ᐅ Why do some Malm furniture pieces squeak even when assembled correctly?
Created on: 22 Oct 2024 08:17
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Good morning everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: Why do some IKEA Malm furniture pieces squeak even when assembled correctly? By this, I mean that all screws are properly tightened, all parts fit as intended, yet you still hear this unpleasant, occasional squeaking, especially when moving or sitting on them. Does anyone have a clear explanation or experience as to what might cause this? I suspect that the material or the joining techniques could play a role, but I would like to hear well-founded opinions on this.
Hello everyone, I would like to add that with solid wood furniture as well as furniture made from MDF, squeaking is not always caused by screws. The issue often lies in the contact joints, for example between drawer sides and guide rails. Slightly tightening the screws doesn’t always help either; instead, precise sanding or attaching felt strips at contact points can be effective. My recommendation: try closely observing the moving parts to identify exactly where the noises come from. This way, you can pinpoint the source of the squeaking and respond more effectively.
I think as long as the squeaking isn’t too loud, it can even have a bit of charm 😄 But seriously, let’s be honest: the combination of MDF and cheap fittings almost guarantees small flaws. Maybe that’s a compromise you accept with this kind of furniture? Felt pads or even a bit of talcum powder in the tight corners can sometimes work wonders without affecting the appearance. Essentially a quiet fix for annoying noises ;-)
It’s interesting that everyone here assumes the squeaking is due to the material or construction. I argue that it is a result of mass production and standardization: IKEA relies on cheap materials and weak fasteners. The focus is not on durability or noise prevention, but on quick assembly and the lowest possible price. That’s why it squeaks. If you want high-quality furniture making, you have to invest differently.
Quote from GALEO4:
Hey, that really hits the mark. It explains why these models have a poor reputation for durability among specialized furniture circles. But I find it unfortunate that buyers aren’t clearly informed about this. Still, I’m interested in practical solutions—like lubricants, felt pads, etc.—which several have already described well here. Thanks to everyone who has shared helpful tips.
GALEO4 schrieb:
IKEA relies on cheap materials and weak fasteners.
Hey, that really hits the mark. It explains why these models have a poor reputation for durability among specialized furniture circles. But I find it unfortunate that buyers aren’t clearly informed about this. Still, I’m interested in practical solutions—like lubricants, felt pads, etc.—which several have already described well here. Thanks to everyone who has shared helpful tips.
Regarding materials, it should be added that solid wood furniture tends to squeak less. MDF can swell easily when exposed to moisture, causing small stresses that may result in squeaking sounds. Another tip: avoid tightening screws too much, as excessive tension can promote squeaking.
Additionally, I would like to point out that the substrate and the load on the piece of furniture also have an impact. Uneven floors allow for minimal movement, which can cause noise. A combination of rubber pads, balanced load distribution, and precise fastening can increase the durability of the solution.
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