How to Fix a Noisy Bed Frame – Easy DIY Tips for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep

Is your bed creaking, squeaking, or making strange noises every time you move, get in or out of bed? You’re not alone. Many people find that over time, their bed frames begin to make noises that interrupt sleep and disturb their partner. If left unresolved, a noisy bed frame can seriously affect your sleep quality and comfort.

So, how do you fix a noisy bed frame? In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of bed frame noise and share practical DIY solutions to restore peace and quiet in your bedroom.

What Causes a Bed Frame to Make Noise?

Bed frame noise can come from different materials reacting to wear, weather, or pressure. Below we break it down into timber and metal frame issues:

Timber Bed Frames

In Australia’s humid summer months, timber naturally absorbs moisture and can expand or contract. Over time, this can cause gaps in the joints or slats to warp, leading to creaking or squeaking. Loose screws, poor usage habits (like jumping on the bed), or simply age related wear can all contribute to unwanted noise.

Metal Bed Frames

Metal frames are also susceptible to humidity. When exposed to moisture, metal can rust or corrode, especially around connection points or hardware. This leads to instability and causes the frame to squeak when pressure is applied – such as during turning, sitting, or getting out of bed.

Easy DIY Fixes for a Squeaky Bed Frame

Before replacing your bed, try these simple DIY solutions to fix the noise:

1. Identify the Source of the Noise

Remove the mattress and apply pressure to different parts of the bed – the headboard, footboard, and sides – to locate exactly where the sound is coming from.

2. Fill the Gaps Between Bed Frame Joints

Over time, repeated movement and friction can cause wear and tear in the bed frame, leading to small gaps at the connection points. These gaps often result in creaking noises when the parts rub against each other.

You can fix this by inserting soft, cushioning materials - such as Thread seal tape, rubber strip, double sided foam tape, or felt — between the joints or contact areas. This helps reduce friction and absorb movement, effectively silencing the noise.

3. Check and Tighten All Screws

Loose hardware is one of the most common causes of noise. Tighten all screws and bolts – particularly where side rails meet the headboard and footboard. If screws are worn out, replace them.

4. Lubricate Metal Parts

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce or eliminate noise from a bed frame is to apply a lubricant like WD-40. Over time, screws, bolts, joints, and metal fittings can loosen slightly or build up friction, which causes those annoying squeaks and creaks when you move.

Does a Gas Lift Bed Make More Noise?

You may wonder whether gas lift storage beds are noisier than standard frames. The truth is, all bed frames can become noisy over time if not properly maintained.

If your gas lift bed is making creaking or squeaking sounds, it could be caused by one of the gas struts failing on one side, or a misaligned spring mechanism. Replacing the faulty gas struts is usually an effective way to resolve the noise and restore smooth lifting and closing.

👉 Need help with gas lift maintenance? Read our full guide on gas lift bed care and repairs

How to Avoid Bed Frame Noise in the Future

When purchasing a new bed frame, keep the following in mind:

• Choose a sturdy frame that can support both your weight and your mattress. Heavier mattresses, like pocket spring or latex styles, require a more solid structure to avoid strain over time.
• Match your mattress and frame properly. Some mattress under layer are coated with anti slip fabric that may rub against wooden slats and produce noise.
• Maintain your bed frame regularly. Keep the area dry, lubricate metal parts every few months, and avoid jumping on the bed (especially for households with kids!).

If your bed frame has warped timber, rusty joints, or persistent structural instability, it might be time for a replacement. Investing in a new bed frame can immediately improve sleep comfort and eliminate the stress of ongoing repairs.