IKEA Bed Slats: How To Prevent Them From Falling Off (12 Tips)

how to prevent ikea bed slats from falling
how to prevent ikea bed slats from falling

One of the things IKEA beds are known for is falling slats. When a slat falls, it allows the mattress to sink, which leads to discomfort.

Keeping the slats in place can be difficult, but there are solutions. Which to choose will depend on skill levels and available products.

How To Keep IKEA Bed Slats From Falling Off

  1. Use Small White Pins

The first solution has to do with a small part. A small, white pin is supposed to go on the top and bottom of each slat.

slats

Those can fall out; if that happens, the slat will fall out. It is a good idea to check the pins regularly. If one is missing, put it back in.

The next solution is to use the IKEA Bed Slat Holder. This plastic part goes on the slat’s end and screws into the side rail. The slat holder holds the slat securely in place. The only downside to this product is that it can be difficult to find.

  1. Use L-Brackets

Another solution is to use L-brackets. These brackets can be found at any hardware store and are very easy to install.

Place them on the end of each slat, and screw them into the side rail. This method is more secure than the IKEA Bed Slat Holder but is more permanent.

  1. Drill New Holes

A difficult but effective solution is the most permanent and the most difficult. It involves drilling a hole through each slat and screwing it into the side rail.

drill

This method is very secure, but it should only be attempted by someone confident in their ability to drill straight holes.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to check the slats regularly. Bed slats tend to loosen over time, so checking them regularly will help prevent problems.

  1. Use Velcro

That said, other things can be done. One person used Velcro. A thin strip was added along the ledge where the slats rest.

He has stated that he has moved the bed quite a few times and has had no problems. It is far easier to move than it would be without it.

Velcro can come as a self-stick, or it may require some glue. The reviewer used poster glue, although other types may also be useful. Superglue comes to mind, as it is one of the strongest glues available on the market.

  1. Use a Thin Wire

A thin, strong wire is said to work. Wrap it around each slat and the side rail. This method is not as secure as others, but it may be enough for those who do not move their bed often.

wire

The best solution will vary from person to person. It depends on skill levels, available products, and how often the bed is moved. With a little effort, it is possible to keep IKEA bed slats in place.

  1. Add Screws

Another suggestion is to add screws. The comment suggested this only mentioned the wooden bed models, but metal screws would work on models made of metal.

Where to put them is dependent on the size of the bed. One user put them in the middle of each slat, while another only put them on the outer edges. It is a matter of preference and what works best for the individual bed.

Different people have different solutions that work for them. The most important thing is to find a solution that keeps the bed slats from falling and makes the bed comfortable to sleep in.

With a little effort, it is possible to keep IKEA bed slats in place.

  1. Twin Beds

It is possible to buy an IKEA Bed Slat Connector for twin beds. This part goes in the middle of each slat and connects them together. This will prevent the slats from spreading apart and falling out.

It is also possible to make your own connector out of wood. Cut a piece of wood the same width as the slats and long enough to go in the middle of two slats. Drill holes in each end, and then screw the piece of wood into the holes.

This method is more secure than the IKEA Bed Slat Connector but is more difficult. It requires some DIY skills and knowledge of woodworking. Managing Twin Beds is fairly easy. Just put a screw in every other slat.

For larger beds, especially those with a middle rest for the slats, more screws will be needed. Don’t forget to do both sides of the slats, left and right. The larger beds may need a screw for every slat.

  1. Change Screws

IKEA uses different screws for different beds. The length and width of the screws are extra for each bed. It is important to use the correct screw for the bed. Otherwise, the slats will not stay in place.

It is also possible to use longer screws. Doing this will make the bed more secure and make it more difficult to move. It is a matter of preference and what works best for the individual bed.

It is important to use the right type of screw for the frame type.

There are many different types of them and different tools to install them. Wood beds need a screw that is tapered at the top, whereas a metal screw is flat at the top.

Also, make sure to have the right screwdriver; a flat screwdriver is really only best for flat screws. A Phillip’s head screwdriver is needed for that type of screw.

  1. L-Shaped Beds

Some people have L-shaped beds. This can make it more difficult to keep the slats in place. The best solution is to use two screws per slat. One screw goes into the side rail, and the other goes into the footboard.

Doing this will make the bed more secure and make it more difficult to move. It is a matter of preference and what works best for the individual bed.

  1. Use Plywood

Another solution suggested by someone who deals with mattresses and box springs daily was to forget the IKEA slats and go to the nearest lumber store.

A sheet of plywood cut to the dimensions of the bed will resolve the problem. The thicker the plywood, the better it is. Cut the plywood to fit between the side rails and screw it into place.

 This will keep the slats from moving around and falling out. It is also possible to use a sheet of plywood bigger than the bed.

Put it on the floor and then put the bed; this is a more permanent solution but is also more expensive. It requires buying plywood and cutting it to size or having it cut at the store.

  1. Use Glue

Another solution is to use glue instead of screws. This will make the bed more secure but will also make it more difficult to move. It is a matter of preference and what works best for the individual bed.

glue

You can use any type of glue that will work with wood. The best type of glue to use is construction adhesive. It is a strong glue that will hold the slats in place.

Apply the glue to the side rail, then put the slat in place. Hold it there for a few minutes to make sure the glue sets. Repeat this process for all the slats.

It is also possible to use a hot glue gun. This is not as strong as construction adhesive but will still hold the slats.

Apply the glue to the side rail, then put the slat in place. Hold it there for a few minutes to make sure the glue sets. Repeat this process for all the slats.

  1. Weave

Another solution is to weave twine through the slats. This will make the bed more secure but will also make it more difficult to move.

It is a matter of preference and what works best for the individual bed. You can use any type of twine that will work with wood.

The best type of twine to use is nylon. It is a strong twine that will hold the slats in place.

Apply the glue to the side rail, then put the slat in place. Hold it there for a few minutes to make sure the glue sets. Repeat this process for all the slats.

The final solution involves a good weave. Take some webbing or other strong ribbon and weave it over and under the slats. 

Concluding Thoughts

It is important to use the right type of screw for the frame type. There are many different types of them and different tools to install them. Wood beds need a screw that is tapered at the top, whereas a metal screw is flat at the top.

Also, make sure to have the right screwdriver. For those who still have questions, YouTube has videos about fixing this problem.

3 thoughts on “IKEA Bed Slats: How To Prevent Them From Falling Off (12 Tips)”

  1. I’m having this problem as well with my full size ikea bed frame. I love the bed, and I love the mattress I bought elsewhere. But:

    *The non ikea mattress is one inch wider than the bed frame (53 vs 54)
    *It’s a latex mattress, so it’s heavy
    *The ikea frame is bending outwards in the middle

    Maybe I need to hire a handyman. Bed frames and non toxic mattresses are so expensive, as are delivery fees.

  2. My Hemnes full size bed is bowing out in the middle, and it’s because the movers didn’t put the crossbars back on. I think it was one move ago.

    I went back to Ikea and got the four crossbars, but I couldn’t get the small screws into the crossbars to keep them from moving – you must need a drill for that? So all that work and it’s probably not going to hold.

    Next I’ll go back to Ikea and get the new style crossbars, as the newer Hemnes bed frame model has just two and they look more sturdy. I’ll need to get the new center bar as well, as they have updated that too.

    What a total pain! My dog is now scared of the bed. She’s upset she can’t sleep with me but is too scared to lie on it.

    Someone joked about jumping on an Ikea bed. I’m afraid to even lie down on it lest it break, even with all the required parts attached properly.

    Ikea needs to do better!

  3. The side rails on my second-hand Ikea bed are bowed outwards and the slats fall off. The center rail is considerably wider than the side rails, so I am going to go find a !/2″ by (whatever the thickness of the side rails – a little more than 1/2″ and put it, perhaps with glue, up the middle of the mid-rail.
    But I’ll look into the new cross-braces.
    I’ve already replaced most of the screws for the cross-braces with nuts, compression washer, and bolts.
    I’d try putting a big pipe clamp on the side rails, muscling them into place, and putting nuts and bolts in the middle of the cross-braces, but I think they are so flimsy that then probably could not take the strain.

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