Few things kill the mood—or your sleep—faster than a bed that squeaks with every wiggle. Whether you're tossing, turning, or... getting cosy, that annoying creak can drive you (and your partner) up the wall.
Luckily, banishing bed squeaks is easier than you might think. In this no-nonsense guide, we’ll reveal the usual culprits behind the noise and show you how to silence them for good. Whether your bed’s made of wood or metal, we’ve got the fix to get you back to silent slumber—or whatever else you do in bed.
Common Causes of a Squeaky Bed
Before you can fix the problem, you need to identify where the noise is coming from. Typical sources include:
-
Loose joints in the bed frame
-
Worn or rubbing metal parts
-
Friction between the mattress and frame
-
Old or damaged slats
-
Squeaky springs in a mattress or box spring
Pinpointing the source of the squeak will help you choose the right solution.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Stop Bed Squeaks
1. Tighten All Bolts and Screws
Over time, joints in your bed frame can become loose. Use a spanner or screwdriver to check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws.
Tip: Ask someone to gently move on the bed while you listen for the squeak. This will help you identify the exact spot causing the noise.
2. Lubricate Metal Parts
If your bed frame is metal, friction between metal components may be the cause. Apply a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray to the joints, bolts, and any metal-on-metal contact points.
Be sure to wipe away any excess to avoid staining your mattress or floor.
3. Add Padding or Felt Pads
Wooden frames often squeak due to wood rubbing against wood. You can reduce friction by adding felt pads, rubber washers, or fabric strips between slats, joints, or where the bed touches the wall or floor.
4. Check the Slats
Slats that are misaligned, cracked, or loose can also cause noise. Reposition or replace damaged slats. You can also secure them with double-sided tape or add rubber strips to reduce movement.
5. Inspect the Mattress
Although the bed frame is the usual suspect, sometimes the mattress itself can squeak, especially older spring mattresses. If your mattress is the issue:
- Try rotating or flipping it
- Consider a mattress topper for added cushioning
- If it’s old or sagging, it may be time for a replacement
Mattress Recommendations
1. ASC Serenity Luxury Pocket 1000 Boxtop Mattress
- Medium Support
- Hypo-allergenic
- Edge to edge support
- 10-Year Warranty
2. ASC Capri Mattress
- Firm Support
- Hypo-allergenic
- Tencel fibers- manages moisture and body temperature.
- 5-year warranty
.jpg)
Bonus Tips for a Quieter Bedroom
-
Place a rug or carpet under the bed to reduce movement and absorb sound.
-
Keep your bed frame level to prevent uneven stress on the joints.
-
Consider switching to a solid hardwood bed, which tends to be quieter.
Hardwood Bed Recommendations
1. ASC Austin Oak Wooden Bed Frame
- Solid oak with Shaker style.
- Hand lacquered finish.
- Slatted base.
Hand crafted from specially selected premium grade oak, the Austin bed frame presents a timeless design, with its classic Shaker style and warm antique finish.
The bed ends feature a clean fresh finish as all bolts and fixings are concealed on the inside of the frame, whilst its slatted base provide a robust support for your mattress.
.jpg)
2. Julian Bowen Hoxton Rustic Bed Frame
- Crafted from solid acacia.
- Industrial-effect details.
- Solid slatted base.
- Available in 4ft6 Double, 5ft King Size, 6ft Super King Size.
Set within its chunky side rails are solid wooden slats which will provide a firm foundation for your mattress and allow air to freely circulate beneath it.
3. ASC Sydney Wooden Ottoman Bed Frame
- Rubberwood with MDF Melamine side rails.
- Easy lift mechanism.
- Sprung slatted base.
- Available in 3ft Single, 4ft6 Double, 4ft Small Double, 5ft King Size.
- Available in Pearl Grey, Stone Grey, White, Navy Blue and Oak.
Made up of a strong rubberwood frame with MDF melamine sides, the Sydney is both stylish and practical with its ottoman storage compartment.
Popular with furniture manufacturers and cabinet makers, rubberwood is hard-wearing, doesn't suffer from shrinkage and is resistant to warping.
Final Thoughts
A squeaky bed can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can disturb your rest and affect your wellbeing. Fortunately, most squeaks can be fixed quickly and affordably with a bit of DIY.
Take the time to investigate the source of the noise and try the fixes above. A quieter, more peaceful night’s sleep could be just a few adjustments away.