Symptoms
- Creaking noise appears within days of getting new furniture
- Noise happens with any movement or weight shift
- No visible damage or looseness yet
Likely causes
- CommonJoints and fasteners settling under first useFlat-pack and assembled furniture often needs a short break-in period.
- CommonFasteners not fully tightened during assemblyEven careful assembly can leave a connection slightly under-tightened.
- PossibleDry wood joints not yet lubricated by natural wearWood-on-wood contact points can be noisier before they settle in.
What to do
- Go through the assembly instructions again and re-tighten every bolt, screw, and cam lock.
- Check that all parts were assembled in the correct order and orientation per the manual.
- Apply a small amount of wax or dry lubricant to any wood-on-wood contact points that are accessible.
- Give the furniture a week or two of normal use, since some settling noise resolves on its own.
- If a specific joint continues creaking, isolate it and apply glue or additional bracing there.
- Contact the manufacturer if the creaking is severe or paired with any visible looseness, since it may be a warranty issue.
Tools and parts
- Assembly hardware tool (usually included)
- Wax or dry lubricant
Paraffin waxSearch: “paraffin wax bar for furniture joints”
When to call a pro
If creaking persists after tightening everything and doesn't improve after a few weeks, contact the retailer or manufacturer about a warranty repair or exchange.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.