How to Stop a Metal Bed from Squeaking
Picture this: it’s Friday evening, you’ve had a long week at work, and all that’s left is snuggling up in bed while binge-watching the latest Netflix drama. Then all of a sudden, your metal bed frame lets out an array of irritating squeaks and groans.
Metal bed frames might be stylish, practical and less expensive, but like every other bed, they can also have flaws. The most annoying of these - and possibly most awkward - must be the constant squeaking and creaking you may face every time you try to settle down for the night. Not only is a squeaky bed frame likely to grind your gears, but it can also impact your sleep and have a tangible impact on your health.
In this guide, we explain the causes of a squeaky bed and how to silence the squeaking once and for all.
What causes a squeaky metal bed frame?
It is no surprise that bed frames can start to squeak with age - whether wooden or metal. And it’s also no shock that this can become increasingly irritating, especially if you’re sharing a bed with someone who likes to toss and turn throughout the night! So, what exactly causes a squeaky frame?
All beds have joints. And if these come into contact with one another, the friction between the two surfaces can cause that exasperating squeak. You might also find that broken slats, an outdated mattress, or even an uneven floor may be causing your bed to talk.
So, with that said, the first thing to do is to identify the cause of the squeaking.
How to fix a squeaky metal bed frame
1. Locate the source of the squeak
First things first - where is the squeak coming from? To identify the source, you’ll need to remove the mattress from the bed and then try to pinpoint the weak spot. Try sitting on all edges and corners of the frame to see where the squeak is coming from - and pay attention to your bed slats! Not all are equal, so some may buckle under pressure.
You can repair a damaged wooden slat with wood glue and patience if you spot it. However, the slat will likely be weakened, making it more likely to fail. As bed slats are relatively affordable, most people simply replace their bed slats should they become damaged.
Plenty of things can cause a squeaky metal bed frame - including headboards, loose screws, loose bolts and everything in between - so make sure you can access every part of the frame to hone in on the exact cause.
Your mattress could even be the cause of the squeak! It’s usually most common in older pocket-sprung mattresses, but while your mattress is off your bed, take some time to walk across it, listening to hear for any squeaks or creaks. If you hear any, you’ll know the issue is with your mattress, not your metal frame.
Top tip: memory foam and latex mattresses are some of the best mattress types for a quiet night’s sleep, as they don’t contain any springs!
2. Tighten any loose screws
The most common cause of a squeaky metal bed frame is loose screws and joints. Loose joints are often a result of loose screws, so by tightening them up, you could address two issues in one go.
Try digging out a screwdriver, going around the frame, and ensuring everything is tightened up properly, including loose bolts. Doing this regularly may be a good idea to prevent any damage over the years! If you come across any old, rusty screws, it’s probably best to replace them as soon as possible.
3. Add oil, wax, or lubricants
If you’ve tightened all screws yet the squeaking persists, try adding oil, wax, or lubricants to the joints. You could even dismantle the frame and add an industrial lubricant to the surfaces, fasteners, and holes where two joints meet. This will help reduce friction and prevent any squeaking from the metal frame.
For areas with clear rust or ageing, try applying WD-40 or a similar solution to help fix this. Sometimes (as sad as it may be), your metal bed frame may need replacing at this stage, so it could be time to invest and treat yourself to a new one!
4. Try padding a wooden floor
Whether on a wooden floor or an uneven one, padding can also help reduce squeaking during the night. So, blow the dust off your spirit level, grab some pieces of plywood and place one under any unsteady leg.
Furniture pads are also cheap and easy to apply if you’d prefer investing in a specialised product. Your floor may not be uneven, but the legs of your metal bed may simply rub against the floor as you move during the night. Again, padding should help to rectify this.
5. Add padding between your bed frame and the mattress
Your squeaky bed may also result from friction between your metal bed frame and mattress fabric. This is especially common if you have a firmer mattress, as the harder underside moves against the metal frame as you sleep.
It’s often hard to pinpoint if this is the cause of your squeak, as once you remove the mattress from the bed, you won’t be able to replicate the sound. We advise trying the other options outlined to eliminate them first.
If you suspect the squeak is coming from your mattress rubbing against the frame, try adding a layer of material or bedding padding between the two to solve this.
6. Invest in a new bed frame
If you cannot resolve the squeaking, it most likely means it’s time to invest in a new metal bed frame. When buying a new metal bed, remember to consider the size of your mattress, the size of the bed itself, and the style you’re looking for. But don’t worry, we just so happen to know a bed-buying guide that can help out!
Looking for advice on how to fix a squeaky wooden bed? Don’t worry; we’ve got it covered in our handy guide.