ᐅ Why does the MALM bed only creak in certain spots?

Created on: 29 Jan 2021 08:13
G
Glaarkadi
Hello everyone,

I have a question about the IKEA Malm bed. It only creaks in certain spots, not all around the frame. Specifically, the annoying creaking happens only occasionally when I sit or move in particular areas of the bed – sometimes near the headboard, sometimes on the side in the middle.

I assembled the bed myself and all screws are tightened, yet the noise still occurs sporadically, not continuously.

My question is: Why does a Malm bed creak only in some places? Are there common reasons known for these models? And is there a specific method to fix it without having to take the whole bed apart?

Thanks in advance for your insights and experiences!
R
Rhett
29 Jan 2021 12:03
It is also possible that some wooden parts are slightly warped. Small unevenness can cause occasional squeaking.
G
Glaarkadi
30 Jan 2021 07:43
tolokau schrieb:
insert thin felt or plastic washers at tight wood joints to reduce friction

Interesting tip, could you briefly explain the best way to do this so that the fit is not too loose or too tight in the end? And which exact joints should one try this on? Thanks!
T
tolokau
30 Jan 2021 08:15
Sure!

The idea is to place felt pads or thin plastic discs as buffers between two wooden parts that would otherwise be in direct contact and cause squeaking due to friction.

In the case of the Malm, this is often where the edges of the side panels and cross supports meet.

Procedure: loosen the screws, attach felt pads or, for example, strips of foam rubber (1-2mm (0.04-0.08 inches) thick) to the surfaces, then tighten everything back up. Make sure the screws are not too loose, or the bed will wobble. The buffers should be only minimally thick so that the fit changes very little.
G
Glaarkadi
30 Jan 2021 09:29
tolokau schrieb:
The spacers should be as thin as possible so that the fit changes very little.

That makes sense. Are there specific types of felt or materials that are better suited for durability here? I want to avoid it wearing off or starting to peel off after a short time.
M
mifra
30 Jan 2021 11:04
For long-lasting solutions, synthetic felt pads or neoprene cushions are better suited than natural felt. They are more resistant to pressure, moisture, and stretching. Adhesive pads made from silicone- or polyurethane-coated felt also provide good adhesion and effectively prevent rubbing noises.
M
meGreg
30 Jan 2021 11:22
I personally find the silicone pads very practical because they hardly move and can be attached almost invisibly. And don’t worry if one spot squeaks again briefly; just fix it once more. A bed with small quirks makes life more interesting! 😉