ᐅ Why is it no longer possible to repair Malm furniture the way it used to be?
Created on: 22 Feb 2020 09:13
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Paolo60
Hello everyone,
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about repairing furniture, especially the popular Malm furniture from IKEA. In the past, wooden furniture could still be repaired or restored quite well on your own: tightening screws, using glue, or selectively replacing parts – this often worked easily and lasted a long time. Today, however, I often fail even at the attempt to bring a Malm shelf or dresser back to a stable condition.
So my specific question is: Why is it no longer possible to repair modern Malm furniture in the same way as traditional wooden furniture used to be repaired? What technical or design-related reasons make repairs much more difficult or even impossible?
I would appreciate detailed explanations, preferably with references to the materials or construction techniques used that prevent this.
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about repairing furniture, especially the popular Malm furniture from IKEA. In the past, wooden furniture could still be repaired or restored quite well on your own: tightening screws, using glue, or selectively replacing parts – this often worked easily and lasted a long time. Today, however, I often fail even at the attempt to bring a Malm shelf or dresser back to a stable condition.
So my specific question is: Why is it no longer possible to repair modern Malm furniture in the same way as traditional wooden furniture used to be repaired? What technical or design-related reasons make repairs much more difficult or even impossible?
I would appreciate detailed explanations, preferably with references to the materials or construction techniques used that prevent this.
Hello,
you have described the problem very well!
That is exactly a key point. The printed or decorative panels have low edge strength, and the screw holes are often surrounded by only thin material. When screws are screwed in and out multiple times, the fibers break down and the holding power is lost.
In contrast, older wooden furniture was usually built so that screws and nails were anchored in solid wood, where the material lasts much longer.
Regarding spare parts: At IKEA itself, you often only get complete modules, not individual panels or boards, so repairs quickly become expensive and impractical.
By the way, there are other IKEA product lines with somewhat more solid wood or stronger connections – but these are also significantly more expensive.
you have described the problem very well!
Paolo60 schrieb:
every time the furniture is taken apart, more material breaks, especially around the drilled holes, which then completely reduces the stability.
That is exactly a key point. The printed or decorative panels have low edge strength, and the screw holes are often surrounded by only thin material. When screws are screwed in and out multiple times, the fibers break down and the holding power is lost.
In contrast, older wooden furniture was usually built so that screws and nails were anchored in solid wood, where the material lasts much longer.
Regarding spare parts: At IKEA itself, you often only get complete modules, not individual panels or boards, so repairs quickly become expensive and impractical.
By the way, there are other IKEA product lines with somewhat more solid wood or stronger connections – but these are also significantly more expensive.
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sonJohnn4922 Feb 2020 12:29Malm and similar furniture are designed for easy assembly and low cost, which naturally compromises repairability. Solid wood furniture is more durable and easier to repair.
Hmm, it almost sounds like Malm furniture is more of a disposable product rather than built to last. 😏
I think that’s a shame because with a bit more craftsmanship and better materials, it wouldn’t just be repairable but also more sustainable. But yes, the price competition takes its toll.
That said, they do look quite sleek – well, I guess some compromise is inevitable. Still, it’s great to have these kinds of discussions here! 🙂
I think that’s a shame because with a bit more craftsmanship and better materials, it wouldn’t just be repairable but also more sustainable. But yes, the price competition takes its toll.
That said, they do look quite sleek – well, I guess some compromise is inevitable. Still, it’s great to have these kinds of discussions here! 🙂
meGreg schrieb:
...as if Malm furniture were disposable products rather than built to last.That is exactly the point: furniture manufacturers like IKEA have to consider the cost-benefit ratio for the mass market. Low price, easy handling during transport and assembly are the main priorities.
If furniture were designed to be repairable and durable, more expensive materials would have to be used and more complex joining techniques applied, which would increase the price.
Another technical aspect is that many of the fasteners used by IKEA are intended for initial assembly only, not for repeated reassembly. The plastic connectors are specially shaped and break more easily than traditional wooden dowels or screw joints in solid wood.
Perhaps one solution would be to get spare parts or special repair kits directly from IKEA, if available. There are also alternative repair methods using special repair kits for particleboard.
I find this discussion really good and important.
As someone who likes to repair furniture, I have firsthand experience with the frustration that comes with Malm furniture. The lack of reparability clearly limits the options and increases waste.
I would appreciate an option where you can at least get individual replacement parts to fix specific damages. Or some kind of IKEA repair service that specializes in exchanging single damaged components.
It is not only an economic issue but also an environmental one. Sustainability suffers when furniture is basically designed for short service lives.
As someone who likes to repair furniture, I have firsthand experience with the frustration that comes with Malm furniture. The lack of reparability clearly limits the options and increases waste.
I would appreciate an option where you can at least get individual replacement parts to fix specific damages. Or some kind of IKEA repair service that specializes in exchanging single damaged components.
It is not only an economic issue but also an environmental one. Sustainability suffers when furniture is basically designed for short service lives.
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