Nothing is more frustrating than hearing your bed squeak every time you roll over. Not only is it irritating, but a creaky bed frame can impact the quality of your sleep if it's loud enough to wake you up during the night. So why do wooden beds squeak, and is there anything to be done about it? Let's take a look at some common causes of a squeaky bed frame and show you how to avoid it.
Why do wooden beds squeak?
The most common reason why wooden beds squeak is because of loose joints. When the surfaces of two parts of the bed frame are not pushed up tight together, they rub against each other every time the bed moves and this creates a creaking sound.
You'll probably notice that the squeak occurs when you move in a certain way or sit on a certain part of the bed. You might also notice that the bed frame shifts or wobbles a little when you move on the bed. This is a sure sign that the joints are loose.
Loose joints are a common symptom of old bed frames. Repetitive movements made night after night, year after year eventually put a strain on the joints until they begin to pull apart. This is particularly common in cheap wooden bed frames which are constructed from low-quality wood and have poorly manufactured joints.
Changing weather conditions can also contribute to loose joints. Wood expands in hot conditions and this can force the joints apart. When the temperature drops and the wood contracts again, gaps are left between the joints and squeaking can start to occur.
Sometimes beds squeak for reasons other than the wooden frame. Slats could be broken, mattress springs may be broken or old, or the bed frame may be pushed up too close to the wall and rubbing against it. It's also possible for squeaky floorboards to be mistaken for a squeaking bed.
It's always a good idea to try moving the bed from its usual position and see if the squeaking persists to find out if the floor or wall may be the culprit.
Product: Paston Wooden Bed Frame
Do wooden beds squeak more than metal?
Metal beds are far more susceptible to creaking than wooden frames. Why do wooden beds squeak less than metal? Simply because there's less friction between two wooden surfaces than two metal ones. There is absolutely no give in metal, and over time the connection points of a metal frame rub against each other more and more until they create an unpleasant screeching sound.
Rusting can make the squeaking worse on metal bed frames and unfortunately, poor quality steel is susceptible to rusting. However, wrought iron bed frames are stronger, more durable and less susceptible to rusting and therefore less likely to squeak with age.
How can I choose a bed frame that won't squeak?
Good quality solid wood bed frames are less susceptible to squeaking than cheap MDF frames because they're durable enough that the joints can be firmly screwed together for a flush finish that will not lead to rubbing.
All of the bespoke wooden bed frames produced here at Endurance Beds are constructed from high-quality Scandinavian pine or oak. This is to ensure that they last and last for years to come, but it also offers the added benefit of the joints being strong enough that they are unlikely to loosen and cause squeaking.
It's important to choose a bed that is big and durable enough for those sleeping on it. Beds that are frequently overloaded are more likely to experience loosening of the joints as they are put under pressure. Be sure to purchase a bed that has an adequate weight limit. For example, our wooden beds are suitable for individuals up to 28 stone and can support a total weight of 50 stone, which is much higher than many typical wooden beds.
Keep in mind too that mattresses can be fairly heavy, particularly when they are very deep, and your bed frame should be sturdy enough to support it. Solid wooden slats are the best choice for heavy mattresses because they are less likely to squeak or break than sprung slats.
When you assemble a wooden bed frame, you should take care to tighten screws and nuts adequately to ensure the joints are securely connected. However, take care not to over-tighten in an attempt to prevent squeaking as this could lead to cracks or cross treads. Instead, tighten firmly and then check the nuts again after a week of use to ensure they are still adequately tightened. If you do ever experience squeaking, simply check the nuts and tighten any that are loose.
Product: Kelling Solid Oak Bed Frame
How can you fix a squeaky bed frame?
The first step in fixing a squeaky bed frame is to find out where the squeak is coming from. You will probably notice certain movements trigger the noise, so listen carefully to narrow down the area from which it is being made. Then, check any screws and nuts in this area and tighten them up to ensure the joints are firmly connected.
If squeaking persists, there are a few tricks you can do to prevent it. First, rub a candlestick gently over the squeaking joint. The wax helps the two surfaces to glide silently against each other rather than creating enough friction to squeak. This is not a permanent solution and the wax may need to be reapplied from time to time, but it's useful if tightening the screws and bolts doesn't completely stop the squeak.
Another trick is to use cork between the joints. This is particularly helpful for very old beds which have warped so much that it's not possible to get the joints to sit flush together. The cork tightens up the loose spots and dampens any squeaking noises.
Unfortunately, sometimes the squeak simply can't be worked out of a bed frame, particularly if it's very old. If you've tried everything to get rid of the squeak to no avail, it might be time to invest in a new bed. Check out our range of durable solid wooden bed frames now to find your brand new bed.
