Hello everyone,
I have a somewhat unusual question that has been bothering me recently regarding my Malm bed from IKEA: Why does the Malm bed only squeak occasionally and not all the time?
The construction is quite simple – wooden frame, slatted base, screws – but the squeaking occurs irregularly, sometimes not at all, and sometimes it’s very annoying. I have already tried tightening the screws and placing the bed on a firm surface. Still, the noise sometimes comes back without me making any changes to the bed.
I’m especially interested in the mechanisms behind this intermittent squeaking: Could it be due to material tensions, moisture, temperature, or perhaps humidity? Possibly movement or even the mattress play a role?
Does anyone have experience or deeper knowledge why a basically stable bed frame would make noises only sporadically?
I look forward to your insights and explanations!
I have a somewhat unusual question that has been bothering me recently regarding my Malm bed from IKEA: Why does the Malm bed only squeak occasionally and not all the time?
The construction is quite simple – wooden frame, slatted base, screws – but the squeaking occurs irregularly, sometimes not at all, and sometimes it’s very annoying. I have already tried tightening the screws and placing the bed on a firm surface. Still, the noise sometimes comes back without me making any changes to the bed.
I’m especially interested in the mechanisms behind this intermittent squeaking: Could it be due to material tensions, moisture, temperature, or perhaps humidity? Possibly movement or even the mattress play a role?
Does anyone have experience or deeper knowledge why a basically stable bed frame would make noises only sporadically?
I look forward to your insights and explanations!
Thank you for the previous advice, especially the tips regarding temperature and humidity effects, which make a lot of sense to me.
Regarding the slatted bed base: mine is an original Malm, but I have already checked it. It doesn’t wobble much, but there might be a slight amount of play.
That sounds like a good idea. Is the felt tape meant to be applied between the slatted base and the frame, or under the slats themselves to reduce friction?
Maybe there is an even better solution for these irregular squeaking noises that doesn’t require major changes.
In any case, it seems like a combination of slight movement and changing environmental conditions.
Regarding the slatted bed base: mine is an original Malm, but I have already checked it. It doesn’t wobble much, but there might be a slight amount of play.
nolan schrieb:
Try checking the slats individually for a secure fit or add some felt tape to the frame.
That sounds like a good idea. Is the felt tape meant to be applied between the slatted base and the frame, or under the slats themselves to reduce friction?
Maybe there is an even better solution for these irregular squeaking noises that doesn’t require major changes.
In any case, it seems like a combination of slight movement and changing environmental conditions.
P
PeoDaniel13 Apr 2024 12:45Hi Hau33,
Generally, the felt strip is placed under the slats that rest on the frame to reduce friction in that area. Sometimes, it can also be applied directly between the countertop and the frame if contact surfaces are squeaking.
If you want, you can also check the screw connections at the same time, especially the crossbars, and combine this with some lubricant. This can help reduce squeaking by dampening the friction.
Caution: Do not use oil directly on the wood surfaces, as it can damage the wood. Furniture wax or silicone spray are better options.
Hau33 schrieb:
Is the felt strip mainly intended for the support between the countertop and the frame, or under the slats themselves?
Generally, the felt strip is placed under the slats that rest on the frame to reduce friction in that area. Sometimes, it can also be applied directly between the countertop and the frame if contact surfaces are squeaking.
If you want, you can also check the screw connections at the same time, especially the crossbars, and combine this with some lubricant. This can help reduce squeaking by dampening the friction.
Caution: Do not use oil directly on the wood surfaces, as it can damage the wood. Furniture wax or silicone spray are better options.
I have a somewhat more critical view on this topic:
That is probably correct, but why does it only squeak sometimes?
Here, I suspect that dynamic loads and changes in the stress distribution on the bed frame are responsible. So, if you sit or lie down only on a specific area during the day, pressure points can form that temporarily alter the stresses in a way that causes the bed to squeak.
Additionally, I want to propose the idea that sometimes the assembly or material quality in Malm beds leads to slight deviations. Small inaccuracies in the drill holes or wood panels multiply through movement into squeaking noises.
A systematic investigation with targeted tightening and careful observation during movement could reveal this.
Has anyone here ever tested systematically in which areas the squeaking occurs most frequently?
PeoDaniel schrieb:
Friction between wooden parts or at the joints
That is probably correct, but why does it only squeak sometimes?
Here, I suspect that dynamic loads and changes in the stress distribution on the bed frame are responsible. So, if you sit or lie down only on a specific area during the day, pressure points can form that temporarily alter the stresses in a way that causes the bed to squeak.
Additionally, I want to propose the idea that sometimes the assembly or material quality in Malm beds leads to slight deviations. Small inaccuracies in the drill holes or wood panels multiply through movement into squeaking noises.
A systematic investigation with targeted tightening and careful observation during movement could reveal this.
Has anyone here ever tested systematically in which areas the squeaking occurs most frequently?
Thank you for the suggestion to systematically focus on noises in the bed; that sounds like a good idea.
I will try consciously applying pressure to different parts of the bed to listen carefully for exactly where the squeaking occurs. I have also placed a thermometer and a hygrometer next to the bed to monitor humidity and temperature.
If clear patterns emerge, I’ll be happy to share the data here.
So far, I have only noticed it sporadically and have not pinpointed a specific location. This will be interesting.
I will try consciously applying pressure to different parts of the bed to listen carefully for exactly where the squeaking occurs. I have also placed a thermometer and a hygrometer next to the bed to monitor humidity and temperature.
If clear patterns emerge, I’ll be happy to share the data here.
sifope schrieb:
Has anyone here ever systematically tested which areas the squeaking occurs most frequently?
So far, I have only noticed it sporadically and have not pinpointed a specific location. This will be interesting.
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