Why Your Flat Pack Furniture Keeps Wobbling (And How to Fix It)

Flat pack furniture shouldn't wobble. When it does, something's gone wrong - either in assembly or the furniture itself. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.

Common Causes

1. Not Fully Tightened

The problem: Cam locks and screws left slightly loose.

Why it happens:

• Rushing to finish
• Tightening before alignment is right
• Not going back for final tighten

The fix: Work through every cam lock and screw. Tighten firmly (but don't overtighten - that causes different problems).

2. Wrong Order of Assembly

The problem: Panels slightly misaligned throughout.

Why it happens:

• Skipping steps
• Not reading instructions
• Assuming you know better

The fix: Sometimes you need to partially disassemble and redo. Annoying but necessary.

3. Missing Back Panel Fixings

The problem: Back panel only attached at corners, not along edges.

Why it happens:

• The pre-drilled holes seem optional
• People run out of nails
• Seems unnecessary

The fix: That thin back panel provides most of the rigidity. Fix it at every hole provided (usually every 10-15cm along edges).

4. Uneven Floor

The problem: Furniture rocks because floor isn't level.

Why it happens: Most floors slope slightly. Old houses in Devon are especially bad.

The fix: Adjustable feet (most furniture has them) or shim under legs.

5. Damaged Parts

The problem: Cam lock holes wallowed out, dowels split, panels cracked.

Why it happens:

• Overtightening
• Multiple assemblies/moves
• Poor quality materials
• Damage during delivery

The fix: Depends on damage. Sometimes repairable, sometimes needs replacement part or panel.

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Fixing Specific Problems

Cam Locks That Won't Grip

The arrow-shaped locks that rotate to grip metal pegs:

If the hole is damaged:

1. Remove the cam lock
2. Fill hole with wood glue and sawdust (or wood filler)
3. Let dry completely
4. Re-drill pilot hole
5. Reinstall cam

If the cam itself is damaged:

• Replace with new cam (available online or from IKEA)
• Size matters - measure before ordering

Loose Dowel Holes

Those wooden pegs need snug holes:

If the hole is too big:

1. Remove dowel
2. Apply wood glue into hole
3. Insert dowel
4. Wipe excess glue
5. Let dry before applying load

If dowel is split:

• Replace with new dowel (generic, sold by size)

Wobbly Legs

Screw-in legs:

• Check thread isn't stripped
• Apply PTFE tape to threads
• Tighten firmly
• Use locking nuts if severe

Bolt-through legs:

• Check bolt is correct length
• Ensure washer is present
• Tighten in star pattern

Flexible Back Panel

If it's bowing out:

• Check all edge fixings are in place
• Add extra fixings if needed
• Consider replacing thin HDF with thicker plywood

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Prevention During Assembly

Before You Start

• Lay out all parts
• Check nothing is damaged
• Read instructions fully (really)
• Have correct tools ready

During Assembly

• Follow steps in order
• Don't fully tighten until instructed
• Check alignment at each stage
• Use all fixings provided

Final Steps

• Tighten everything in systematic order
• Check for wobble before moving
• Attach to wall if anti-tip device provided

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Products That Help

Wood Glue

Essential for any repair. PVA wood glue is fine for most fixes.

Dowel Assortment

Set of various sized wooden dowels. Useful for replacements.

Cam Lock Assortment

Replacement cam locks in common sizes. IKEA sells their own, generics available online.

Corner Braces

L-shaped metal brackets. Add rigidity to joints that are chronically loose.

Furniture Pads/Shims

Felt pads with adjustable thickness, or simple plastic shims. For uneven floors.

Anti-Tip Kit

Straps or L-brackets to secure tall furniture to walls. Prevents toppling (essential for bookcases and dressers with kids).

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When to Give Up

Replace If:

• Multiple panels are damaged
• Core structure is compromised
• It's been assembled/disassembled multiple times
• Cost of repair exceeds cost of replacement

Return If:

• Arrived damaged
• Missing parts (and supplier won't send them)
• Fundamental design flaw

Live With It If:

• Wobble is minor
• It's in a low-use location
• The cost of fixing exceeds the bother

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Specific Furniture Fixes

BILLY Bookcase

Common issue: Diagonal flex (parallelogram shape)

Fix:

• Ensure back panel is fixed at ALL points
• Add corner braces at top corners (hidden behind books)
• Attach to wall with provided strap

MALM Drawers

Common issue: Drawers don't slide smoothly, unit rocks

Fix:

• Adjust drawer runners (usually plastic clips)
• Check unit is level
• Ensure drawers are correctly aligned

KALLAX

Common issue: Rack against wall tips forward, dividers bow

Fix:

• Secure to wall through the back
• Don't overload single compartments
• Keep heavier items lower

Desks

Common issue: Side-to-side wobble

Fix:

• Check all leg bolts are tight
• Add corner brace under desktop
• Consider cross-brace between legs if severe

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The Professional Fix

When I fix wobbly flat pack:

1. Identify the cause (usually obvious once you look)
2. Fully disassemble the problem area
3. Repair any damage
4. Reassemble correctly
5. Add reinforcement if needed
6. Test under load

Most wobbles are fixable in under an hour. Some need more work. Very few are truly unfixable.

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Got furniture that won't stay stable? I fix and reinforce flat pack across Exeter. Sometimes it's a 10-minute adjustment, sometimes it needs proper repair. Either way, I'll sort it. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.