Hello everyone, I recently assembled a Malm sideboard from IKEA, but unfortunately, the legs wobble quite a bit, especially when opening the drawers. The furniture is placed on a relatively even laminate floor, and I have checked the screws multiple times – they are tightened properly. I am interested in practical solutions to improve the stability of the legs and eliminate the wobbling permanently, without damaging the furniture or making major modifications. Are there any proven methods, particularly for the MALM series, that I should be aware of? Thank you in advance for your advice!
This is amazing, all the ideas coming together here! 🙂 I’d like to add: if you’re a bit handy, try attaching a small wooden strip under the legs, precisely fitted. That really provides a stable base! Sometimes such a simple trick is enough to eliminate that annoying wobble. Good luck, you can do it! 🙂
Interesting, there is a lot of emphasis here on leveling the feet and subfloors, but is there actually a quality issue with Malm feet?
Do you think this is a permanent solution, or just a temporary fix?
Also: If the screws are really tight, couldn't the wobbling also be caused by material deformation or minimal play in the drawer mechanics? Would a general criticism of the production material make sense in this case?
tangi schrieb:
A first and effective measure is the use of felt pads or non-slip pads under the feet.
Do you think this is a permanent solution, or just a temporary fix?
Also: If the screws are really tight, couldn't the wobbling also be caused by material deformation or minimal play in the drawer mechanics? Would a general criticism of the production material make sense in this case?
The feet are often just pushed on, which causes looseness. Solution: secure the feet with strong adhesive tape or bond them with plastic glue. This provides a long-lasting hold. Tightening screws is important – but if the material is already of low quality, it won’t help much.
One more tip from me: If the MALM legs have no adjustability, you can go to a hardware store and buy small furniture levelers. They are affordable, screw-in, and usually replace the original legs without any problem. This way, you even gain a bit more stability and adaptability for uneven floors. 😊
Thank you for the many helpful responses; they have been very useful. I will first try the rubber pads and, if necessary, check the screws again.
That’s an interesting point. I haven’t checked yet whether the drawers themselves have any play. Should I investigate that next and, if so, how can I counteract it?
That seems a bit risky to me if you want to modify or return the furniture later. Are there less noticeable alternatives that won’t leave any residue?
janeo schrieb:
If the screws are really tight, couldn’t the wobbling also be caused by material deformation or slight play in the drawer mechanics?
That’s an interesting point. I haven’t checked yet whether the drawers themselves have any play. Should I investigate that next and, if so, how can I counteract it?
Johnnybe schrieb:
Secure the feet with strong adhesive tape or glue with plastic adhesive. That will hold permanently.
That seems a bit risky to me if you want to modify or return the furniture later. Are there less noticeable alternatives that won’t leave any residue?
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