Everyone understands how annoying it can be when a noisy bed frame ruins your precious night’s sleep. With a noisy bed, your night activities and sleep pattern can be revealed to those in your neighborhood or even relatives staying over. But, of course, nobody wants that. So you all might be looking for how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame.
Have you asked yourself questions about what could be the cause of the annoying creaks in your wooden bed? Bear in mind that discovering the issue in a wooden bed frame is harder than dealing with metal frames.
The reason for this is that lesser screws and joints are checked. There was a time I used to spend hours searching for the cause of the noise until I discovered that I had to begin my search from the joints and screws.
The shining light in all of this is that the squeaky wooden bed frame can be fixed. If you are interested in fixing a squeaky wooden bed frame, then the time is now.
For those living in hot climates, the weather can have an effect also. This is because heat tends to make woods expand. So, if you are experiencing a squeaky bed frame problem suddenly, then you can blame the weather.
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Why do wooden bed frames squeak?
Before you learn how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame, you will need to know why they squeak in the first place. There are several reasons for wood bed frames squeaking, and here are five of the most common reasons.
- Loose joints: If the joints of the wooden bed frame are not tightly secured, they may shift or rub against each other, causing a squeaking sound.
- Worn-down components: Over time, the wooden components of the bed frame, such as the slats or support beams, may become worn down and start to creak or squeak.
- Dry wood: Wood can dry out over time, especially in dry environments, and this can cause the wood to shrink or crack, leading to squeaks and creaks.
- Movement: If the bed frame is subjected to frequent movements or weight shifts, such as during sleep or sex, it can cause the wooden components to shift or rub against each other, resulting in a squeaking noise.
- Poor assembly: If the bed frame is not assembled correctly, it may cause the wooden components to rub against each other, creating a squeaking sound.
Ways to fix a squeaky bed frame
Once you have gotten the spots that make the squeaky bed problem occur, it is time to put an end to it. If you have many squeaky parts, you can just mark them using nail polish or these colored pencils.
The reason for marking the spot is to not forget it and start searching for them all over again. For example, suppose you want to reduce noise coming from your mattress. In that case, the way to do it tends to vary depending on the materials and the construction.
If you want a peaceful sleep, you are to search for where the squeaking noise is coming from. This can be done simply by subtly rocking your bed and listening for any sound.
An easy way to solve this problem is to tighten your bolts or screws, but this may not be the ideal solution. We have some methods that you can use to resolve your squeaky bed problem. These methods will surely work as I have been in your shoes before. Some of these steps can also be used to take apart a bed frame.
Like how you can fix a bed frame fixing a squeaky wooden bed frame you won’t be requiring too many tools and the process will be rather easy. As I have said above just tightening bolts and screws won’t be enough. You will need to break up the bed and work on it individually.
And, these methods can work for both metal bed frames and your wood bed frame. The methods include:
1. Using wax or soap
If the bed frame has joints that squeak, the simplest way to make it quiet is to lubricate it. But, the application of liquid lubricants to any unfinished wood will lead to deformation. So better not use a lubricant to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame.
And worse, it will make the noises louder. For this reason, you should first apply a very thick layer of paraffin, candle wax, or even soap to the exact location that squeaks.
More so, you can take out the screw and simply rub it inside the paraffin till it gets completely coated. After doing this, place it back and tighten it gently.
Best believe that adding candle wax or a little wax will help greatly.
2. Securing of the splits
If at any point, your wood bed frame starts to squeak due to the wood being deformed and its parts are unfit, you can resolve the squeaking bed frame issue. You can do it by wedging small pieces of plywood or cork into the squeaky spaces.
You just need to chip away a tiny piece and embark on sticking it into the split until the entire construction is fully secured.
More so, you can position tiny bits of cork on the outer frame where the wooden slats touch it.
3. Sprinkling baby powder
Anybody can learn how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame by applying a good amount of baby powder or talcum. You are to apply it to the squeaky parts or the joints.
If you never knew, baby powder assists in preventing excess friction, thereby eliminating all the annoying sounds. Interestingly, it is one of the least expensive ways I have tried to stop all forms of bed squeaky issues.
4. Tightening of the bolts
This method works the same way for both your wooden bed frame and metal bed frame. The reason is that if two surfaces that are lose rub against each other, they are bound to squeak.
This is why you must check the bolt and nut then tighten the ones that may be loose. However, as you do so, avoid applying so much pressure. This is because too much pressure can end up breaking the thread.
And, the screw will end up being useless. So, instead, you are to tighten the bolts using your hands then easily fix it with the aid of a screwdriver. You can also embark on changing the metal washers to plastic.
This is because they are softer and will stop the two metal surfaces from rubbing against one another. Also, it will make the bed frame to be quieter.
5. Place a sock on it
If you have a metal bed frame that uses lock-in bed slats fixation, then there are available ways to stop the noises. For example, you can position old socks on the end of the bed slats that go into the slot.
Also, you can simply wrap it in a very thin layer of fabric. Then, you are to assemble the frame normally and embark on securing the squeaky bed slats properly. Again, the fabric layer will stop the metal surfaces from touching.
6. Spraying of WD-40
If your wood bed frame begins squeaking due to rusting of its screws, then you can try to apply WD-40. Or, you can apply any petroleum-based lubricant to the rusty areas. The WD-40 can be used in removing rust when you spray the screw with a good layer of the line.
After doing this, relax for about ten to fifteen minutes before rubbing it with the cloth. You are to do this a few times till the rust gets clean. Then, you can finally proceed with the assembling of your wooden bed frame.
This method is quite easy to make your solid bed frame last longer.
7. Create a cushion from electrical tapes
You can stop these bed squeaks and noises from your bed during the initial assembly. The way to do this is to wrap all the joint areas with two to three layers of electrical tape. Then, create a hole inside the tape cushion.
When you have the hole, simply insert a screw and assemble the frame as usual. This tape will end up acting as a cushion or washer. And it will keep all the surfaces from rubbing against each other.
8. Fixing of uneven floor
When the construction of your bed does not stand firmly on your floor, it will end up in a situation wherein the weight is unevenly distributed on the floor. As a result, you will now need to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame.
You can get everything secured by placing the bed on the rug or stacking magazines under a specific corner to make it level.
Reasons to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame
The joints
For those unaware, joints are regarded as the areas where two separate parts of a bed frame link. It can be the slats and the outer perimeter or the legs and the outer frame.
Note that these points can begin squeaking when they wear out or start experiencing pressure.
The slats
A standard bed frame has slats made from wood or even metal. Sometimes, they are made from a mesh-like construction. When the metal parts rub against one other due to wearing out or the screws being too tight, it can make squeaking noise and even rattling sounds.
The legs
The legs are the areas that one mounts, and they are identified as vast spots that contribute to a squeaky bed.
The bars
For the minimalist who may have bought their beds with the minimalist design in mind, the bedframe may likely not have any slat.
However, it will come with an outer perimeter plus a central supportive bar. Bear in mind that these parts can start squeaking later on.
Friction
This happens with the metal bars that come with a polished finish. Here, the mattress’s fabric can rub against the metal surface and result in a squeaky bed. So if you move around a lot while sleeping, you cannot escape a squeaky noise at night.
The weather
As we mentioned earlier, the weather can play a role in why you need to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame you just bought.
If you never knew, wooden bed frames are normally made from unfinished wood. This is because the wood frame’s wood can get soaked in moisture from the air around and swell.
This swelling may likely change the wood’s structure, thus making it susceptible to splits and cracks. It will also result in the joints fitting poorly and ending up squeaking.
Now, when you are faced with a squeaky bed frame, you can check out the weak spots mentioned above. In addition, you can rock the bed and check the screws and joints when checking these spots.
How to deal with squeaky box springs?
Some people effectively beat their noisy box spring by positioning pillows between the wall and the bed’s frame. This will help to stop the rocking.
When this method didn’t work for me, I tried out a simple padding of an old t-shirt and even old sheets between the box spring and my frame. Also, I purchased a plywood sheet from a hardware store then cut it to fit the frame.
Then, I laid it between the mattress and the box spring. The plywood aims to help to buffer all the movements you might make at night.
Is the bed the problem?
While the bed may look like it is creaking away, something else may be the issue. Even if you have built your own memory foam mattress foundation something might be wrong.
First, you can check if the legs are even and if the floorboards are even as well.
If they are not, you can get a folded sheet or towel, then place them under the uneven leg to make everything even. More so, you can move the bed to a corner of the room that has even floorboards.
Instead of putting up with these creaking and noises, you can take care of the issue. However, if this wooden bed of yours still brings noisy grief, then you can turn over the mattress you use.
This will help in changing the weight balances. Sometimes this is all it takes.
Tips on stoping your bed frame from squeaking
Now that you have located and fixed the annoying spot causing all the noise, there are tips available to stop the noise in the coming future. Some of them are:
Check on the screws and tighten them
The best and simplest way to stop these noises from reoccurring is to check from time to time and tighten all loose bolts and screws. It will help keep everything sturdy and make sure there is an even distribution of weight.
Lubrication of the joints
Waxing up or oiling the joint will help prevent them from deformations and corrosion. It will also stop the annoying bed squeak noises.
Wrapping of the bed frame in fabric
Some bed manufacturers tend to add a fabric encasement to the bed frames. However, if your model does not come with one, you can use a fitted sheet.
This will work well if you need a noiseless frame for your memory foam mattress. The memory foam mattresses normally have synthetic covers that are more susceptible to squeaky noises.
Humidity must be kept at bay
For those living in an overly arid or humid climate, ensure to regulate the bedroom air humidity. You can regulate it between thirty to fifty percent to fix any reoccurring issue.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Why does a wooden bed squeak at night?
Due to the deterioration of certain parts of a wooden bed, it might squeak at night. Firstly figure out which part such as the joints or the slats is squeaking and then follow our instructions on how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame.
Can any bed frame squeak?
There are multiple types of bed frames and each one of them can squeak and fixing them is the same as how you might fix a squeaky wooden bed frame.
Are there alternatives on how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame?
Of course, there are alternatives to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame other than what we mentioned above. In fact, everyone might have a different way to do it.
Is my innerspring mattress responsible for making the bed squeaky?
Mattresses aren’t usually the cause for your bed frame squeaking instead you should look at your bed frame carefully for the cause.
Conclusion
Most people cannot stand the sound of their bed-making squeaking noises whenever they move. When you cannot fix the issue, it will affect your sleep pattern, and you will wake up being groggy or irritable. For those interested in how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame, we have provided you with diverse methods to combat this issue. Ensure you read through them and pick the one that best suits you. We hope this article helped.
