Hello everyone,
I have a question that has been on my mind for a while, and I hope to get some practical insights or explanations here. Why do Malm nightstands from IKEA squeak even though they seem to be assembled correctly?
I have really followed all the instructions, tightened all the screws, and nothing appears to be loose. Still, when moving or slightly tilting the nightstand, there is an annoying squeaking noise, which probably comes from the movement of the individual parts or joints.
Are there common causes that are often overlooked despite proper assembly? Perhaps material properties, friction between wood and metal, or incorrect storage?
I would really appreciate detailed assessments, as I am also considering how to permanently eliminate this squeaking without having to take the furniture apart or treat it roughly.
I have a question that has been on my mind for a while, and I hope to get some practical insights or explanations here. Why do Malm nightstands from IKEA squeak even though they seem to be assembled correctly?
I have really followed all the instructions, tightened all the screws, and nothing appears to be loose. Still, when moving or slightly tilting the nightstand, there is an annoying squeaking noise, which probably comes from the movement of the individual parts or joints.
Are there common causes that are often overlooked despite proper assembly? Perhaps material properties, friction between wood and metal, or incorrect storage?
I would really appreciate detailed assessments, as I am also considering how to permanently eliminate this squeaking without having to take the furniture apart or treat it roughly.
S
stefangla13 May 2020 10:22Hello Vinplo50,
From my own experience and extensive work with IKEA furniture, I can say that squeaking often isn’t caused by the assembly itself, but by the following:
1. Friction between wood and metal parts: For Malm nightstands, metal fittings are often connected to wood. Wood naturally expands and contracts slightly, which causes movements that lead to noise.
2. Sliding surfaces and screw connections: Even if screws are tight, small movements at the joints often cause squeaking and creaking sounds.
3. Surface friction: When no lubricants are used, wooden slats or similar parts rub during movement, which can be heard.
Measures that can help sometimes include:
- Slightly retightening all screws, even if they seem “tight.”
- Applying lubricants such as silicone spray or dry lubricant to contact points.
- Adding small felt or plastic pads (bumpers) at critical spots.
In summary: Proper assembly is often not enough because material properties and slight micro-movements cause noises. The solution is to eliminate or dampen points of friction.
From my own experience and extensive work with IKEA furniture, I can say that squeaking often isn’t caused by the assembly itself, but by the following:
1. Friction between wood and metal parts: For Malm nightstands, metal fittings are often connected to wood. Wood naturally expands and contracts slightly, which causes movements that lead to noise.
2. Sliding surfaces and screw connections: Even if screws are tight, small movements at the joints often cause squeaking and creaking sounds.
3. Surface friction: When no lubricants are used, wooden slats or similar parts rub during movement, which can be heard.
Measures that can help sometimes include:
- Slightly retightening all screws, even if they seem “tight.”
- Applying lubricants such as silicone spray or dry lubricant to contact points.
- Adding small felt or plastic pads (bumpers) at critical spots.
In summary: Proper assembly is often not enough because material properties and slight micro-movements cause noises. The solution is to eliminate or dampen points of friction.
Hello,
I would like to add the following in addition to stefangla’s post:
The squeaking in furniture like the Malm nightstand often results from changing humidity levels, which cause the wood to expand or contract. Even if the assembly was done properly, this can lead to stress at the connection points.
I also recommend not underestimating the role of the flooring. Uneven floors with firm spots can promote rocking movements that cause noises. A simple rubber mat or felt pads under the feet work wonders here.
As a general rule: even if everything seems to be assembled correctly, material dynamics and usage conditions can be responsible for the squeaking. It’s worth addressing several areas at once—screws, lubricants, floor leveling.
I would like to add the following in addition to stefangla’s post:
The squeaking in furniture like the Malm nightstand often results from changing humidity levels, which cause the wood to expand or contract. Even if the assembly was done properly, this can lead to stress at the connection points.
I also recommend not underestimating the role of the flooring. Uneven floors with firm spots can promote rocking movements that cause noises. A simple rubber mat or felt pads under the feet work wonders here.
As a general rule: even if everything seems to be assembled correctly, material dynamics and usage conditions can be responsible for the squeaking. It’s worth addressing several areas at once—screws, lubricants, floor leveling.
Simply check all the screws again to ensure they are properly tightened.
Most of the time, two wooden surfaces rub directly against each other; a dry lubricant (e.g., candle wax) can help here.
Also check the glides under the feet. The squeaking often comes from small movements.
Most of the time, two wooden surfaces rub directly against each other; a dry lubricant (e.g., candle wax) can help here.
Also check the glides under the feet. The squeaking often comes from small movements.
Hello everyone,
I would like to summarize this a bit more systematically because it is a very common issue with Malm nightstands.
1. Material: Malm is made of particleboard with a foil coating. Foil surfaces can cause minimal abrasion, which leads to noises.
2. Connection screws and fittings: Precise tightening is important, but composite materials like particleboard do not provide a rigid metal hold. The screws can have slight play that causes creaking or squeaking when moving.
3. Floor contact: Many underestimate this point. An uneven floor or missing glide pads destabilizes the structure and promotes creaking noises due to small rocking movements.
4. Moisture & temperature: Wood and wood-based materials react differently, which leads to slight deformations.
5. Assembly errors: A supposedly ‘good assembly’ is not always correct, for example if screws are not tightened to the appropriate torque or parts are not perfectly aligned.
Suggested solutions:
- Systematically retighten screws, even if already done.
- Treat sliding surfaces lightly with a solid lubricant (e.g., beeswax or PTFE spray).
- Attach felt pads or small protective pads under the feet.
- Possibly use adhesives or sealants on slightly movable joints, provided the furniture is not intended to be disassembled.
I hope this provides a good overview. I’m happy to answer any questions.
I would like to summarize this a bit more systematically because it is a very common issue with Malm nightstands.
1. Material: Malm is made of particleboard with a foil coating. Foil surfaces can cause minimal abrasion, which leads to noises.
2. Connection screws and fittings: Precise tightening is important, but composite materials like particleboard do not provide a rigid metal hold. The screws can have slight play that causes creaking or squeaking when moving.
3. Floor contact: Many underestimate this point. An uneven floor or missing glide pads destabilizes the structure and promotes creaking noises due to small rocking movements.
4. Moisture & temperature: Wood and wood-based materials react differently, which leads to slight deformations.
5. Assembly errors: A supposedly ‘good assembly’ is not always correct, for example if screws are not tightened to the appropriate torque or parts are not perfectly aligned.
Suggested solutions:
- Systematically retighten screws, even if already done.
- Treat sliding surfaces lightly with a solid lubricant (e.g., beeswax or PTFE spray).
- Attach felt pads or small protective pads under the feet.
- Possibly use adhesives or sealants on slightly movable joints, provided the furniture is not intended to be disassembled.
I hope this provides a good overview. I’m happy to answer any questions.
Let's be honest, I think the squeaking is just a typical case of "cheap furniture."
There’s so much assembly and screwing involved with IKEA and similar companies, but the materials aren’t made to last for decades. It’s no surprise that something eventually starts to squeak. And no, it’s not “despite good assembly” — it’s because they have to cut corners somewhere.
I’m tired of constantly fiddling with it and applying wax or silicone to the screws. I want quality or nothing. 😉
There’s so much assembly and screwing involved with IKEA and similar companies, but the materials aren’t made to last for decades. It’s no surprise that something eventually starts to squeak. And no, it’s not “despite good assembly” — it’s because they have to cut corners somewhere.
I’m tired of constantly fiddling with it and applying wax or silicone to the screws. I want quality or nothing. 😉
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