Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Malm bedside table, which started wobbling suddenly after a move. It had been standing firmly in place for years, but now I notice that especially when applying light pressure on the surface, it becomes unstable.
I have already checked that all screws are still tight, and the legs appear undamaged. It seems more likely that the floor or the base surface has somehow changed, or possibly the structure has slightly warped.
My question is: What steps can I take to restore the stability of the Malm bedside table? What possible causes should I consider in such a case, and how can I specifically address them?
I would appreciate any detailed advice!
I have already checked that all screws are still tight, and the legs appear undamaged. It seems more likely that the floor or the base surface has somehow changed, or possibly the structure has slightly warped.
My question is: What steps can I take to restore the stability of the Malm bedside table? What possible causes should I consider in such a case, and how can I specifically address them?
I would appreciate any detailed advice!
Interesting points!
Regarding your question about wood glue: For furniture like the Malm, screws and dowels are actually used so that the item can be disassembled. Using wood glue at the joints does strengthen the connection, but it limits easy disassembly and can cause damage if taken apart again.
Therefore, wood glue should only be applied when you are sure you won’t need to take the furniture apart anytime soon. Additionally, the key is to accurately identify the cause of any wobbling: Is the issue at the joint itself, or is it related to the floor surface?
Sometimes placing small rubber pads under the legs can help to compensate for slight unevenness and reduce vibrations.
Also consider whether a drawer might be misaligned, which could affect the stability. This can often be fixed with some fine adjustment.
Regarding your question about wood glue: For furniture like the Malm, screws and dowels are actually used so that the item can be disassembled. Using wood glue at the joints does strengthen the connection, but it limits easy disassembly and can cause damage if taken apart again.
Therefore, wood glue should only be applied when you are sure you won’t need to take the furniture apart anytime soon. Additionally, the key is to accurately identify the cause of any wobbling: Is the issue at the joint itself, or is it related to the floor surface?
Sometimes placing small rubber pads under the legs can help to compensate for slight unevenness and reduce vibrations.
Also consider whether a drawer might be misaligned, which could affect the stability. This can often be fixed with some fine adjustment.
T
Timmyse365 Mar 2022 10:47I think you’ve already made a great start. 🙂
I often feel the same way. Especially with furniture that has sentimental value or is quite new, it’s easy to be afraid of making the wrong move.
My advice is to take it step by step and test along the way to see how things change. When using wood glue, I apply only a small amount and very precisely. If you don’t absolutely need it, it’s also fine to skip it initially and experiment with felt pads instead. Sometimes the solution can be surprisingly simple.
Teodra schrieb:
I don’t want to break anything
I often feel the same way. Especially with furniture that has sentimental value or is quite new, it’s easy to be afraid of making the wrong move.
My advice is to take it step by step and test along the way to see how things change. When using wood glue, I apply only a small amount and very precisely. If you don’t absolutely need it, it’s also fine to skip it initially and experiment with felt pads instead. Sometimes the solution can be surprisingly simple.
Try arranging a small circle of chairs around your nightstand and let the legs do a little dance – I mean, try placing the felt pads in different spots! ;-)
Jokes aside: Sometimes the wobbling is just a result of fully loaded drawers or a slightly sticky floor that’s still drying.
If you think felt pads are inexpensive and easy to replace, it’s better to first try different thicknesses.
Better to wobble with style than to wobble in chaos, right? 😉
Jokes aside: Sometimes the wobbling is just a result of fully loaded drawers or a slightly sticky floor that’s still drying.
Timmyse36 schrieb:is really important, because you don’t want your nightstand to turn into a wooden puzzle.
Taking it step by step
If you think felt pads are inexpensive and easy to replace, it’s better to first try different thicknesses.
Better to wobble with style than to wobble in chaos, right? 😉
Thank you for the kind tips and detailed explanations.
It has indeed been confirmed that the floor is slightly uneven and one leg has minimal contact. This morning, I tested different thicknesses of felt pads and raised the leg slightly with a very thin wooden wedge – this seems to have improved the stability.
What I will still do: check the drawers to see if they slide well and do not stick – I have not checked this thoroughly so far.
I will postpone the suggestion from minan and BAUEVA to use wood glue cautiously, as the ability to disassemble remains important.
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to consider the issue! I will report back if there are any new developments.
It has indeed been confirmed that the floor is slightly uneven and one leg has minimal contact. This morning, I tested different thicknesses of felt pads and raised the leg slightly with a very thin wooden wedge – this seems to have improved the stability.
What I will still do: check the drawers to see if they slide well and do not stick – I have not checked this thoroughly so far.
I will postpone the suggestion from minan and BAUEVA to use wood glue cautiously, as the ability to disassemble remains important.
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to consider the issue! I will report back if there are any new developments.
C
chenValeri7 Mar 2022 08:30Great that you found a solution. In case you work on the construction later: Be careful not to overtighten the original screws. This can happen very easily with chipboard panels and results in weak connections.
If necessary, use replacement dowels or screws with longer lengths, but always with caution.
If necessary, use replacement dowels or screws with longer lengths, but always with caution.
Similar topics