Hello everyone,
I recently got an IKEA Malm chest of drawers that has warped slightly over time. The drawers no longer slide smoothly, and the fronts appear somewhat distorted, which is especially noticeable when viewing the chest from the side. My question is: What could cause such deformation and warping in a Malm chest of drawers? I have used it normally and have not overloaded it. Could it be due to the manufacturing, assembly, or possibly the material? I would appreciate any information, as I want to understand the issue and, if possible, fix it.
I recently got an IKEA Malm chest of drawers that has warped slightly over time. The drawers no longer slide smoothly, and the fronts appear somewhat distorted, which is especially noticeable when viewing the chest from the side. My question is: What could cause such deformation and warping in a Malm chest of drawers? I have used it normally and have not overloaded it. Could it be due to the manufacturing, assembly, or possibly the material? I would appreciate any information, as I want to understand the issue and, if possible, fix it.
W
warrenka5713 Dec 2021 09:46Hello donart47,
I can definitely understand how frustrating it is when a piece of furniture becomes warped, especially if you have taken good care of it.
This issue often comes down to the affordable materials used in the MALM series: particleboard tends to warp when exposed to moisture or temperature changes. This is especially common in rooms with high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Another factor is the screw connections, which can loosen over time and reduce stability. Often, simply tightening all the screws can help.
I hope you find a solution and can continue to enjoy the furniture for a long time 🙂
I can definitely understand how frustrating it is when a piece of furniture becomes warped, especially if you have taken good care of it.
donart47 schrieb:
The drawers no longer slide smoothly and the fronts appear slightly warped
This issue often comes down to the affordable materials used in the MALM series: particleboard tends to warp when exposed to moisture or temperature changes. This is especially common in rooms with high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Another factor is the screw connections, which can loosen over time and reduce stability. Often, simply tightening all the screws can help.
I hope you find a solution and can continue to enjoy the furniture for a long time 🙂
Z
zarJody6813 Dec 2021 11:05Regarding the causes of warping in MALM dressers, I can clarify the following:
1. Material quality: MALM primarily uses particleboard and fiberboard, which can swell and warp due to changes in humidity and temperature.
2. Assembly errors: Incorrectly screwed-in screws or improperly inserted dowels can create tension that leads to warping.
3. Load: Even without overloading, uneven weight distribution with the center of gravity in the wrong place can promote warping.
4. Long-term effects: Furniture undergoes aging processes during which the structure is affected by material fatigue.
My advice: First, check the assembly for secure connections and pay attention to the indoor climate. If necessary, stable fastening or minor adjustments to the drawer slides may help.
1. Material quality: MALM primarily uses particleboard and fiberboard, which can swell and warp due to changes in humidity and temperature.
2. Assembly errors: Incorrectly screwed-in screws or improperly inserted dowels can create tension that leads to warping.
3. Load: Even without overloading, uneven weight distribution with the center of gravity in the wrong place can promote warping.
4. Long-term effects: Furniture undergoes aging processes during which the structure is affected by material fatigue.
My advice: First, check the assembly for secure connections and pay attention to the indoor climate. If necessary, stable fastening or minor adjustments to the drawer slides may help.
Hello donart47,
I can add to the previous posts. One of the main reasons for warping in MALM dressers is the material used, as already mentioned. They are made of coated particleboard, which can absorb moisture. This especially happens if the surface coating is damaged.
Additionally, indoor humidity has a strong impact – fluctuations are particularly large during the heating season. This causes the boards to swell and shrink.
Besides checking the screws, I recommend distributing the load on the dresser as evenly as possible and placing heavier items in the middle compartments.
If warping has already occurred, regularly slightly adjusting the screws and reducing the load can help.
If you are interested, I can also explain how to inspect and optimize the drawer slides.
I can add to the previous posts. One of the main reasons for warping in MALM dressers is the material used, as already mentioned. They are made of coated particleboard, which can absorb moisture. This especially happens if the surface coating is damaged.
Additionally, indoor humidity has a strong impact – fluctuations are particularly large during the heating season. This causes the boards to swell and shrink.
warrenka57 schrieb:
Particleboard tends to warp when exposed to moisture or temperature changes
Besides checking the screws, I recommend distributing the load on the dresser as evenly as possible and placing heavier items in the middle compartments.
If warping has already occurred, regularly slightly adjusting the screws and reducing the load can help.
If you are interested, I can also explain how to inspect and optimize the drawer slides.
T
Taylorsi4514 Dec 2021 10:22With MALM, the following often helps:
- Tightening screws
- Maintaining stable indoor humidity (40-60%)
- Realigning drawers mechanically
There is little more that can be done to prevent warping.
- Tightening screws
- Maintaining stable indoor humidity (40-60%)
- Realigning drawers mechanically
There is little more that can be done to prevent warping.
W
warrenka5715 Dec 2021 14:11Hello again,
This is an important point I wanted to add. Sometimes furniture is subjected to mechanical stress in everyday use that isn’t immediately noticeable. Such stresses can create tensions within the material that only become apparent later.
Additionally, improper transport or moving on uneven floors can cause minor deformations.
I have personally experienced how a MALM chest of drawers showed slight deformations after several moves, even though it was always handled with care.
Maybe this perspective helps you to look at the issue more holistically and avoid quick blame.
zarJody68 schrieb:
Long-term effects: Furniture undergoes aging processes where the structure is affected by material fatigue
This is an important point I wanted to add. Sometimes furniture is subjected to mechanical stress in everyday use that isn’t immediately noticeable. Such stresses can create tensions within the material that only become apparent later.
Additionally, improper transport or moving on uneven floors can cause minor deformations.
I have personally experienced how a MALM chest of drawers showed slight deformations after several moves, even though it was always handled with care.
Maybe this perspective helps you to look at the issue more holistically and avoid quick blame.
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