A squeaky bed is one of those small but mighty annoyances that once you hear it you cannot un-hear it. If you find yourself asking “why is my bed frame squeaky?” The good news is that the cause is usually very simple. Most squeaks come from friction between parts of the frame that should not be moving.
Begin by stripping the bed back completely. Remove the mattress, bedding and base if possible. Press gently on different areas of the frame until you find the exact source of the sound.
Loose screws, bolts or fixings are the most common reason your bed makes noise and often explain “why does my bed frame squeak?” or “why is my bed frame wobbly?”. When joints loosen they begin to shift and rub, which produces that familiar squeak each time you turn over.
How to fix it: Tighten every bolt and screw with the correct tool, paying particular attention to the corners. If the squeak continues you can add washers to prevent the hardware from rubbing directly against the frame.
If you have wondered “why is my metal bed frame so squeaky?” The answer is usually metal rubbing against metal. As metal joints loosen or wear, the movement creates a sharp, high pitched noise.
A simple fix is to lubricate the joints with a maintenance spray such as WD 40 or any metal safe lubricant. Apply it to all contact points, allow it to settle and then wipe away any excess.
This is also where wooden frames shine. Metal amplifies vibration while solid wood absorbs movement. This makes well made wooden frames, such as Get Laid Beds wooden frames, much quieter and more stable over time. The solid timbers we use are naturally resilient and help reduce the movement that often leads to creaks and squeaks. And if a wooden joint ever does creak, a small amount of wax is usually all it takes to silence it.
Wooden beds often creak because wood is rubbing against wood. This usually happens when a frame settles, when humidity changes cause natural expansion and contraction or when fixings loosen over time.
To remove the noise, apply candle wax, paraffin or specialist wood wax to the joints and any areas where pieces of wood meet. The wax creates a smooth barrier that reduces friction and removes the creak.
Bed slats are another major source of unwanted noise. When they rub against the side rails or even the mattress they can create intermittent squeaks.
A simple fix is to place a thin buffer such as felt pads, fabric or an old sock between the slats and the frame.
If the noise stops when you move the bed, the floor itself may be uneven. A rocking frame will always create friction noise. Adding cork, folded card or furniture pads under the legs will stabilise and silence the frame.
If your new bed frame is squeaking it usually points to an assembly issue such as loose bolts or an imperfect slat fit. This should be corrected quickly to avoid placing extra strain on the frame.
If your older bed continues to squeak even after you have tried every solution, it may be time to replace it. When that moment arrives, we can help.
At Get Laid Beds we handcraft solid wooden bed frames that stay naturally sturdy and far less prone to creaks and squeaks. Each frame is made to order in our Leicester workshop using sustainable materials and traditional woodworking techniques that create long lasting stability. We are so confident in the quality of our frames that every bed comes with an 11-year guarantee.
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Note: International shipping prices are charged per bed rather than per order. This is due to the bulky nature and weight of these products.