ᐅ Malm nightstand wobbles after climate change – why?

Hello everyone, I have a Malm nightstand from IKEA that I actually like quite a bit. Recently, after the change from winter to spring in our indoor climate, I’ve noticed that the nightstand is a bit wobbly and doesn’t feel as stable anymore. I checked whether the floor is uneven, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. My question is: Why does the Malm nightstand wobble after the climate change? Is it due to the wood structure, humidity, or the material itself? I would appreciate any answers or explanations, as I find it surprising how much the piece of furniture reacts to changing climatic conditions.

jensro schrieb:
Why does the Malm nightstand wobble after the climate changes?

My first guess would be that the manufacturer uses cheap MDF or particleboard, which reacts quite sensitively to moisture. If it were solid wood, the piece of furniture wouldn’t move that much. To be honest, I think many IKEA items are not designed for changing climate zones but rather for the lowest possible production costs. Maybe you just have one of those "design flaws" that only become noticeable over time. But for me, nothing wobbles, even when I turn on the heating in winter. How exactly do you stand on the nightstand? Is everything properly screwed together?

Wood and wood-based materials react to humidity and temperature changes. MDF can expand or contract, causing wobbling. Retighten screws and check the feet.

Climate changes, especially fluctuations in temperature and humidity, significantly affect the behavior of wood-based materials like MDF, which is used in Malm tables. Variations in moisture levels cause these materials to expand or contract, potentially loosening the fasteners. A recommended approach is to check and tighten all screws and adjust the leveling feet to ensure a stable base. Additionally, sealants may weaken over time, making it easier for moisture to penetrate.

guillaume schrieb:
Tighten the screws, check the feet.

Thanks for the tip, that's the first thing I will do.

flojo schrieb:
Fluctuating humidity levels cause these materials to expand and contract.

That sounds reasonable, I actually have a hygrometer here and the humidity in our area varies between 35% and 55% throughout the year.

How much can that really affect engineered wood? Can it actually cause noticeable wobbling?

Yes, that can actually be the reason. Engineered wood products like MDF react significantly to changes in humidity, which leads to shifts in material tension. If the fasteners are not properly secured, you will quickly notice some wobbling. It is also advisable to check whether all screws are tightened evenly to prevent any uncontrolled gaps from forming.