I have a question that has been on my mind for some time: Why does the Malm bed only squeak under load, that is, when someone lies on it or moves, but not when it is empty? It is a typical Ikea Malm bed, which appears to be quite sturdy, yet it still makes this annoying squeaking noise precisely at the moments when pressure is applied to the structure. I suspect that movement or weight causes certain parts to rub against each other or that the material yields at specific connectors, but I would like to understand exactly how this happens mechanically and whether the problem can usually be fixed easily. Maybe there are differences between various Malm models or issues caused by assembly errors? I am looking forward to your opinions and explanations.
Genevieve schrieb:
When the bed frame is unloaded, everything is static; the parts involved touch without any movement.That is correct. Technically, the squeaking occurs due to shear movements at connection points when a certain load is applied. The stress distribution changes, and the micro-movements on the wood or metal contact surfaces increase friction almost abruptly.
Matthewt48 schrieb:
Anyone reassembling the bed can minimize the problem by tightening the screws precisely.I can only agree with that. Another factor is the materials used in the Malm: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is harder than solid wood but tends to develop tiny fiber fractures or wear at contact points, which can increase squeaking under load.
In summary: Without load, there are no micro-movements and therefore no squeaking.
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Friedrich14 Jun 2022 06:18I completely understand how frustrating this is. This Malm bed squeaks exactly when you want to lie down and relax – that is, under load – and not when it's just standing still. It shows how sensitive some joints are to pressure.
Regular maintenance, such as tightening screws and making minor repairs, can often help. However, I would also recommend being patient, as many people experience this issue and gradually find their own way to manage the squeaking noise. Getting used to the unusual sound is also part of the process.
No one wants to lose sleep because of squeaking, but technically, it is a natural effect with wooden furniture.
Regular maintenance, such as tightening screws and making minor repairs, can often help. However, I would also recommend being patient, as many people experience this issue and gradually find their own way to manage the squeaking noise. Getting used to the unusual sound is also part of the process.
No one wants to lose sleep because of squeaking, but technically, it is a natural effect with wooden furniture.
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