Posted by Callum Durber - UK Technical Development and Quality Control Manager on 3rd May 2022
How to Stop an Annoying Bed Frame Squeaking
Ideally, your bedroom would be a bliss-filled hideaway from the rest of the world - the place where you can relax without being disturbed. So what happens when this sanctuary becomes a nest of noise where each slight movement in bed results in irritating squeaking and creaking?
If you’re scared of so much as turning in bed for fear of nosey neighbours hearing your every move, it’s time to get to the root of the cause of your squeaky bed.
What causes squeaky beds?
The first step to solving the problem of your squeaky bed is to find out why it’s making the noise. There can be several reasons why your bed is squeaky, including:
It could be the mattress, not the bed
Perhaps surprisingly, in some instances, it’s not actually the bed frame that is squeaking. Older mattresses with worn out springs can make squeaking sounds and are often cited as the culprits (1). Remove the mattress from your bed and check if the mattress squeaks when you press on different areas.
How do I resolve the problem?
The only sure-fire way to resolve your squeaky mattress problem is to invest in a new mattress. It’s advised that mattresses should be replaced every seven years, if not sooner. (2)
To ensure you select the right mattress that will meet your needs, we suggest using our sleep pro® technology to help find the right mattress for you.
Squeaky floorboards or squeaky bed?
Another non-bed frame related cause of squeakiness can be your floorboards. Although you may first believe the irritating noise to be emanating from your bed, you could find that it’s a loose or damaged floorboard making all the racket.
Simply move your bed and check the floorboards. If you find that it is indeed your floorboards making the noise, then arrange to repair or replace your floorboards and enjoy your bed once more.
Make sure your bed is on an even surface
If you discover that your floor is uneven in places, move your bed to an even surface. Uneven surfaces can cause twisting which puts pressure on the joints and may cause noise.
Squeaky metal beds
If you’ve ruled out creaky floorboards and squeaky mattresses, it may be the material with which your bed frame has been made that is causing the problem.
Metal beds can sometimes be creaky because of friction between the joints. Metal on metal rubbing can make an extremely annoying sound and so the sooner you find a solution, the better!
Harvard Metal Bed
How do I fix my squeaky metal bed?
- Make sure all screws, nuts, and bolts are tightened - if these haven’t been tightened properly during assembly it can cause the bed to squeak. Over time the joints can become loose too, so try tightening the bed in the appropriate areas to see if that stops the noise. It’s advised to periodically check bolts and any unseen factory fixings in case of slackening over time.
- It’s worth remembering that in order for something to squeak/creak there has to be movement. In all case it is important to ensure that all fixings are fully tightened and wherever instructed washers or gaskets are correctly fitted to provide a barrier between the two surfaces.
- Lubricate the joints - creaking can be stopped with the help of a sufficient lubricant. However, this may only offer a temporary fix.
- Buy a bed with rubber gaskets - beds such as the Harvard Metal Bed come equipped with rubber gaskets that have been designed to stop metal against metal friction and therefore any creaking.
How to stop a wooden bed from squeaking?
Hip Hop Wooden Bed Frame
Wooden beds can be just as creaky as metal beds in some circumstances, fortunately, there are steps you can take that can help to stop your wooden bed from squeaking.
- Just like metal beds, the most common reason for squeaky beds is loose joints. Check and tighten any screws or bolts at the joints to ensure portions of the bed aren’t rubbing against one another.
- Check your headboard - is your headboard fitted tightly to the bed? If not, this could be the reason your wooden bed is so creaky. Ensure that your headboard is the right size for the bed and that it has been attached correctly.
- Check the slats - if your bed base includes wooden slats, one or more could be broken, or could have moved out of place. This may lead to slats rubbing against each other, or broken pieces causing creaking when pressure is placed in that particular spot on the bed.
To avoid putting up with a creaky bed, it’s advisable to invest in a good quality wooden bed as cheaper beds may be liable to break more easily or be a poorer quality all round.
Our wooden beds come with a five-year guarantee, and we are proud to provide top-quality wooden beds in a range of colours and designs.
Why is my divan bed base creaking?
Silentnight Sleep Healthy Eco 1400 Divan Bed Set On Legs
You may be surprised to find your divan base creaking as there can’t be that many components to it, surely?
If your divan bed base appears to have started making annoying noises, then it’s time to investigate.
Are the two sections of your divan base bed connected properly?
When your new divan bed base arrives, you’ll need to connect the two sections with a linking bar or hook. If you’ve forgotten to do this, or the pieces have become disconnected, you could find them banging against each other as you move in bed.
Are the divan bed drawers broken?
One of the popular benefits of divan bed bases is their capacity for storage. The creaking you experience could be coming from broken drawers or drawers that have come off their sliders, or even an ottoman opening being off kilter. If you find any of these scenarios ringing true, check out our Troubleshooting Guide to help remedy the situation.
Is your divan bed base damaged?
Divan bases are made from wood and fabric and if the interior wood becomes damaged it may result in creaking noises. Remove the mattress and check the base for any damage. Broken parts of the bed may present as dips in the base, or even pieces of wood jutting out of the fabric.
Should you discover that your divan bed base is indeed damaged, it could be causing more than just creaks and squeaks. A damaged bed may mean you’re not receiving the right amount of support as you sleep. Broken beds can also be dangerous with broken parts poking out, as well as uncomfortable dips appearing in your bed.
If it’s time to invest in a new divan bed base, take a look at our wide range of stylish divan beds.
Replace your bed with Bensons for Beds
For help finding your new bed, or for more information about any of our products, get in touch today. You can call us on 0808 144 6160 or email us at enquiries@bensonsforbeds.co.uk and we’ll be delighted to help in any way we can.
Sources
(1) https://sleeperholic.com/why-do-mattresses-squeak/
(2) Mattresses - How Often Should You Change Your Mattress? (bedadvice.co.uk)
