement and the addition of damping material.

Oil or silicone spray could damage the wood or loosen the screws, so it is best to avoid them.
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FLONE41
28 Mar 2023 10:42
klajosephi schrieb:
Do any of you have experience with this—can squeaking be fixed with some lubricant, or is that rather counterproductive?

I would recommend checking the screws and joints instead of using lubricant. Especially with wood, oil can actually cause stains, which can be problematic.

Sometimes a small wooden wedge or a piece of felt is enough to separate contact points and stop the noise.