ᐅ The Malm bed creaks more during the colder months – why is that?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that my Malm bed creaks much more during the cold months than in the summer. I suspect it might be related to temperature and humidity, but I would like to understand exactly why this happens.

Is there anyone here knowledgeable about the physical or mechanical reasons why a piece of furniture, especially a wooden bed like the Malm, creaks louder in cold conditions? Could it be due to wood expansion and contraction, or do lubricants and fasteners also play a role?

I look forward to your explanations or if you have had similar experiences. Thanks in advance!

MauConnor schrieb:
why does a piece of furniture, especially a wooden bed like the Malm, creak more loudly in cold conditions?

The squeaking often occurs due to the wood shrinking at low temperatures. This deformation causes friction at the joints, which then produces the noise.

MauConnor schrieb:
Could it be due to wood expansion/contraction, or do lubricants and fasteners also play a role?

Indeed, both factors are important. Wood reacts to humidity and temperature, causing slight expansion or contraction. This can change gap dimensions and make joints looser or tighter, which increases friction and thus squeaking.

Additionally, the screws in the fasteners may shift or settle slightly due to temperature changes, which also causes noise. A light retightening and occasional lubrication of the screws can help reduce this.

If the bed squeaks less in summer, it is likely because the wood fibers are more relaxed and the fasteners hold more securely.

I am familiar with this issue from personal experience. Especially during the cold season, the creaking while lying in bed can become almost unbearable, particularly when you are used to quiet surroundings.

sonplo schrieb:
Lightly tightening and occasionally oiling the screws can help reduce this.

That helped me a lot, but I also learned that there are often multiple factors at play – from the wood and screws to the humidity in the room.

Sometimes it’s simply a sign that the bed is several years old and the materials are wearing out. Still, I hope everyone here can keep their peace and quiet in the bedroom. 🙂