Why do some Malm beds creak more than others?
I recently bought a Malm bed from IKEA and noticed that it creaks quite a bit when I turn over or get up. I’ve heard from others that their Malm beds don’t creak at all or creak much less. I’m curious about what might cause this.
Is it due to the assembly, differences in materials, wear and tear, or the type of mattress? Or do environmental factors like humidity play a role?
Maybe someone has experience with this specific issue in Malm beds and can explain why some are noticeably louder than others—and what can be done about it.
I recently bought a Malm bed from IKEA and noticed that it creaks quite a bit when I turn over or get up. I’ve heard from others that their Malm beds don’t creak at all or creak much less. I’m curious about what might cause this.
Is it due to the assembly, differences in materials, wear and tear, or the type of mattress? Or do environmental factors like humidity play a role?
Maybe someone has experience with this specific issue in Malm beds and can explain why some are noticeably louder than others—and what can be done about it.
I would like to add some facts from materials science to the previous explanations:
Particle boards, like those used in Malm beds, have a structure that is particularly sensitive to moisture. As already mentioned, this leads to minimal swelling and shrinking. Another factor is the aging of the fasteners themselves: screws can loosen the wood over time, especially if they are screwed in and out multiple times.
Therefore, for particularly noisy beds, replacing the screws or re-drilling with larger dowels can be helpful.
A permanently stable connection prevents movements that cause noise.
In addition, the construction design and the type of slatted base also play a role. Some slatted bases are heavier and transfer more shear forces to the frame wood.
This fits very well with my observations.
Particle boards, like those used in Malm beds, have a structure that is particularly sensitive to moisture. As already mentioned, this leads to minimal swelling and shrinking. Another factor is the aging of the fasteners themselves: screws can loosen the wood over time, especially if they are screwed in and out multiple times.
Therefore, for particularly noisy beds, replacing the screws or re-drilling with larger dowels can be helpful.
A permanently stable connection prevents movements that cause noise.
In addition, the construction design and the type of slatted base also play a role. Some slatted bases are heavier and transfer more shear forces to the frame wood.
Nathanaelk schrieb:
Uneven loading, for example, from a firmer mattress on a softer base, can transfer tensile forces to the frame and thus increase the play of the parts.
This fits very well with my observations.
I’m familiar with this issue; my Malm bed also creaked for a while, which was really stressful—especially when you’re tired at night and the bed keeps driving you crazy…
What helped me was approaching the problem systematically: first, patiently tighten all the screws, then carefully isolate all moving parts with dry felt pads. This really helped reduce the annoying noises.
My advice is to calmly check every contact point and don’t get frustrated.
Yes, definitely—I noticed my bed almost doesn’t creak in summer, but more often in winter when the air is dry.
What helped me was approaching the problem systematically: first, patiently tighten all the screws, then carefully isolate all moving parts with dry felt pads. This really helped reduce the annoying noises.
My advice is to calmly check every contact point and don’t get frustrated.
teodorotau schrieb:
Or do environmental factors like humidity play a role?
Yes, definitely—I noticed my bed almost doesn’t creak in summer, but more often in winter when the air is dry.
Hello teodorotau,
I would like to summarize your question and add some points based on my experience and common recommendations:
Squeaking in Malm beds mainly occurs due to loose connections, friction between wood and metal, as well as material changes caused by humidity and temperature.
Whether the bed squeaks more or less depends largely on:
- precise assembly (correct tightening torque of the screws)
- the load (slatted frame plus mattress)
- the ambient humidity
- and structural conditions (uneven floor, wood tension)
Regularly retightening the screws and using suitable lubricants at contact points (e.g., wax) are the most effective ways to reduce squeaking.
If you like, I can also provide you with a small checklist for eliminating the noise.
I would like to summarize your question and add some points based on my experience and common recommendations:
Squeaking in Malm beds mainly occurs due to loose connections, friction between wood and metal, as well as material changes caused by humidity and temperature.
Whether the bed squeaks more or less depends largely on:
- precise assembly (correct tightening torque of the screws)
- the load (slatted frame plus mattress)
- the ambient humidity
- and structural conditions (uneven floor, wood tension)
Regularly retightening the screws and using suitable lubricants at contact points (e.g., wax) are the most effective ways to reduce squeaking.
If you like, I can also provide you with a small checklist for eliminating the noise.
N
Nathanaelk6 Feb 2024 11:28Jukin schrieb:
Regularly retightening the screws and using suitable lubricants at contact points (e.g., wax) help the mostExactly. To add to that: If you especially value peace and quiet, you might consider using anaerobic threadlocker (Loctite) on the screws.
This prevents the threads from loosening due to vibrations without permanently gluing the screws in place. Of course, it is important that the assembly is fully completed correctly before applying the product.
koduga schrieb:
Being tired in the evening and the bed constantly driving you crazyCompletely understandable! The small noises can quickly escalate. That’s why I would always recommend a systematic approach and eliminating all possible sources step by step.
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