ᐅ Which materials are suitable for repairing Malm drawers?

Created on: 14 Dec 2021 09:13
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pomohau
Hello everyone, I am currently facing the challenge of repairing some Malm drawers from Ikea that have unfortunately been damaged due to frequent use. Specifically, I am interested in materials that work well for replacing or reinforcing drawer bottoms and side panels. It is important to me that the materials are durable but also easy to work with, as I do not have a professional carpentry background. Does anyone know of suitable types of wood, panel materials, or perhaps even specialized repair materials that have proven effective? Tips on adhesives or fasteners are also very welcome, since the stability of the drawers must be ensured. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Jodyro
16 Dec 2021 08:04
12mm (1/2 inch) plywood, D3 wood glue, and 3x30mm (1/8x1 1/4 inch) screws. Strips for reinforcement, finished.
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pomohau
16 Dec 2021 09:57
fepau schrieb:
Don’t forget to pre-drill screws before drilling, otherwise the wood tends to split.

Thanks for the tip! I had underestimated the importance of pre-drilling until now.

One more question for the experienced ones: Is it worth reusing the original fittings (metal guides), or is it better to switch to new sliding hardware? The drawers should run smoothly and remain stable over the long term.

And what about replacing the drawer bottoms in general? Should you go for a completely new panel, or is it sufficient to reinforce the existing bottom if it isn’t fully damaged yet?