Squeaky Bed? Fix Common Metal Bed Issues
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A squeaky bed can not only ruin your sleep, but also test your patience.
Initially, it may seem manageable. The sound of creaking when you shift your weight or sit down will seem relatively minor at first. However, as the creaking persists, it becomes increasingly noticeable and impossible to ignore.
If your bed frame is made of metal, you may already be asking yourself these questions:
Is this normal? Is my frame defective? Is there an easy fix?
Usually, the reason for squeaking is fixable.
Why Do Metal Bed Frames Become Noisy?
The causes of squeaking are usually not due to the metal itself; they are typically related to some sort of movement occurring between the different components of the frame.
Here are some of the most common reasons for squeaking in a metal bed frame:
- Loose nuts, bolts or screws-
The screws, bolts and joints on a metal bed frame can work loose over time, causing a small amount of movement (usually only a couple of millimetres) to occur. Even this small amount of movement between the parts of the frame can cause squeaking when the frame is subjected to pressure shifts.
- Rubbing of Two Pieces of Metal Against each other-
The squeaking at the joints or slats of a metal bed frame occurs due to friction between those two pieces of metal, particularly at joints or slats, when either one of the pieces has no additional cushioning layer.
- Uneven Flooring-
Sometimes, the metal bed frame isn't at fault for the noise it makes. If the surface on which the frame rests is not level, then the frame will twist to some degree, resulting in a noise when moving to relieve pressure from one part to another.
- Worn or Poor-Quality Slats-
Thin or improperly fitted slats can flex under weight, causing rubbing or vibration.
- Low Manufacturing Precision-
Beds made without tight tolerances or proper finishing are more prone to noise. This is where choosing a reliable metal bed frame manufacturer truly matters.
The following are tips on fixing a squeaky metal bed:
- Tighten Each Connection: Use pliers or a screwdriver to tighten any bolts or screws on each connection.
- Provide Cushioning At Points Of Contact: Rubber washers or felt pads can reduce friction and absorb any vibrations between metal joints.
- Lubricate All Metal Junctions: A small amount of WD-40, silicone spray or machine oil will ensure smooth movement of the metal bed and reduce the likelihood of squeaking. Wipe off any excess oil to prevent dust build-up.
- Inspect Slats And Base Support: Inspect and ensure that slats are uniformly spaced apart, there is a felt pad at each junction between the slats and the frame or, if necessary, bent or weak slats are replaced.
- Level The Bed: If practical adjust bed legs but, if temporary using furniture pads or folded cardboard for balancing will work.
For those who are experiencing the squeak of their metal bed frame and have previously completed these maintenance items, it usually means the bed frame has structural deficiencies; thinner gauge metal to manufacture the metal frame, bad welds, weak connection points and/or inconsistent finishing processes are all possible causes of the squeak sound. This is why quality metal bed frame manufacturers, like Big Ben Furniture, perform better than others over time.
Quality metal bed frames will have:
- Components cut precisely
- Joints Reinforced
- Finishes that are Powder Coated for Solid Strength
- Load Tested Structure
How Do I Prevent Squeaking In The Future?
Keep these Guidelines in mind when buying or upgrading:
- Pick Heavy-Duty Steel over Lightweight
- Reinforced corners/Welded joints in place
- Finish of Powder Coating (Reduces friction through reduction of surface area which decreases noise level)
It’s easier to Prevent Deterioration than Repair it!
FAQs:
Q1. Does being made of Metal, cause your bed to Squeak?
Minor Noise can develop over time, however, a Metal Bed Frame of Quality should not have continuous Squeaks.
Q2. Is the Squeaking of a Metal Bed Frame dangerous:
Generally no, however, if you aren’t attending to the problem created by the continuous squeaking from the bed frame, it may just indicate that some of the joints have loosened enough to weaken or eventually break.
Q3. How Frequently Should I Tighten My Metal Bed Frame?
Every 6-12 months is generally adequate for Metal Bed Frames of Quality for the manufacturer.
Q4. Is a Wooden Bed More Likely to Squeak Than a Metal Bed Frame?
Not necessarily, Wooden Bed Frames made with sub-standard materials, can experience Squeaking because of cracking caused from the wood and the expansion/contraction movements of the joints.
Q5. If Damage has occurred to your Metal Bed Frame from continuous Squeaking, should you consider Replacing your Bed Frame?
If you continuously attempt repairing the Damage due to continuous Squeaking without success; you may want to reconsider replacement rather than repair method when at this level of having a superior Metal Bed Frame.
