A good night's sleep can be ruined by one thing - a squeaky bed. That annoying creak every time you move is not only frustrating, it can make your bed feel cheap or unstable.
The good news? It is usually an easy fix.
Here is how to figure out where the squeak is coming from and how to stop it, whether you have a metal frame, wooden slats, or an upholstered bed from FunkyBedz.
1. Check the Joints and Bolts First
The most common cause of squeaking is loose bolts or joints rubbing together.
What to do:
- Go around the whole frame with an Allen key or spanner
- Tighten every bolt especially where the side rails meet the headboard and footboard
- Do not overtighten, but make sure everything feels secure
Loose fittings often shift slightly with movement, causing that familiar creaking noise.
2. Inspect the Slats or Base
Wooden slats can creak if they rub against the frame or each other.
Try this:
- Remove the mattress and lift the slats
- Wipe them down and check for rough edges
- Add small felt pads or fabric tape between the slats and the bed frame
- Re-seat the slats and check for any gaps or cracks
If you have a platform base, check that all fixings are tight and the surface is even.
3. Look for Metal-on-Metal Contact
Some beds with metal brackets or side rails may squeak if parts rub together.
How to fix:
- Apply a small amount of furniture wax, WD-40, or silicone spray to the metal connectors
- Use a cloth to wipe off any excess
- Make sure nothing is rattling loosely
This often solves squeaks in beds with metal ottoman lift frames or hybrid fittings.
4. Check the Centre Support
Beds with a centre bar or extra leg underneath need full contact with the floor.
If the middle leg is slightly off the floor or wobbly, it can create movement that leads to noise.
Solution:
- Adjust the height if possible
- Add a furniture pad under the leg to create even pressure
- Make sure the bar is secured at both ends
5. Consider Floor Movement
Sometimes the squeak is not your bed at all - it is the floor.
To test:
- Slide a piece of cardboard or felt under each foot of the bed
- Move the frame gently side to side
- If the squeak stops, it may be the floorboards shifting
This is common on wooden or laminate floors, especially in older homes.
Final Thoughts
Most squeaky beds can be fixed in under 30 minutes with a few tools and a bit of patience. At FunkyBedz, our frames are built to last, but even the best bed may need a quick tune-up now and then.
If your FunkyBedz frame continues to squeak after checking everything, get in touch - we are always happy to help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my bed squeak when I move?
It is usually caused by loose bolts, rubbing slats, or uneven support legs. Tightening everything and adding padding can often stop the noise.
Can an upholstered bed squeak too?
Yes, especially if the internal frame bolts are loose. It is always worth checking and tightening them after a few months of use.
What if the noise is from the floor?
Try putting felt pads under the bed feet. This can reduce floorboard noise and improve stability.
Is squeaking a sign the bed is breaking?
Not usually. Most squeaks come from minor movements between parts, not structural damage. But it is still worth checking to be sure.
Will FunkyBedz help if I cannot stop the squeak?
Absolutely. If your FunkyBedz bed is squeaking and you cannot solve it with basic checks, contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
