ᐅ The Malm bed squeaks even when assembled according to the instructions – what am I doing wrong?
Created on: 4 Nov 2021 08:32
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KEKLO37Hello everyone,
I recently assembled a Malm bed from IKEA, following the included assembly instructions carefully. However, the bed squeaks loudly when lying down and with even the slightest movement. I have checked and tightened all the screws multiple times, but the problem persists.
Can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong or what else I should pay attention to? Are there any specific tips for preventing squeaking noises with this type of bed frame? I have also tried lubricating the contact points, but this only reduced the noise temporarily.
Thank you in advance for your help!
I recently assembled a Malm bed from IKEA, following the included assembly instructions carefully. However, the bed squeaks loudly when lying down and with even the slightest movement. I have checked and tightened all the screws multiple times, but the problem persists.
Can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong or what else I should pay attention to? Are there any specific tips for preventing squeaking noises with this type of bed frame? I have also tried lubricating the contact points, but this only reduced the noise temporarily.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Interesting starting point.
However, I wonder whether the cause of the squeaking really lies in the installation itself, or if the materials or connection points were possibly not treated adequately.
This is an important hint – because if only the surface is oiled, it can indeed be just a temporary solution. You should check whether all connection points are properly tightened and whether any wooden parts might be squeaking due to friction.
Have you specifically checked the slat supports? Sometimes it is precisely the small plastic or rubber parts that cause problems.
However, I wonder whether the cause of the squeaking really lies in the installation itself, or if the materials or connection points were possibly not treated adequately.
KEKLO37 schrieb:
I have also tried oiling the contact surfaces, but that only reduced the noise temporarily.
This is an important hint – because if only the surface is oiled, it can indeed be just a temporary solution. You should check whether all connection points are properly tightened and whether any wooden parts might be squeaking due to friction.
Have you specifically checked the slat supports? Sometimes it is precisely the small plastic or rubber parts that cause problems.
From my experience with the Malm bed, there are some common causes of squeaking noises, even when the assembly instructions have been followed precisely.
First, make sure that all screws are not only tight but also correctly positioned, such as the crosswise wooden slats, which are sometimes misaligned and can cause tension.
I also recommend adding felt pads at the contact points between metal and wooden parts – these help reduce friction and prevent the typical squeaking.
It is also important to check the slatted frame: adjustable or low-quality slatted frames are more prone to squeaking noises. The slatted frame may not fit the bed frame optimally.
First, make sure that all screws are not only tight but also correctly positioned, such as the crosswise wooden slats, which are sometimes misaligned and can cause tension.
I also recommend adding felt pads at the contact points between metal and wooden parts – these help reduce friction and prevent the typical squeaking.
It is also important to check the slatted frame: adjustable or low-quality slatted frames are more prone to squeaking noises. The slatted frame may not fit the bed frame optimally.
For systematic problem analysis:
1. Screws and fasteners: Repeated tightening is good, but ensure even tension to avoid uneven stress, which can cause deformation and result in squeaking.
2. Contact surfaces: Especially wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal contacts are often underestimated. Rubbing surfaces can be softened by applying thin Teflon tape or rubber.
3. Slatted frame check: This includes both the proper fit and the condition of the support slats.
4. Wood moisture: Dry, brittle wood is more likely to produce noise under load. Using wood preservative treatment can help if moisture is not the issue.
A detailed check of these points should help narrow down the cause.
1. Screws and fasteners: Repeated tightening is good, but ensure even tension to avoid uneven stress, which can cause deformation and result in squeaking.
2. Contact surfaces: Especially wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal contacts are often underestimated. Rubbing surfaces can be softened by applying thin Teflon tape or rubber.
3. Slatted frame check: This includes both the proper fit and the condition of the support slats.
4. Wood moisture: Dry, brittle wood is more likely to produce noise under load. Using wood preservative treatment can help if moisture is not the issue.
A detailed check of these points should help narrow down the cause.
I recently thought about whether the squeaking of the Malm bed might simply be a small compromise for a mass-market product priced under 200 euros.
That’s exactly the point: many try to fix problems with small tricks, even though the basic material already has weaknesses – in this case, cheap particleboard that can change due to moisture and stress.
I bet that even if you disassemble all the screws and reassemble them, the squeaking will come back because the material simply isn’t permanently stable.
Garry schrieb:
I also recommend placing felt pads at the contact points between metal and wood parts
That’s exactly the point: many try to fix problems with small tricks, even though the basic material already has weaknesses – in this case, cheap particleboard that can change due to moisture and stress.
I bet that even if you disassemble all the screws and reassemble them, the squeaking will come back because the material simply isn’t permanently stable.
The hypothesis from ANMARCOS regarding the material is interesting, but from a technical perspective, I believe it makes more sense to start systematically with the mechanical components.
Oil is not an optimal choice because it is quickly absorbed by the wood pores, causing the lubrication effect to fade. Solid lubricants such as waxes or silicone sprays are better, as they last longer.
Additionally, the assembly method should be reconsidered: if wooden parts are constantly moved back and forth, particleboard can crack. In this case, small wooden blocks or rubber buffers at the joints can increase stability and reduce friction.
KEKLO37 schrieb:
I have already tried oiling the contact surfaces, but that only reduced the noise temporarily.
Oil is not an optimal choice because it is quickly absorbed by the wood pores, causing the lubrication effect to fade. Solid lubricants such as waxes or silicone sprays are better, as they last longer.
Additionally, the assembly method should be reconsidered: if wooden parts are constantly moved back and forth, particleboard can crack. In this case, small wooden blocks or rubber buffers at the joints can increase stability and reduce friction.
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